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I keep seeing guys lay brick without checking the line every few courses
On a job in Springfield last month, I watched two crews work and one kept having to tear down sections. They were just eyeballing it after the first course, and by the sixth course the wall was almost an inch out. I always check my line every three courses with a level, no matter what. It takes thirty seconds and saves a ton of time and brick later. How do you guys keep your runs straight on long walls?
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allen.reese7mo ago
Man, I learned that lesson the hard way on a garden wall that still looks drunk.
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the_ben5mo ago
Looks drunk" is a pretty good way to put it. But honestly, unless it's a retaining wall holding back dirt, does it have to be absolutely perfect? A little wobble in a garden wall gives it character, and nobody's walking their dog on top of it.
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the_piper7mo ago
That Springfield crew sounds exactly like the guys who trained me. They called checking the line a waste of time, until the whole crew got laid off for being three days behind. @allen.reese is right about learning the hard way. My rule is to check the line and tap every brick with the handle of my trowel, you can feel a high spot before you see it. It's not just about being straight, it's about the mortar bed staying consistent so your weight is even.
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