Bricks are one of the most versatile building materials that can suit any style of home. Getting a professional to lay your bricks will ensure that your brickwork looks good and will be long lasting.

Get quotes from bricklayers in your area on hipages and read this guide to find out more about what bricklayers do, how much they cost and other information, including:

• Why do you need to hire a bricklayer?
• What are typical services involved in bricklaying?
• What are the different types of bricks?
• How much does bricklaying cost?
• What factors affect bricklaying costs?
• How long does bricklaying take?
• How often does brickwork need to be maintained?
• What are some tips to take care of your bricks?
• What licences or qualifications does a bricklayer have?
• Questions to ask when hiring a bricklayer

Why do you need to hire a bricklayer?

Whatever the size of your project, it's recommended to hire a licensed professional to lay your bricks. A professional will be able to advise you on structural and design considerations, and will have the skills and experience needed to complete the job safely and to a high standard.

They will also be able to respond quickly to any issues that may arise, preventing more serious and costly problems.

What are typical services involved in bricklaying?

Bricklayers can lay bricks and other types of masonry for a range of projects, including building walls, brick fences, brick fireplaces and other structures. They can also lay bricks for paving and driveways.

Depending on the company, bricklayers may provide other services, such as:

• Brick repairs
• Brick pointing to repair or replace mortar
• Piering to reinforce walls or buildings
• Blockwork using concrete blocks or other masonry

Ask your bricklayer what services they provide, depending on your needs. Bricklayers do not normally provide additional services, such as rendering.

What are the different types of bricks?

Bricklayers work with bricks in a range of sizes, colours and styles to suit different projects. Your bricklayer will be able to recommend what type of brick will be most suitable for your job, which may include:

• Single brick
• Double brick
• Brick veneer
• Blocks

Double brick can improve insulation, but it costs more than single brick. Brick veneer can be a cheaper alternative to building full brick walls, as bricks are laid around concrete or other materials.

A block is larger than a standard brick and can be made from concrete, clay, gypsum or other materials. They are generally perforated and have hollow cores or are aerated to reduce their weight without sacrificing their strength.

How much does bricklaying cost?

The cost of bricklaying may be quoted by the hour, by the number of bricks or by the square metre, depending on the project. Bricklayers charge between $45 and $60 per hour on average, but this can reach as high as $120 per hour for certain projects.

Larger jobs will often be quoted on a per-brick or square metre basis. This can be anywhere from:

• $500–$1,000 per 1,000 bricks
• $50–$100 per square metre
• Mortar may be an additional cost at $90–$150 per 1,000 bricks.

What factors affect bricklaying costs?

The cost of bricklaying can depend on various factors, including:

• The type of bricks used
• The type of service provided
• Whether the bricks are at ground level or at height
• Whether there are complex designs, such as curves
• Whether your site or the brickwork is difficult to access
• Local rates where you live

Bricklaying costs can vary by state, from an average of $45 per hour in South Australia to $60 per hour in New South Wales.

How long does bricklaying take?

An experienced bricklayer can lay 100 to 200 bricks per day, and brickwork may need to be left to set after a certain amount has been completed. How long bricklaying will take depends on the size of your project and how many people are involved, but it will usually take 2 to 3 days to build a standard wall.

How often does brickwork need to be maintained?

Bricks require very little maintenance, but older walls or other brickwork may need to be repointed to replace crumbling mortar. This is generally only needed after 20 years or more in modern buildings, depending on the conditions your brickwork is exposed to.

What are some tips to take care of your bricks?

It's recommended that you check your brickwork at least once a year to look for signs of damage or weaknesses in the mortar that will need to be fixed by a professional. Regular cleaning and removing moss and plant growth is generally all that's needed to keep your bricks attractive and structurally sound.

What licences or qualifications does a bricklayer have?

Bricklayers in Australia must hold a Certificate III in Bricklaying or equivalent. Licensing requirements vary by state, and depending on the type of work. A builder's licence is needed if a bricklayer is making structural changes or additions to your home.

Questions to ask when hiring a bricklayer

To be confident that you hire the right residential or commercial bricklayer for your project, there are some questions you might want to ask before you make a decision. These could include:

• Are you licensed, registered and insured?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• What other work do you have at the moment?
• Can I see previous examples of your work?
• Who is supervising the work?
• What deposit do you require?
• How long will the job take?
• When can you start?
• Who is cleaning the site once the work has been completed?

It's recommended to apply for at least 3 quotes so you'll have a range of options to choose from.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.