What Does a Bricklayer Do

A bricklayer builds and repairs walls, chimneys, foundations, and arches. This clearly explains what does a bricklayer do. They read plans, measure materials, and cut bricks carefully. They also mix mortar and lay bricks, blocks, or stones. As a result, buildings stay strong and look neat.

Bricklayers work on new builds, repairs, and renovations. Sometimes, they restore older buildings using careful methods. In 2026, the UK had around 65,820 bricklayers and stonemasons employed. This number grows slowly each year because demand stays steady. They use hand and power tools, including mixers, levels and brick saws. They check their work often to keep lines straight.

Bricklayers work with other trades on-site. They follow safety rules and building codes every day. With experience, they plan jobs and order materials. They may also train apprentices and help new workers learn.

How Can Someone Become a Bricklayer?

Becoming a bricklayer needs both training and practical experience. Most people learn through an apprenticeship, a college course or on-the-job training as a labourer. Anyone working on a construction site must have a CSCS card. For example, important skills include physical fitness, careful attention to detail, and basic maths.

1. Apprenticeships

Structure: Combines working on-site with classroom learning, so you earn money while you train.
Duration: Usually 2–3 years, leading to a Level 2 or Level 3 NVQ in Bricklaying.
Entry Requirements: Some GCSEs (grades 9–4) may be needed for advanced apprenticeships. Meanwhile, apprentices gain hands-on experience under skilled bricklayers.

2. College Courses and Training

Courses: Part-time or full-time courses, such as the Level 1 Diploma or Level 2 Technical Certificate, teach basic bricklaying skills.
Duration: Short courses take a few weeks, while longer courses last over a year for more advanced learning. In addition, college courses often help students understand safety rules and building regulations.

3. On-the-Job Training (Site Labourer)

Approach: Start as a construction labourer and learn from experienced bricklayers.
Progression: First get a CSCS card, then move into a trainee bricklayer role. As a result, workers gradually develop the skills needed to become fully qualified bricklayers.

Key Requirements and Skills

CSCS Card: Must have to work on construction sites.
Qualifications: GCSEs (especially Maths and English) or vocational certificates help.
Skills: Hand-eye coordination, reading plans, physical fitness, and willingness to work outdoors. Finally, skilled bricklayers can earn more, particularly if they choose self-employment.

What Are the Main Responsibilities of a Bricklayer?

Bricklayers are skilled workers who build and repair walls, foundations, chimneys, arches, and partitions using bricks, blocks, and stones. They follow plans carefully and use the right tools to make sure buildings are strong, safe, and neat.

Main Responsibilities:

Building and Repairing: They construct and fix walls, chimneys, and foundations for homes, schools, offices, and other buildings. They also work on extensions and renovations. Additionally, they sometimes restore historic buildings.
Preparing Materials: Bricklayers mix mortar by hand or with machines. They use trowels to apply mortar and lay bricks, blocks or stones in straight lines. Then, they check their work for accuracy.
Reading Plans and Measuring: They read building plans and blueprints. They measure areas, mark spaces, and check alignment to make sure everything is correct. Also, they adapt methods to fit different projects.
Cutting and Shaping Materials: They cut bricks or blocks with hammers, chisels, or saws to fit spaces. This makes the building look neat and professional.
Checking Levels and Lines: Bricklayers use spirit levels, laser levels and plumb lines to keep walls straight and even.
Restoring and Maintaining: They repair old brickwork, clean surfaces, and repoint damaged bricks to maintain buildings.
Site Safety and Cleanliness: They follow safety rules, wear protective gear, work safely at heights, and keep the site tidy. Finally, they ensure the site is organised.
Working with Others: Bricklayers often collaborate with carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and site managers to finish projects efficiently.
Planning and Organising: Experienced bricklayers plan work schedules, order materials, and guide apprentices or less experienced workers.

Bricklayers must have physical strength, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. They work outdoors in all weather and sometimes on challenging sites. Therefore, their work ensures buildings are safe, strong, and look good.

How Much Do Bricklayers Earn?

In the UK, bricklayers earn about £39,000–£40,000 per year on average. Pay depends on experience, location and whether they work for a company or are self-employed. For example, newly qualified bricklayers usually earn around £31,000–£32,000 a year. Experienced bricklayers can earn £35,000–£40,000+, and self-employed workers can earn £50,000–£60,000 or more.

Apprentices: £11,000–£15,000 per year
Newly Qualified: £31,000–£32,000 per year, about £18 per hour
Experienced/Employed: £35,000–£40,000+ per year, or £250+ per day
Self-Employed: £50,000–£60,000+ per year, or £300+ per day. Moreover, extra work or special projects can increase earnings

Other Factors:

Location: London and the South East usually pay more
Skills: Heritage or restoration work earns higher pay. Additionally, having a CSCS card helps get better jobs
Pay Method: Being paid per brick can earn more, from £650 to £1,790 per 1,000 bricks. Finally, self-employed workers must pay for tools, transport, and slow periods

Overall, bricklaying can pay well, especially with experience, skills, and good planning.

What Tools and Equipment Do Bricklayers Use?

Bricklayers need many tools to work safely and neatly. First of all, they use tools for spreading mortar, measuring, cutting, and finishing walls. In addition, equipment is needed to move materials and protect themselves.

Hand Tools

Brick Trowel: Used to spread, shape, and place mortar.
Brick Hammer: Helps cut, shape and trim bricks.
Club Hammer: Strikes chisels or bolsters for shaping bricks.
Brick Bolster: Makes clean cuts in bricks.
Mortar Board/Stand: Holds mortar for easy access.
Pointing Trowel/Jointers: Finishes mortar joints neatly.
Soft Brush: smoothing surfaces and removing excess mortar.

Measuring and Levelling Tools

Spirit Level: Keeps walls level and straight.
Tape Measure: Ensures accurate measurements.
Line and Line Pins: Guides straight brick lines.
Plumb Bob: Checks vertical alignment.

Material Handling and Cutting

Shovel: Mixes and moves mortar or materials.
Wheelbarrow: Carries bricks and mortar around the site.
Masonry Saw: Cuts bricks precisely when needed.

Safety Gear

Safety Goggles: Protect eyes from dust and debris.
Work Gloves: Protect hands from rough surfaces or injuries.

After this, bricklayers check their work carefully. Next, they make sure the walls are straight and even. Finally, all tools and safety gear help them work quickly, safely, and neatly.

What Skills Make a Bricklayer Successful?

A good bricklayer needs a mix of technical skills, physical strength, and careful attention to detail. They don’t just stack bricks; they also follow plans, measure accurately and work safely.

Technical and Physical Skills

Accuracy: Keeping walls straight, level, and even using spirit levels, laser tools, and string lines.
Reading Plans: Understanding blueprints to know how many materials are needed and how to build correctly. Also, they adjust their work if the design changes.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Using tools like trowels, hammers, and chisels carefully and quickly.
Strength and Stamina: Lifting heavy bricks and working long hours, often bending, kneeling or standing. Meanwhile, they maintain focus to avoid mistakes.
Mortar Skills: Mixing, applying, and pointing mortar correctly for strong and neat walls.
Tool Use: Knowing how to use hand and power tools safely, such as mixers and saws.

Professional and Soft Skills

Attention to Detail: Making sure every brick is in the right place.
Teamwork and Communication: Working well with managers, architects, and other workers.
Safety Awareness: Following health and safety rules, wearing PPE, and working safely at heights. Then, they can complete jobs without accidents.
Problem-Solving: Handling challenges like bad weather or missing materials.
Time Management: Organising work to finish on time and avoid wasting materials.
Customer Service: Doing neat work to build a good reputation and repeat business. Finally, skilled bricklayers gain respect and trust from clients.

Qualifications and Training

CSCS Card: Needed in the UK to prove health, safety, and construction knowledge.
NVQ/SVQ Level 2 or 3: Formal training that shows skill and improves job opportunities.

During training, many bricklayers start as apprentices or helpers. They learn to mix mortar, lay bricks carefully and practise accuracy. Over time, they gain experience and can handle more complex and decorative work.

What Future Opportunities Exist in Bricklaying?

Bricklaying has a bright future. There is a shortage of skilled workers in the UK, which means higher pay and good job security. Although it is a traditional trade, bricklaying is changing with new technology, eco-friendly materials, and specialised work.

Specialised High-Skill Roles

Some bricklayers focus on certain types of work. For example, heritage and restoration masonry involves repairing old or historic buildings. Refractory bricklaying works with heat-resistant structures like furnaces. Decorative masonry creates patterns and designs that machines cannot do. Meanwhile, eco-friendly bricklayers use sustainable, low-carbon materials. Specialised skills often bring higher pay and more rewarding work.

Management and Supervisory Roles

Experienced bricklayers can lead teams and manage projects. Site supervisors check daily tasks and safety. Project managers handle bigger projects and communicate with clients. Estimators calculate costs and materials. In addition, these roles often bring more pay and responsibility.

Self-Employment and Business

Some bricklayers run their own businesses or work as subcontractors. Self-employed bricklayers in the UK can earn very high incomes, sometimes up to £100,000 a year. Others offer specialist services like repointing or custom brickwork. As a result, self-employment can give freedom and higher earnings.

Technology and Innovation

New technology is changing bricklaying. Robots like the Semi-Automated Mason (SAM) help build, but skilled bricklayers are needed to operate and supervise them. Although digital tools like 3D design and BIM allow planning before work starts. Also, modern methods like mortar-free bricks make work faster and cleaner.

Outlook Summary

The UK needs 33,000–75,000 more bricklayers to meet housing goals. Skilled bricklayers can earn £30,000–£40,000 per year, while specialised or self-employed workers can earn more. Finally, demand for human skills in detailed work ensures long-term job security.

What Does A Bricklayer Do on a Project?

Bricklayers mostly work outdoors on building sites. They lay bricks, blocks, and stones with mortar to make strong walls and structures. They also repair and restore buildings when needed. As a result, their work is important for both new and old buildings.

Workplaces and Projects

New Homes: Building the main structure of new houses.
Commercial Buildings: Working on shops, offices, and large construction projects.
Repairs and Renovations: Fixing walls, chimneys, and older brickwork. At the same time, they improve the look and safety of existing buildings.
Historic and Listed Buildings: Restoring old or important buildings carefully.
Special Features: Making arches, chimneys, and decorative stonework.

Daily Tasks

Mixing and applying mortar, cutting or shaping bricks, and laying them straight.
Using tools like trowels, spirit levels, and plumb lines to make walls even. Meanwhile, they coordinate with other tradespeople, such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
Working safely at heights on scaffolding or ladders. Therefore, safety is always a top priority.

Bricklayers are in high demand. In addition, some work for large construction companies, while others are self-employed or work for small subcontractors. Overall, their skills are needed on many different projects, from new homes to historic restorations.

What Challenges Do Bricklayers Face?

Bricklaying is a tough job. Bricklayers handle heavy materials, work outdoors, and must be very precise. They face many challenges every day.

Physical Challenges for Bricklayers

Bricklayers do hard physical work every day. They lift, carry, and place heavy bricks and blocks, sometimes weighing 6–48 kg.

Muscle Strain: Repeating the same movements, like lifting, bending, twisting, or squatting, can strain muscles and joints.
Back and Lifting Injuries: Carrying heavy bricks can lead to back injuries, hernias, or long-term pain.
Repetitive Strain: Laying hundreds or even 1,000 bricks a day can hurt wrists and elbows.
One-Sided Strain: Right-handed bricklayers often feel more pain on their right side because of how they hold bricks and use tools.

Health Hazards for Bricklayers

Skin Problems: Wet cement, mortar, and concrete can irritate the skin, causing rashes, burns, or dermatitis.
Hand and Arm Injuries: Using power tools for long periods can harm hands and fingers, sometimes causing permanent damage. Meanwhile, the vibration from tools can also affect blood vessels and nerves.
Hearing Risks: Noise from power tools and nearby construction work may damage hearing over time.

Environmental Challenges

Bad Weather: Rain, snow, or extreme heat can slow work, damage materials and sometimes cause heatstroke or hypothermia.
Working at Height: Using scaffolding or ladders is risky and can lead to serious falls. Careful safety rules are needed.
Sun Exposure: Long hours in the sun can damage skin and increase the risk of cancer.

Common Mistakes Bricklayers Make

Bricklayers can make mistakes, from beginner errors to habits of experienced workers. For example, rushing work or poor planning can cause cracks, leaks or uneven walls.

1. Mortar Problems

Wrong Consistency: Mortar that is too wet or dry won’t hold bricks properly. It should feel like peanut butter.
Mixing Too Much: Large batches dry fast and weaken the wall.
Wrong Ratio: The wrong sand-to-cement mix can cause cracks.

2. Structural Mistakes

Uneven Foundation: Starting on a bad surface makes the wall lean.
Missing Ties or Reinforcement: Skipping these weakens the wall.
No Expansion Joints: Walls need gaps to expand; otherwise, cracks appear.
Straight Vertical Joints: Not staggering joints allows cracks to form.

3. Technique Errors

Dry Bricks: Damp bricks help mortar bond.
Overworking Bricks: Moving bricks too much breaks the bond.
Uneven Joints: Thick or thin joints can crack.
Poor Finishing: Wrong tooling lets water in.

4. Site and Weather Issues

Bad Weather: Rain, frost or heat can damage mortar. Meanwhile, curing the wall for 7–10 days is important.
Rushing the Job: Building too high, too fast can crush lower bricks.
Poor Drainage: Water at the wall base can make it shift. Additionally, not cleaning excess mortar makes walls look messy.

Tip: Using a spirit level, string line, and plumb bob, along with proper mixing, curing and reinforcement, keeps walls strong and even. Finally, patience and careful planning prevent most mistakes.

Final Thoughts: What does a bricklayer do?

A bricklayer builds and repairs walls, chimneys, foundations and so on. They use bricks, blocks, or stones with mortar to make buildings strong and neat. Additionally, they follow plans and measure carefully. Next, they use tools safely and work with others. Ultimately, with experience, they can earn more, specialise or run their own business.

Want to know what a bricklayer really does? Our blog explains their work, tools, skills, and how to start a career in bricklaying. Learn step by step, from training to earning potential, and discover why this skilled trade is always in demand.

Read the full guide here and get a clear picture of life as a bricklayer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bricklaying

1. Do bricklayers work away?

Yes, bricklayers often travel to different building sites, sometimes staying away from home for weeks.

2. What is a 3-course brick?

A 3-course brick wall has three layers of bricks stacked in a repeating pattern.

3. Who is laying the bricks?

A bricklayer or mason lays the bricks.

4. How much should I pay a bricklayer per day?

In the UK, a bricklayer usually earns around £250–£300 per day, depending on experience.

5. What GCSE do you need to be a bricklayer?

Maths and English are most useful; some apprenticeships may require other GCSEs too.

6. What does a bricklayer do?

A bricklayer is a skilled worker who builds and repairs walls, chimneys, and foundations. They use bricks, blocks, or stones with mortar to make buildings strong and neat.