Build a Footing for a Brick Wall

If you want a well-built, sturdy brick wall, you must have a strong footing for proper support. Without a strong footing, the moisture from the ground will encourage your brick wall to crack. The footing should extend below the frost line. If your wall is a load-bearing wall, your footing must be as deep as the wall is wide, and the width of the footing should be twice as wide as the wall. So if your wall is 12 inches thick, your footing will need to be 12 inches deep and 24 inches wide. 

Step 1 - Clear the Area

Once you have determined where you will place your brick wall, you must prepare the ground. This is a very important procedure. With your trench digging tool, remove all grass and roots. Ensure that there are no rocks. Remove all sod and soil to the depth that you have already figured in conjunction with the width and height of your brick wall. 

Step 2 - Fill Soft Spots with Gravel

Once you have properly dug and cleared your area of all obstructions, fill in and compact the soft spots with the gravel. Smooth out the gravel to cover the entire capacity of your entrenched area. Ensuring that the area is clean and even will ensure that your concrete footing will be strong and resist cracking and will extend the life of the concrete. And long-lived concrete makes for a long-lived brick wall.

Step 3 - Mix the Concrete

Use your wheelbarrow to mix the concrete according to the instructions on the bag. Add the correct amount of water to the concrete to achieve a thick batter-like consistency. A loose mix will cause cracking and reduced strength in your footing. Be sure not to mix more concrete than can be used in a 30-minute time span. Any time longer than this will cause your mixture to dry out.

Step 4 - Pour the Mixture  

You are now ready to pour the concrete mixture into the form. You will want to pour the concrete in the farthest corner and work it outward. After you fill the entire form, you will need to screed the top of the form. Do this by using the straight edge of a 2-by-4-inch board. Repeat this process until all the spaces are filled and the surface is smooth and even. 

Step 5 - Trowel the Surface

Now use your wooden trowel to trowel the surface for several passes. Do not overdo this procedure, as it will cause excess fines and water to the surface, which will weaken the surface.

Step 6 - Allow the Concrete to Cure

Curing is a necessary step that allows you to get the maximum performance and benefit from the concrete. Improper curing time will result in a weak and cracked foundation. Curing will allow the concrete to get the proper amount of moisture to fully hydrate the cement particles. The time span for the curing process is 2 days or more, depending upon the weather. Once this time has elapsed, you can begin building your brick wall.