How to Build a Cement Block Wall

A cement block wall is something that will take a bit of work in order to build. However, you will find that a cement block wall is very sturdy and will definitely last you for years to come. It is the best way for you to be able to get the most out of your hard work as you will more than likely not have to go back and do it again for a long time to come, if ever.

Step 1 – Prepare

The first thing that you will need to do is get yourself fully prepared for the task at hand. In order to do this, you will first need to get measurements of the area that you are planning on putting the wall. Measure the width as well as the height so that you will know exactly how many supplies you should get. It is also a good idea for you to sketch the design of the wall beforehand. This will make the process go much easier.

Step 2 – Calculate

Once you have the measurements as well as the sketch, you are ready to go to your local hardware store. You can do the calculations yourself first if you wish. It is always a good idea however, to get the advice of someone that works there or at least a second opinion. This way, you will be able to get the right amount of supplies for the job.

Step 3 – Stakes

Wherever the corners will be you will need to get stakes pounded in place. From there, get a line strung from each of the corners. In order to ensure that the corners will be completely level, a plumb bob will be needed just a few inches from where the strings cross each of the corners.

Step 4 – Corners

You will need to make sure that you lay your corners first. This will make the rest of the job easier as you will have somewhere that you can go off of to ensure that the walls are straight. As you lay the corner bricks along the bottom, smear down the mortar down past the width and length of the footing before you put another brick on top. This will go much faster if you have an assistant to hand you bricks or to smear the mortar for you. Too much mortar is always better than not enough as any excess can be scraped away. Use a level and take your time to make sure that all of the corner blocks are straight.

Step 5 – Finish Up

You will repeat the previous step for all of your corners. They will need to be built up first, so get them as high as they need to be before you begin on the rest of the wall so that it can act as a guide. Make sure that the corners are higher than the rest of the wall. For the rest of the wall, you will repeat the steps of laying down mortar before placing a new brick down.