Mastering the Art of Bricking a Corner

Bricking a corner, also known as "cornering" or "bricklaying a corner," is a fundamental skill in masonry that involves creating a strong, stable joint between two perpendicular walls. This technique is essential for constructing durable structures and ensuring the longevity of your building project. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of bricking a corner, from gathering materials to laying the final brick.

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let's discuss why it's crucial to understand how to brick a corner correctly. Proper cornering ensures that your walls are aligned, stable, and capable of withstanding the structural demands of your building. Additionally, a well-bricked corner enhances the overall aesthetics of your structure, making it more appealing and valuable.

Preparation and Planning

Before you begin bricking a corner, it's essential to plan and prepare the site properly. This stage involves gathering the necessary materials, understanding the layout, and ensuring the walls are square and level.

Gather your materials: You'll need bricks, mortar, a trowel, a level, a rubber mallet, a corner trowel, and safety gear, including gloves and goggles. Ensure you have enough bricks to complete the corner and some extra for any breakages or mistakes. Additionally, calculate the amount of mortar you'll need, following the standard 6:1 or 5:1 sand-to-cement ratio.

Preparing the Walls

Before you start bricking the corner, ensure the walls are square and level. Use a level to check the vertical alignment of both walls, and use a string line or laser level to ensure they're perpendicular to each other. If necessary, adjust the walls using temporary props or shims until they're perfectly aligned.

Once the walls are square and level, clean any debris or dust from the surfaces where the bricks will be laid. This ensures a strong bond between the bricks and the walls, enhancing the overall stability of the corner.

Mixing Mortar

Mixing mortar is a critical step in bricking a corner. A well-mixed mortar ensures a strong bond between the bricks and allows for easy application. Follow the standard 6:1 or 5:1 sand-to-cement ratio, adding water gradually until the mortar reaches a workable consistency.

To test the mortar's consistency, perform the "drop test": Drop a small amount of mortar onto a flat surface from a height of about 30 cm. If the mortar spreads out slightly and holds its shape without being too runny or stiff, it's ready to use.

Laying the Corner Bricks

Now that you've prepared the site and mixed your mortar, it's time to start laying the corner bricks. This stage involves creating a strong, stable joint between the two walls and ensuring the bricks are laid accurately and level.

Start by laying the first brick at the base of the corner, ensuring it's level and properly aligned with both walls. Apply a bed of mortar to the wall's surface using your trowel, then place the brick onto the mortar, pressing it firmly into place. Use your level to ensure the brick is perfectly horizontal, and tap it gently with a rubber mallet if necessary.

Laying the First Course

Lay the first course of bricks along both walls, ensuring each brick is level and properly aligned with the corner brick. Use your corner trowel to apply mortar to the ends of the bricks, creating a strong bond with the adjacent wall. Ensure the bricks are staggered, with the joints offset by half a brick's width to create a strong, stable structure.

As you lay each brick, use your level to ensure it's perfectly horizontal, and check that the wall is plumb (vertical) using a spirit level. If necessary, adjust the bricks slightly to maintain the wall's alignment and ensure a straight, level course.

Laying the Subsequent Courses

Continue laying bricks in a staggered pattern, working your way up the walls. Ensure each brick is properly aligned with the corner and the previous course, and apply mortar to both the bed and the ends of the bricks to create a strong bond. Use your level and spirit level to maintain the wall's alignment and ensure each course is level and plumb.

As you reach the top of the walls, you may need to cut bricks to fit the space. Use a brick cutter or nippers to carefully cut the bricks to the required size, ensuring they maintain a strong bond with the adjacent bricks and the walls.

Finishing the Corner

Once you've laid the final course of bricks, it's time to finish the corner and ensure a strong, stable joint between the two walls.

Apply a final layer of mortar to the ends of the top course of bricks, creating a strong bond with the adjacent wall. Use your corner trowel to ensure the mortar is evenly distributed and that the joint is smooth and even. Allow the mortar to cure for the recommended time, typically 24-48 hours, before applying any finishing touches or applying pressure to the corner.

Pointing and Finishing

After the mortar has cured, you can apply a final layer of mortar, known as "pointing," to the joints between the bricks. This stage enhances the aesthetics of the corner and provides additional protection against water ingress. Use your corner trowel to apply the pointing, ensuring it's smooth and even, and allow it to cure for the recommended time.

Once the pointing has cured, you can clean any excess mortar from the bricks and apply any finishing touches, such as painting or rendering, if desired.

Congratulations, you've successfully bricked a corner! This essential masonry skill will serve you well in future building projects, ensuring your structures are strong, stable, and visually appealing. Don't forget to practice and refine your technique to become a proficient bricklayer, and always prioritize safety when working with bricks and mortar. Happy building!