Garden Wall With Pillars? The 86 New Answer

PLAN before you start bricklaying

All garden walls should be designed on a piece of paper – a plan. It may well be that you just want a short straight wall and don’t see the point of drawing a straight line on a piece of paper. So let’s do the 5W test – what, why, where, when, who? Why do you need a wall – instead of a fence, trellis, perennial borders or a few planters? Where will it go – will anything get in the way (services, tree roots, etc.)? who will build it; order the materials; Clean up after you etc.? What is it for – what stones are you going to use? There are many types – not all are suitable. When will you do it – how long will it take; will you have the time

On your “master plan” you should draw the dimensions of your wall so that you can calculate the dimensions for the footings (foundations). Then you can estimate the amount of material needed. When designing your wall, aim for measurements that are multiples of the size of the bricks or blocks you will be using. Sizes are usually given as “nominal”. This simply means that this is what they should measure once laid with the recommended 10mm wide grout joint.

AMOUNTS

Stones typically measure 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm (8.5 x 4 x 2.5 inches) but may vary from stone to stone. When the mortar joints are added this usually means 4 bricks per 900mm (3ft) of wall length and 4 bricks per 300mm (1ft) of wall height. Calculate 58 bricks per square meter of wall area (48 per square meter). You should also allow an additional 5% for cuts and breaks. These quantities are for a single width wall. For a double wall, simply double the quantities. Don’t forget to plan for extra bricks for the construction of the pillars, also for an additional height of the pillars.

If you want the wall to have both a decorative and a functional purpose, it’s a good idea to be aware of the orientation. For example, if your home and yard face south and you intend to build a wall across the yard (i.e., from W to E), then the face of the wall you see will effectively face north. It will get little to no sun and could be looking pretty gloomy. It could also ‘mature’ fairly quickly, with algae and other growths.

Conversely, if the wall you see faces east or west, a recessed mortar joint would enhance the masonry in the morning or evening sun, respectively. If the wall is exposed to normal western rain, a different type of joint is required – together with an adapted mortar mixture.

pier

Walls above a certain length and height must be reinforced with pillars at regular intervals. These pillars must be provided for when building the foundations. Even the smallest brick-wide wall benefits from piers at each free-standing end.

Any single-width wall over 300 mm (12 in) high should have piers spaced no more than 3 meters (9 ft 9 in) apart. Shorter walls also benefit from the inclusion of piers. The pillars should be no less than twice the thickness of a single brick wall. They can be easily constructed with galvanized wall ties, but tying a pier into a single brick-width wall is fairly easy. There are several possibilities for this.

BASICS

After the dimensions of the wall have been determined along with the location of the piers, the foundations can be designed. Anything that has to do with “hard landscape” requires proper foundations. Walls are no exception, and I don’t apologize for repeating myself: I can’t stress enough the importance of proper foundations.

A strip foundation is used for most garden walls. This is simply a straight sided trench filled with concrete.

The trench should be dug out of solid ground. It should not be excavated from freshly filled soil as is often found on construction sites. If your trench begins to fill with water from the surrounding soil, you should seek professional advice before proceeding. This is probably not the case in times of low groundwater levels.

The bottom of your trench should be solid ground. If this is not the case, you will need to dig deeper than recommended and backfill with compacted core material before filling with concrete.

The overall depth of your trench should allow for the specified depth of concrete and also for laying two layers of brick below the surface of the earth. This allows plants to be planted at the foot of the wall or, if necessary, paving up to the wall.

CONCRETE FOOT DATA DIMENSIONS

Minimum concrete depth = 150 mm (6 inches)

Width of Trench/Foot = 300mm (12″)

(Where piers are to be fitted – usually double brick width – then a suitable foundation (450 x 450mm) should be considered and placed just inside the foundation.)

Double width wall… (213 mm or 8.5 in)

Minimum concrete depth = 225 mm (9 inches)

Width of trench/foundation = 450mm (18 inches)

(If piers are included, the concrete slab for the pier should protrude at least 150 mm on each side of the pier. That is, for a 325 mm (one and a half stone) pier, the slab should be at least 625 mm (25 in) wide and Bei a 450mm pillar (two whole bricks) the pad should be at least 750mm wide.

NB. For free-standing pillars – pergola, gate posts, etc. – the base plate should be significantly wider than the top and will be covered in a subsequent article.

If you intend to lay the first two layers of brick below ground level, you will need to excavate a further 150mm to allow for the two layers of brick and mortar joints.

The concrete for the foundation should be mixed in a volume ratio of 1:6 (cement to solid gravel). Quantities should be measured accurately. The mixture must not be sloppy and wet, refers to), but the least amount of water should be added to the dry mixture to make it workable. Too wet a mixture significantly weakens the strength of the concrete foundation. A wet mix may be easier to spread, consolidate, and float to a level, but it’s wrong.

The concrete is poured into the trench and compacted well with a rammer/tamper to ensure there are no air pockets in the foundation. If your mix has the correct water content, you can leave a semi-rough surface by tamping with the edge of a board. This will help bond the first layer of mortar and brick to the foundation.

Wait three to four days before laying bricks, and during this time allow the concrete to harden slowly. Put a sheet of plastic on the surface and fasten it with bricks or boards. The bags from your ballast can be used for this.

A problem can arise if you build your foundations in extremely dry conditions – seems unlikely as of this writing. The dry sides of the trench can drain the water from the concrete quite quickly. Concrete should never dry too quickly. Anything that can be done to keep the surrounding soil moist will help, although you don’t want water on the bottom of the trench. It also helps if you can spray the setting concrete every day. Don’t drown it.

On sloping terrain you need to construct stepped foundations. Make sure any timber formwork is strong enough to support the weight of the concrete and your compaction. This also applies if part of the foundation is above the existing ground level. The timber formwork must be up to the task of holding the concrete without buckling or sagging.

LAYING THE BRICKS

You will be faced with a huge selection of bricks. Not all are suitable for outdoor work, and some may only be suitable for sheltered positions.

Bricks come in many colors and textures and in different grades. Facings are usually suitable for most outdoor work as the facing edge is usually water and freeze resistant. `Commons’ are for interior use only. Ordinary quality bricks are suitable for most outdoor situations, but may suffer if exposed to prolonged driving rain or severe frost. “Special” or “Best” quality is suitable for all exterior work, including stairs and retaining walls.

Before you even start mixing the cement mortar for your very first row of walls, lay out the first row of walls without mortar – just to make sure everything works on the ground. Leave the mortar joint between each stone. (10mm is ideal). If this is your first attempt at building a wall, try a dry run with a few passes. Use your spirit level in the vertical and horizontal positions to get used to it. You can even lay a few layers of a short wall on a plywood or hardboard board with a mortar mix. Specifically, build up a corner or end section to four aisles. The mortar can be cleaned off the bricks once it is semi-dry.

The mortar mix

The mortar mixture for laying bricks should be in the ratio of 1 part cement and 5 parts soft building sand (1:5). In very exposed locations or in masonry below ground level, this mixture should be changed to 1:4. Don’t add more cement thinking you’ll have a stronger job – you won’t; in fact it will be weaker.

Add just enough water to make the mixture firm and smooth, but not runny. When you bounce a swab on your trowel, it shouldn’t sag and stay on the trowel when it’s turned upside down. Adding some liquid emollient can help. This makes the mixture easier to work with. If you do, read the instructions carefully. By the way, all the mortar colors that I have used have a plasticizing effect on the mortar.

For most of my work I tend to keep the mortar mix in a wheelbarrow and take it to where it is needed. Spotboards are good for the experienced bricklayer laying a long line of bricks, but not too efficient for the more time-consuming decorative walls. In the wheelbarrow you can refresh the mixture from time to time with a shovel or trowel and add more water (sparingly) if necessary. Mix up no more mortar than you can use in half an hour and make sure you have an evenly mixed mortar.

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Cost of building a brick or stone wall

The average cost to build a brick wall is $3,000 to $9,000, or $80 to $480 per linear foot. A brick wall or fence costs anywhere from $15 to $45 per square foot, depending on thickness and style. A stone wall costs $20 to $75 per square foot.

An indoor stone accent wall costs $10 to $45 per square foot.

. A brick pillar or pillar costs $500 to $1,800.

. A stone driveway pillar costs $1,300 to $3,000.

Brick or Stone Wall Cost – Chart

Cost of Building a Brick or Stone Wall Linear Feet 4 ft high 6 ft high 8 ft high 10 ft $800 – $2,400 $1,200 – $3,600 $1,600 – $4,800 15′ $1,200 – $3,600 $1,800 – $5,400 2,400 $-$7,200 25′ $2,000 – $6,000 – $9.00 $9.00 – $12,000 50′ $4,000 – $12,000 $6,000 – $18,000 $8,000 – $24,000 $100′ 8,000 – $24,000 $0 12.000 $12.000 16,000 – $48,000 150′ $12,000 – $36,000 $18,000 $54,000 $24,000 $$$$$$$$$$$$ – 72,000 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$32,000

*Total installation cost.

Stone or brick walls cost calculator

The table below shows the average cost of building a brick or stone wall 25 feet long and 4 to 8 feet high.

Stone or Brick Wall Cost Calculator National Average Cost $5,000 Minimum Cost $2,000 Maximum Cost $12,000 Average Cost between $3,000 and $9,000

Cost data comes from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

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brick wall cost

On average, building a new brick wall costs $1,500 to $6,000 per 100 square feet of wall area, or $15 to $60 per square foot. Brick wall prices depend on the dimensions, style and design type of the wall.

Brick Wall Cost Per Square Foot Chart

Brick Wall Cost Brick Wall Type Cost Per Square Foot Total Construction Cost (100 SF)* Brick Fence $20 – $40 $2,000 – $4,000 Brick Garden Wall $15 – $20 $1,500 – $2,000 Brick Privacy Screen $35 – $45 $3,500 – $4,500 Brick retaining wall $30 – $60 $3,000 – $6,000 Interior brick wall $8 – $18 $800 – $1,800 Brick column (each) – $500 – $1,800

*Installation costs for 100 square meters of wall space.

Cost of a wall per square meter

A brick wall costs $15 to $40 per square foot of wall space, depending on the type, wall thickness, and size.

Brick Wall Cost per Square Foot Brick Wall Type Cost per square foot Brick (single ply) $15-20 Brick (double ply) $30-40 Thin or faced brick veneer $8-18

*Total installation cost on an existing foundation.

brick fence cost

Building a brick fence costs $60 to $240 per linear foot for walls 3 to 6 feet high, or $20 to $40 per square foot of wall space. Brick wall fencing costs depend on the design if posts, wrought iron, gates or stone caps are added.

Red brick privacy fence

Bricklayers can mix and match bricks with other fence materials:

A wooden fence costs $12 to $27 per linear foot.

. A vinyl fence costs $15 to $30 per linear foot.

. A chain link fence costs $9 to $10 per linear foot.

Building costs for a brick garden wall

Building a brick garden wall costs $15 to $40 per linear foot for 1 to 2 foot high walls, or $15 to $20 per square foot of wall space. A 10- to 25-foot brick garden wall costs $150 to $1,000. Most garden walls are one brick thick without a foundation.

Cost of building a brick wall in the garden Length (linear feet) Average cost 10′ $150 – $400 25′ $375 – $1,000 50′ $750 – $2,000

*Total installation cost for 1 to 2 foot high walls.

Additional costs can be:

Landscaping installation costs $4 to $12 per square foot.

. Stone landscaping costs range from $45 to $130 per ton.

Brick privacy wall costs around the house

A brick privacy wall costs an average of $10,500 to $36,000 to build for a house perimeter. A masonry privacy wall costs $210 to $360 per linear foot for 6 to 8 foot walls, or $35 to $45 per square foot. Enclosure walls often have brick pillars in the construction for reinforcement.

Cost of Brick Screen or Perimeter Walls Length (Linear Feet) Average Cost 50′ $10,500 – $18,000 100′ $21,000 – $36,000 200′ $42,000 – $72,000

*Total prices for installed walls 6ft to 8ft tall.

Brick retaining wall cost

A brick retaining wall costs $30 to $60 per square foot to build, or $3,000 to $12,000 for a 50 foot wall that is 2 to 4 feet high. Plumbers typically build a retaining wall out of concrete blocks and then add a single layer of facing brick veneer on the outside.

Cost of the inner wall of brick

Installing brick walls indoors costs an average of $1,000 to $2,500, or $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on the brick type and installation method. Contractors typically glue thin brick veneers to existing walls or install a single layer of non-structural facing brick.

Interior Brick Wall Cost Calculator Type Cost per square foot Thin brick veneer $8 to $18 Facing masonry $12 to $18

*Total installation cost.

Average cost of building a brick column or pillar

The average cost to build a brick pillar is $500 to $1,800 per pillar, depending on size and whether they are decorative or structural. Experienced masons adjust the columns to the appearance of the existing house.

Brick Pillar Cost Column Type Average Cost Ornamental brick columns $500 – $1,800 Structural brick columns $2,000 – $6,000

*Total installation cost.

A brick mailbox costs an average of $600 to $1,500.

on average. Adding lights costs $150 to $450 per column, including new wiring to the house.

Labor costs to build a wall

Labor costs to build a brick wall range from $40 to $100 per hour. Brick masonry labor costs average $7 to $17 per square foot. The total labor cost for masonry depends on wall thickness, location, wall design, materials needed, and skill level of the mason.

Brick Wall Construction Prices Labor Cost Average Cost per hour $40-$100 per square foot $7-$17 per 1,000 bricks $300-$800

*Labor costs only.

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stone wall cost

A stone wall costs $10 to $75 per square foot for most masonry types, or an average of $1,000 to $7,500 per 100 SF. Prices vary based on stone type, wall size, design and site conditions.

A stone retaining wall costs $10 to $85 per square foot for stronger and deeper foundations with more reinforcements.

Stone walls cost – chart

Stone Wall Cost Project Cost per Square Foot Total Build Cost (100 SF)* Natural Stone Wall $25-$75 $2,500-$7,500 Stone Fence $25-$35 $2,500-$3,500 Dry Pile Stone Wall $20-$60 2,000 – $6,000 Stone Retaining Wall 10 – $85 $1,000 – $8,500 Interior Stone Accent Wall $10 – $45 $1,000 – $4,500 Stone Driveway Column (each) – $1,300 – $3,000

*For 100 square meters of wall space.

Rock face cost per square foot

Installing a rock wall costs $25 to $75 per square foot, depending on the stone surface. Contractors typically install a cinder block wall first and then finish it with natural stone or engineered stone veneer.

Rock wall installation prices Type of masonry Cost per square foot Natural stone wall $30-$75 Engineered stone wall $25-$65

*Total installation cost.

Masonry or stone fence cost

A 50-foot stone fence costs an average of $3,800 to $8,800. A masonry fence costs $25 to $35 per square foot installed, depending on size, stone type, and installation method.

Stone Fence Cost Length (Linear Feet) Average Cost 25′ $1,900 – $4,400 50′ $3,800 – $8,800 100′ $7,500 – $17,500

*Total installation cost for 3 to 5 foot high walls.

Natural stone wall in the front yard

Fieldstone or dry stone cost per square foot

A dry stone wall costs $20 to $60 per square foot for freestanding structures, depending on size, stone type, and local availability. Contractors typically stack these natural and irregularly shaped stones on a compacted base without using mortar.

Interior stone accent wall cost

Installing an indoor stone accent wall averages $1,000 to $4,500, or $10 to $45 per square foot for faux, artificial, or natural stone veneers. Plumbers glue the stone veneer to the existing wall. The total cost depends on the size, layout and complexity of the design.

Interior Stone Accent Wall Cost Stone Veneer Application Cost Per Square Foot Average Total Cost Walls (100 square feet of wall space) $10-45 $1,000-$4,500 Fireplace and chimney surround $45-$75 $1,300-$5,000

*Prices include materials and installation.

Entrance pillars made of stone masonry cost

Building a stone driveway pillar costs an average of $1,300 to $3,000 per pillar. Solid natural stone columns cost up to $5,000. Total cost depends on stone and frame type, degree of integration with nearby structures, and size.

Labor costs for the construction of stone walls

The labor cost to build a stone wall is $40 to $100 an hour, not including materials. Labor costs for laying a stone wall range from $13 to $26 per square foot. Stonemason labor costs depend on location, skill level, and complexity of installation.

Stone Wall Construction Costs Labor Costs Average cost per square foot $13-$26 per hour $40-$100

*Labor costs only.

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Cost factors for bricks and stone carvings

Cost factors in building a brick or stone wall can include:

Bricks – Brick prices range from $350 to $900 per 1,000 bricks.

– brick prices are . Foundation – Concrete feet cost $15 to $35 per linear foot for most masonry walls. Footers for retaining walls taller than 4 feet cost up to $55 per linear foot depending on frost line depth.

– Cost of concrete feet for most masonry walls. Feet for retaining walls higher than 4 feet cost up to depending on frost line depth. Excavation – Digging trenches costs $10 to $20 per square foot for rocky ground or digging deeper to establish a foundation below the freezing line. Some wall foundations must be 3 to 4 feet deep in the northern United States.

– Digging costs for rocky ground or digging deeper to set a foundation below the frost line. Some wall foundations must be 3 to 4 feet deep in the northern United States. Delivery – Suppliers charge $60-$200 more per pallet for orders within 20-50 miles.

– Suppliers charge for orders within 20 to 50 miles. SIZE AND DESIGN – Double layered walls, curves, complex designs and extra tall walls require more work and planning time.

– Double-layer walls, curves, complex constructions and extra high walls require more work and planning time. Permits – A permit costs an average of $50 to $450 depending on wall type, length and location.

– A permit costs on average depending on the wall type, length and location. Drainage – Installing a French drain costs $10 to $25 per linear foot and helps prevent flooding and erosion. Proper drainage is required for all retaining walls.

– Installing a French drain costs and helps prevent flooding and erosion. Proper drainage is required for all retaining walls. Land Survey – A land survey costs an average of $380 to $540 to build new fence walls at a property line.

– A property line survey costs on average for the construction of new fence walls at a property line. Engineering plans – A structural engineer charges $100 to $220 an hour to design walls more than 3 to 4 feet tall.

– A structural engineer charges fees for designing walls more than 3 to 4 feet tall. Painting – The cost of brick painting is $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot.

– The cost of painting bricks is . Waterproofing – Applying moisture-blocking sealant costs $2 to $10 per square foot.

– Cost of moisture blocking seal. Site Preparation – Land clearing costs $1,500 to $3,000 per acre for difficult terrain. Stump removal costs $60 to $300 per stump.

– Clearing costs for difficult terrain. Tree stump removal costs. Leveling a Yard – Land grading costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.

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block and retaining walls

A cinder block wall costs $60 to $240 per linear foot for 4 to 8 foot high walls, or $15 to $30 per square foot.

for 4′ to 8′ high walls or . A concrete retaining wall costs $15 to $45 per square foot, depending on size and construction.

Additional finishing options include:

Stucco costs $3 to $9 per square foot.

. Wood panel siding costs $2 to $6 per square foot.

. Thin brick siding costs $8 to $18 per square foot.

. Stone veneer siding costs $10 to $45 per square foot.

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frequently asked Questions

How long does it take to build a wall?

It takes 25 to 50 hours for two masons to build an average single-layer brick wall 8 feet high and 15 feet long. The total time required will vary depending on the type of wall foundation and site conditions.

Where can you use a brick or stone wall?

Use brick or stone walls for a variety of design and landscaping elements, including:

garden fence or perimeter wall

Entry pillars, borders and entrance gates

goalpost

outdoor kitchen surrounds

fireplaces

Interior accent walls

pool fences

retaining walls for garden beds

Seating walls for the patio in the backyard

How many bricks do I need to build a wall?

Building a single layer brick wall requires 6 to 7 bricks per square foot. An 8 foot wall has 48 to 56 bricks per linear foot, depending on brick size. A 10″ x 10″ wall requires 575 to 1,400 bricks, depending on whether it’s a single or double brick wall.

Bricks Needed to Build a Wall Wall Size (ft) Bricks Needed (single tier wall) Bricks Needed (two tier wall) 10’x6′ 345 – 420 690 – 840 10’x8′ 460 – 560 920 – 1,120 10’x10′ 575 – 700 1,150 – 1,400

*Sizes include space for mortar allowance.

How high can I build a wall?

Masons can build a freestanding brick wall 6 to 8 feet high with a single brick thickness.

with Einstein strength. According to most building codes, front yard fence walls can only be 3.5 to 4.0 feet tall.

, according to most building codes. Higher brick walls require double brick thickness and structural reinforcements.

Are brick walls soundproof?

Solid brick walls are more soundproof than regular drywall. The thickness of the brick walls blocks most outside noise. A fully soundproof room also needs sound absorbing materials such as:

acoustic foam

curtains

carpeted floor

Rubber based urethane floors

An extra layer of drywall over the bricks

How much does it cost to brick a house?

The average cost to wall a home is $8,000 to $27,000, or $8 to $18 per square foot for exposed brick veneer walls or thin brick veneer siding on the exterior. The total cost depends on the size of the house, the type of brick and the complexity of the design.

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Hire a professional to build brick and stone walls

Use this checklist when hiring a bricklayer in your area:

Choose masons who are certified by: Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) American Concrete Institute (ACI) International Masonry Institute (IMI) National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) C-29 License for Masonry Contractors in California Local masons and mason unions

Compare at least three different estimates.

Look out for the cheapest quotes, which often mean substandard work.

Check out their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

Check business licenses, liability insurance and sureties.

Before you start work, get copies of the estimate, contract and warranty.

Use a payment plan instead of paying in full up front.

Questions to ask

What materials do you suggest for building this wall and why?

Can I see photos of your previous walls and a reference list?

How long have you been building masonry?

Can I see a scaled wall design and brick pattern before you begin?

What types of brick or stone walls do you specialize in?

How will you build the foundation of the wall?

Can you match the bricks and mortar to my home?

How do you deal with unexpected project delays or accidents?

Does your crew clean the site afterwards and is that an additional charge?

If you use subcontractors, do you charge additional fees to manage them?

Will you obtain all required permits and manage inspections?

Do I have to make room for the crew?

How can I call the project manager?

What’s in your labor guarantee?

How long does it take to build this wall?

Does your estimate include all material and labor costs? What additional fees can I expect?

How do you schedule payments?

Do I get a copy of the contract before you start?

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When building a wall, there are many different factors to consider, including how high a single brick wall can safely be built. In short, you can easily build a wall at a steady rate of 5 feet per day. Once you are around 7 feet tall you will need additional support systems and a solid foundation to ensure the wall is safe and stable. Building a brick wall is not a task to be taken lightly. Otherwise you could potentially jeopardize the integrity of the entire project.

7 factors to consider when determining how high a brick wall can be built

As a general rule of thumb, expect to build a single wall up to 7 feet tall before incorporating any additional support systems. Of course, there are other factors to consider. We’re about to break down all the factors you need to know to determine how tall a brick wall can be built.

#1. manufacturer recommendations

The first thing to consider is whether recommendations come from the manufacturer. Typically, a manufacturer will list the minimum and maximum heights for their bricks. However, it is important to note that other factors can affect this number. We will discuss some of these below.

#2. The climate of the building location

When building a brick building, you must consider the climate in which you live. Although high temperatures generally do not ruin the building, colder temperatures can cause moisture in the mortar to freeze and expand. This must be taken into account when determining how tall you will build the structure. For best results, wait for a warmer day.

#3. Total amount of supplies/work

You won’t be able to build a brick wall as tall as you want without enough supplies and the right skilled workers. You need things like scaffolding for higher projects. Not to mention lots of extra mortar and craftsmen to help lay the bricks.

#4. The type of brick material used

If you’re using a simple type of brick like sun-dried brick, don’t expect to build a tall wall. So, for example, make sure to get quality engineering bricks if you want your brick walls to be nice and stack high while remaining safe and strong. While still important, the aesthetic quality and color of the bricks is really a second priority after you value the best possible stackability.

#5. Mortar quality and type

The mortar you use will help you gauge whether or not your brick wall is capable of stacking to great heights. Be sure to buy quality mortar such as N or M type mortar if you want the best chance of a quality and tall wall.

#6. The foundation of your building

Installing a brick wall on top of something unstable and fragile like sand is never a good idea. Especially if you want your wall to be higher than average. Make sure you start building on a stable surface like bedrock. This helps ensure that you’ll be able to build a tall brick wall that won’t collapse.

#7. Additional support in construction

As we briefly said, once a brick is more than two meters high, you will inevitably need additional support systems. The good news is that there are several ways to make a wall stronger. Perhaps the easiest is to just add more layers to your wall and make it thicker. You can then add separate supports as needed.

Turnbull Masonry excels at building brick walls of all shapes and sizes in Toronto – contact us today to learn more.

Foundations for light garden walls

NOTE: These guidelines apply to lightweight garden walls only.

The most important part of any wall is its foundation, and if these aren’t right, you’ll have a hard time building a good wall.

The foundations must be at least three times the width of half a brick wall (i.e. 34 cm/13.5 inches) or at least twice the width of a plain brick wall (i.e. 45 cm/18 inches).

For piers, the footings should have a margin of at least half a brick (i.e. 11 cm/4.5 in) on all sides.

One of the easiest ways to mark our foundations before digging the trench is to use a “sand line”. Once the position of the foundations is determined, drive a stake into the ground at each end, stretch a line between the two, and shake sand along the line. Removing the line before beginning the dig will prevent the line from getting in the way or being damaged. Always cut foundations horizontally, on sloping terrain this may require stepping to compensate for the slope (see below).

Start digging at the lowest point and go down until firm ground is found. For a lightweight garden wall, a trench 12 inches (30 cm) deep should be sufficient if the soil is firm and well-drained. But on unstable or weak ground, make it 46 cm (18 inches) deep.

Once the trench is dug, drive a stake into the ground at one end so that the top of the stake is level with the required depth of concrete (minimum 15 cm (6 in)). Then use a spirit level to set more pegs along the trench to keep the top of the pegs level; Invert the level between alternate pairs of pins so that any failure of the level has minimal repercussions.

Once the entire length of the trench has been staked, fill the bottom of the trench with concrete (6 to 1, all-in ballest to cement) to the top of the stakes. Always lay the foundations over their full length in one operation and ensure that the concrete is well consolidated.

foundations on the slope.

Sloping terrain requires a little more effort when digging the trench. Again, start digging at the lowest point and cut horizontal steps in the slope, working uphill. Try to keep the steps equal in length and height to a whole number of bricks plus mortar (i.e. 22.5cm (8.75in) and 7.5cm (3in)) – this will make laying the bricks easier since fewer bricks to cut and the panels line up as the wall is built.

Staking out the trench is similar to a one-story trench, except that formwork boards must be attached to the front of each step to create the steps. When the concrete is poured into the trench, start at the top of the slope and work your way down. You may find that the upper tiers have subsided when the lower tiers are filled and leveled. If this happens, return to the upper tiers, add more concrete, and work your way back down.

retaining walls

When building walls to hold back the soil, the height of the wall should not be more than four times the thickness. Thus, for a single 22.5 cm (9 inch) brick wall, this limits the height to 90 cm (36 inches).

In order to allow water to escape from the retained soil behind the wall, it helps to fill the wall with gravel (or similar) and to install drain pipes in the wall.

Taking on a DIY project can be a daunting task for many, but anyone can completely transform a room with a little advice. Both previously painted walls and exposed brickwork are perfect opportunities to give your outdoor space a brand new look and breathe new life into it. Here’s our expert guide to painting garden walls.

Which color should you use?

The first place to start when painting any surface is the color you are going to use because if you get this wrong the project will be a disaster before you even begin. Due to the conditions that the paint must withstand, not all paints are suitable for use on exterior surfaces. Masonry paint is a type of exterior paint specifically designed to be applied to exterior masonry surfaces such as brick, stone, concrete and plaster. It’s designed to stick to exterior walls in all weathers, from hot summers to frigid winters.

As with all paints, masonry paint can vary in properties and quality. Some masonry paints are designed to provide a low-cost solution to small outdoor DIY projects and last 1-3 years, while others are designed to provide long-term protection in excess of 20 years. The importance of the quality of the paint you use and its durability is greatly increased with any exterior paint due to the high number of external factors that can affect the paint’s performance. The single largest cause of exterior paint failure is moisture. It’s a relatively unknown fact among homeowners, but bricks actually absorb moisture because they’re porous. This is also the case with standard acrylic wall paint, which is most wall paint available in the UK. When rainwater falls on the exterior wall, the paint is absorbed by the paint and the substrate below, eventually pooling under the paint film. This moisture then saturates the surface, causing the paint to chip, blister, and flake. The moisture-rich conditions also provide an ideal environment for fungi and other green growth to grow on the exterior wall, along with stains and damp spots that discolor the wall over time.

While most masonry paints describe themselves as “weatherproof” or “rainproof,” these paints are not completely waterproof and will allow some moisture to be absorbed by the exterior wall. In order to be waterproof, a masonry paint must be able to repel water, and this is where super hydrophobic waterproof masonry paints come into play. These masonry paints offer water-repellent properties that result in water simply beading right off the painted surface, preventing the water from penetrating the wall and getting behind the paint film. However, this water-repellent surface is not enough to protect exterior walls. These coats of paint must not impair the breathability of the outer wall either. When the wall cannot breathe, moisture naturally occurring in the surface becomes trapped and eventually builds up until the paint film ruptures and the paint fails. The high level of breathability allows water vapor to escape unhindered from the wall and the subfloor stays dry, even if it is coated with an impregnation treatment.

Our own Emperor Masonry Paint is one such paint, specially formulated to provide the highest possible performance in exterior paint. In an independent test it was found to prevent 96% of water absorption, has an SD value of 0.03, is very breathable and showed no signs of deterioration in performance or appearance after 25 years of severe weathering. That’s why Emperor Masonry Paint comes with a lifetime guarantee, ensuring its performance for decades to come.

One of the hardest parts of a painted garden wall is keeping it clean, especially if you have a white wall. One of the main reasons many homeowners choose a super hydrophobic mural paint is that it is self-cleaning. The resulting super hydrophobic surface makes it difficult for dirt to stick to the garden wall and the resulting water-repellent coating washes away the dirt with rain. Similarly, by preventing the moisture-rich conditions that allow fungus to grow on the wall, the wall is kept free from discoloration and moisture issues that can foul the surface.

While a cheap masonry paint may work for your project, if you want a maintenance-free garden wall that guarantees you won’t have to repaint the wall in a few years, opt for a waterproof masonry paint like Emperor Masonry Paint.

How much paint do I need?

Once you’ve decided what wall color you’re going to use to paint your garden wall, the next step is to estimate how much paint you’ll need to complete your project. This can cause headaches for many do-it-yourselfers, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are three things to consider when estimating the amount of paint you will need: the size of the wall, the opacity of the paint, and the number of coats you will need. To estimate the size of the area to be painted, first simply measure the length of the wall and the height of the wall in metres. If you multiply these numbers together, you get the total square meters of the wall. Wall paint coverage varies from color to color, with Emperor Wall Paint for example having a coverage of 5-6m² per liter on smooth surfaces. On rough exterior walls such as pebbles, the paint’s opacity can be half that of a smooth masonry surface. Before purchasing, always check the product data in order to be able to optimally assess the opacity of the wall paint you are using. Finally, all you have to do is consider how many coats you need, which is almost always two coats for a quality wall paint, while cheaper wall paint may require three coats. As a guide for Emperor Masonry Paint on a smooth 18m² supporting garden wall it will take approximately 6L of paint although we would always recommend buying a little more paint than you need just to be safe.

How to paint a garden wall

When you’ve finished your wall paint, it’s time to paint. Make sure you give yourself enough time to complete the project without it raining as this could ruin your project if the paint hasn’t had a chance to rainproof. It is recommended that you allow at least two days to fully complete the project. If you are using a water-based masonry paint, which is the case 9 times out of 10, do not paint at temperatures below 5°C. This is because the paint has a hard time drying at these temperatures.

You will need:

Masonry roller (long pile roller)

Paint Tub or Scuttle

Synthetic brush

stamen

masking tape

wall color

Exterior putty & spatula (may be required)

scraper (may be required)

120 grit sandpaper (may be required)

1. Preparation

Preparation is one of the most important parts of the decorating process which is why it is vital that you take your time at this stage as it will pay off with the finished results.

The very first part of the exterior wall preparation process is to make sure the surface is intact. Often the elements can take their toll on the brick or stone and cause it to crack. By repairing these cracks or holes, you ensure that no moisture can penetrate the wall. Begin by removing any loose material from the hole that may be preventing the filler from adhering. Then fill the surface with a good exterior filler such as Toupret Masonry Repair Filler. When this is completely dry, sand it back to a smooth edge with 120 grit sandpaper.

One step that many DIYers miss when painting garden walls is the cleaning. If the surface is not clean and free of fungus, the paint may not adhere initially and over time any fungus may bloom causing the paint to fail. Begin by rinsing the wall with a garden hose to remove dirt and rumble from the surface. You can then apply a fungicidal masonry cleaner such as Emperor Masonry Cleaner to the garden wall with a brush, this will completely kill any bacteria and ensure the surface is completely free of contaminants. Allow this to dry for at least 2 hours before proceeding.

The final part of the prep process is to mask off any surfaces that you do not plan to paint, for the cleanest possible finish. Apply a good quality outdoor masking tape to all edges of the wall to ensure you get the cleanest possible finish. It’s also a good idea to put on a duster to save yourself the hassle of removing masonry paint from the floor when you’re done.

2. Prime

If you are painting a garden wall that has never been painted before, like most other bare surfaces, you will need to prime it before painting. If you are merely touching up previously painted brickwork, this step is not necessary.

If you are using Emperor Paint you will need to use the Emperor Paint Primer as this is also water repellent and highly breathable ensuring full super hydrophobic performance. Masonry primer is a thin, milky substance that is easily applied with a masonry roller or brush. It requires only one coat and must be applied in completely dry conditions. Apply a thin, even coat of primer to the brickwork, making sure to cover the entire surface. After fully priming the area, allow 3-5 hours to fully dry before painting.

3. Paint

Then it’s time to paint! We recommend starting at the top of the wall and working your way down as this allows you to go over any drips of paint. Starting at the edges with a brush, apply your first coat of color. A synthetic brush is best for use with a water-based paint, which is the vast majority of masonry paints. You can get specially designed masonry brushes with highly durable bristles for use on rough surfaces.

Once you’ve painted all the edges, you can paint the rest of the area with your long-pile paint roller. We recommend a long nap roller as this has the longest filaments, allowing you to pick up more paint on your roller and apply to any small gaps on the wall. The goal of this first coat is not to create a solid color finish, but to build up a solid coat of paint that will help the slightly thicker top coat adhere. You can thin your first coat by 10% to make it easier to apply to the wall, but you should not water down your second coat. When you are finished with your first coat, allow it to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which in the case of Emperor Masonry Paint will take up to 8 hours. Once dry you can then apply the second coat to the wall to ensure you get your desired finish as this will be your final coat of paint. If you use a high-quality wall paint, you only need two coats. However, if you use a color that didn’t achieve your desired finish, apply a third. Once the entire wall is completely painted, let it dry and remove your masking tape.

frequently asked Questions

Q. Can you paint a garden wall?

Yes, a load-bearing garden wall can be painted as long as there are adequate waterproofing measures on the inside of the wall to prevent moisture from the soil seeping through the wall. If there is a waterproof membrane on the back of your retaining wall, using a highly breathable masonry paint will allow water vapor to escape from the retaining wall and help maintain moisture levels. If a paint with poor breathability was used, this moisture could build up and eventually cause the paint to fail.

Q. Can you paint damp garden walls?

Garden walls must be completely dry before painting, especially with a water-based paint as most wall paints are. You should not paint a damp garden wall until you have addressed the problem that is causing the moisture. The reason for this is usually penetrating moisture caused by water ingress on an outer wall. Impregnating walls with a waterproof masonry paint will prevent this moisture and the damp patches should not recur. Always wait for temperatures to rise and the wall to dry before painting.

Q. What is breathability and how does it work?

A term that many people get confused with is “breathability” when it comes to brickwork paint. Raw, untreated masonry is both porous (meaning it absorbs moisture) and breathable (meaning it allows water vapor to flow freely). This breathability is critical to allowing the interior of the property to shed moisture that naturally builds up from condensation. This means that while it is crucial to prevent moisture from entering the building, it is even more important to release moisture from the building as blockage would severely damage the building materials and lead to major moisture problems. For this reason, every wall paint must be breathable so that this moisture can escape. Breathability is measured using an SD value, with anything below 1 being considered breathable. In independent tests, an untreated wall was measured at 0.57, while the same wall painted with Emperor Masonry Paint was measured at 0.56. This showed that the wall painted with Emperor Masonry Paint remained almost fully breathable while exhibiting a 93.4% reduced water absorption compared to untreated. This combination of water resistance and breathability keeps mineral surfaces dry and free from moisture that causes deterioration.

Q. What is the best color to paint a garden wall?

There are hundreds of colors to choose from when it comes to painting a garden wall. Masonry paint is generally available in popular exterior shades such as white, cream and grey, which are the three most common colors for painting a garden wall. We recommend painting garden walls white, which is a color that many avoid as it tends to discolour over time. You can enjoy white in all its glory with a self-cleaning masonry paint that can give a clean, crisp and extremely modern look, especially when used in a contemporary garden. We loved what @happyharrishousebuild made of their garden with Emperor Masonry Paint, creating a state of the art outdoor space with white plaster walls enclosing their garden.

White doesn’t have to be boring. It’s the perfect color to create a background for other decorations. This Before & After is a perfect example that used a combination of blue and white colors to create a tranquil, Greek-inspired backyard that packs a lot of character into a small space. They used Emperor Masonry Paint to ensure the green growth the previous color had suffered from did not return to ensure their hard work could be admired over the long term.

Emperor Masonry Paint is available in six standard colours; White, cream, light beige, mushroom, pearl and gardenia are all popular neutral tones for exterior painting. In particular, Pearl is a light gray shade that’s perfect for a modern outdoor setting if you don’t want something as bold as white. If you have a specific light or pastel shade in mind, you can have it mixed with Emperor Masonry Paint online at Painters World, a stockist of Emperor Paint. Visit Painters World for more information.

Want more information on painting garden walls? Our in-house experts are available to answer your questions about the entire painting process. Contact one of our experts by emailing [email protected] or buy our Waterproof Wall Paint today and get FREE next working day delivery on all orders over £50.

An unsightly, tired or damaged exterior wall can become an eyesore in the garden. No matter how perfect the rest of your outdoor space is, an ugly exterior wall can attract attention for all the wrong reasons.

Turn an ugly exterior wall into a feature

For many, tearing down the wall to start over is not feasible as it can be costly and requires neighbors or council permission.

There are ways you can hide an ugly exterior wall and turn it into a feature without knocking it over. This not only improves your vision but also improves the feel of your outdoor space.

Here are a few ways you can turn an unsightly garden wall into a feature.

colour

Color is one of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your boundary walls. It can either help the wall disappear in the garden or turn an ugly outside wall into a focal point.

If you want to disguise the look of your borders, try painting the walls a dark color. Plant foliage in front of it and your wall will disappear. For those who want to make a feature of the wall, there are a few options. You can choose a bold color that contrasts with the natural colors of your landscape. You can get creative and paint a mural that is unique to your space. Alternatively, you can use other colors to add interest. Using a chalk paint can help you create a natural looking finish while adding color and texture to your exterior. It is also ideal for remodeling damaged walls or walls made of multiple materials.

You can read more about transforming your outdoor space with color here.

Make

Plaster is a great way to neutralize the entire finish of your exterior wall. For example, if you don’t like the look of your brick wall, rendering can create a smooth surface ready for painting. You can also use plaster as a medium to give the wall a light texture and sense of age.

If you’ve never rendered before and want a smooth, clean finish, this is worth exploring.

disguise

Cladding an exterior wall can be the perfect long-term solution that will help transform your space. With the variety of wall coverings available, you can choose between a rugged, organic look and a more modern, clean finish.

For example, a linear wall can be an eye-catching way to dress up your ugly exterior wall. Available in any length, this creates a flat finish that is lightweight yet embracing the properties of natural stone such as texture, color variations and imperfections. Stone wall panels are another cladding option. The natural open cut and irregular surface texture provide a robust and authentic aesthetic that looks stunning in a garden setting.

Learn how to create a timeless feature wall here.

Plant

Introducing more greenery into your outdoor space is a great way to change the look of a wall, thereby enhancing the feel of your space. Where space is at a premium, growing a creeper like Boston Ivy directly against the wall or along wires is very effective. If you prefer not to plant a self-clinging variety, you can put a trellis in front of your wall to grow vines like Star Jasmine to create the green cover you want. It is also suitable for those who do not own the wall.

Another dramatic effect, although expensive, is installing a living wall. This system helps create a dense leaf structure and when considering this option it is important that you select appropriate plants for your climate and implement a maintenance schedule.

For more advice on creating a feature wall, visit our learning library.

Featured Image: Crackenback® Freeform® Stone Wall | style interior.

While a foundation pier spacing of 8 to 10 feet is sufficient spacing to support most structures that would stand on a post and pier foundation, it is not uncommon to place this when the building is particularly tall or of heavier construction Materials such as brick or metal are made up of foundation pillars even closer together.

How many pillar blocks do I need for a 10×10 deck?

Without knowing how I came up with the number of blocks for each deck, you could arrange them incorrectly. Or not understanding why some decks have more blocks than the total weight needs. For example, a 10 x 10 floating deck requires four-deck blocks.

How far apart should you space deck blocks?

Space the deck blocks 4 to 6 feet apart to give the frame good support.

How far apart should concrete blocks be?

Lay out the block, making sure to leave 3/8″ spacing between blocks to allow for the vertical mortar joints (i.e. a typical 8x8x16 block is actually 15-5/8″ long and 7-5 /8 inches high). pick up mortar joint).

How many pillar blocks do I need for house foundation?

Generally you want support every 3-4′ for a normal occupancy building and 4-6′ for lighter situations. An average 12′ x12′ can use about 18 blocks, but more is certainly ok, just space evenly.

Pier blocks can be used in place of foundations for a permit-free ground level patio. Pillar blocks can also be used when the frost depth is less than the pillar block height.

Do I need gravel under deck blocks?

Terrace blocks should be installed on stable, non-organic material with good drainage. You can place gravel, sand, or limestone grids under a deck block. Regardless of what you put under a patio block, it must not absorb water but provide good drainage.

How to hide pier blocks?

Uneven deck piers can be hidden by planting ornamental flowers, shrubs, or vines around the perimeter of your deck. Place a weed barrier around the perimeter of your deck where you plan to place your plants. Use plastic or stone picket fences to separate the area to be landscaped from the rest of your yard.

Why do construction workers leave gaps between concrete blocks?

Durability and moisture resistance Some moisture may eventually seep through the mortar joints. For this reason, external masonry is usually carried out with a gap from the inner shell in the form of brick facing or hollow masonry.

Why are there gaps between the concrete blocks?

To accommodate the vertical mortar joints, leave a 3/8 inch gap between blocks and lay out the block. A reference line can be created by snapping a chalk line on each side of the wall.

How many pillars does a house need?

How many interior piers are needed to make a structure even: The number of piers you need depends on how uneven your slab foundation is. You may only need 1-2 interior pillars, or 10-15 and possibly even more. All foundations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

How to level pier blocks?

You can cut a slight angle at the bottom of the posts or pad the top of the post with concrete to create a level surface. Just make sure the posts are “perfect plumb”. Adding touch-up concrete to the tops of the piers is an option. Another option is to grind the concrete flat, as several posters suggested.

How far apart should concrete pillars be for a cabin?

The placement of the piers depends on the wall structure and how the weight of the building is distributed over the foundation. Common pier placement distances are 8 to 10 feet apart.

Is pier and beam the same as crawl space?

Pillar and beam foundations are one of the oldest types of foundations, typically built before the 1960’s. With this type of foundation, the bottom of the house is raised about 18 inches off the ground and supported by concrete piers or blocks. This space creates a so-called crawl space.

Hi

I would recommend 1 in each corner and 1 centrally between the 2.

This helps with both strength and support for the wall panel.