Unless you grew up the child of a mason or bricklayer, you will be hard-pressed to not only know who does what but also what tools you might need to get started on your own.  You could always hire someone to come in and perform this kind of work for you, but you might like it better if you could save money by doing some easier projects yourself. Let’s talk about basic brick masonry tools and the kinds of “apprentice-type” projects that you could tackle first.

For Brick Work  – One Trowel Will Not Cut It

The masonry trowel is the most basic hand tool that is used in brick or stone work to mix, spread, level, and shape the mortar or concrete used in between your bricks. They come in several shapes and sizes that are designed for different tasks, and also have lots of different names, like brick-, gauging-, or margin-trowels. A great place to learn about how to use the trowel is by watching project-specific clips on YouTube or locating books or ebooks on the use of brick masonry tools by searching the internet or visiting a home improvement store. Having a conversation with a handyman or neighbor who has done a similar project can also help.  

Tools Sets for Brickwork Bundle Several Tools at a Discount

So that you don’t incur the expense of buying six or seven tools separately, you will find that many sites like eBay and Amazon offer sets that include every tool a beginner needs to tackle basic repair and rebuilt projects.  These sets will usually include but are not limited to, a few different trowels, a joint raker, line blocks, a convex jointer and a utility brush. You may also need a brick hammer, a rubber mallet, a level, a tape measure, and string line and line pins. Available tool sets are of varying qualities, so be sure to read reviews before you purchase and research how each tool is used before starting your project.

These Kinds of Projects Are Best For Beginners

Just so you know the difference, bricklayers lay bricks, while masons lay any combination of stones, cinder blocks, and bricks. You’ll want to start with a simple project that can help you perfect your bricklaying skills.  A simple 4-level brick wall in front of a gardening space is a reasonable beginner’s project. You could also build a larger wall, with no curves to separate two patio spaces. Either way, working with projects that are not lengthy will give you the opportunity to feel accomplished and the ability to critique your work and make changes in your techniques for future projects.

For More Complicated Projects You May Want to Hire a Professional

DIY is not always the best answer and can sometimes result in costly demolition and redundant costs for the same repair or rebuild.  Affordable Tuckpointing Pros (http://affordabletuckpointingpros.com/) is a 5 Star-rated company that provides an array of services, including masonry restoration, chimney repairs, tuckpointing for commercial or residential buildings, as well as waterproofing and aesthetic upgrades.  The family-owned business can help provide protection, prevention, and peace of mind to you and your family. Customers say they are reliable, knowledgeable, affordable, accommodating, and clean. Keep them in mind for your more complicated projects that may require permits and inspections.