Any good tips on laying cement blocks?

I'm planning on building a raised patio off of the back of my house. It will require a footer, laying cement block, fill dirt and a poured concrete surface. Drawback is that I've been unsuccessful in locating a contractor that is willing to do it. Hence, I'll do it myself. However, since I haven't layed block before, can anyone offer me a few pointers on how to keep the blocks level and straight? Any other pointers would be appreciated too.

Yes, elgil, I've tried hiring someone, but after 6 months of rejection, I've decided to do it myself.

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Laying a Cement Block Wall
Home Depot will teach you all the essentials

nope

level?? well try to make 2-4 stakes around the area, and make a level line with a rope/sttring, then use the string to level the base, or use something else to level the base. let it sit for a little wile, then apply the bricks

Get a cement-block laying goose (ha ha, just joking).

On a more serious note, I would suggest you get a book from the Home Depot or any other DIY place, which will show you how to do it step by step, with pictures and good practices. There are some good suggestions made above, but nothing beats a professional DIY book or even instructions on a website.

This site is really good:

http://www.masonryforlife.com/BlockWalls...

I'm going to try building some walls outside this summer. I am really nervous about it, but a friend says, "All you have to do is lay one brick straight and level. You can do that, right?"

The funny thing is, he expects me to say, "Sure, I can do that."

This site is really helpful. I feel much more ocnfident since I found it.

Check the Do It Yourself network from the Television show at http://www.diynet.com/ and see if you can get some more pointers.

I was going to write out a bunch of stuff from when we did it but I found a site that says it all...It's got some really awesome tips and it's really thorough...

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-laying-con...

I will give this tip though...Make sure you check the forecast two days ahead of time. Rain can spoil your hard work so plan for a week when there isn't a chance and make sure to keep tarps and straps handy just in case...

1st you need a permit you start building something and someone calls the city you will get ceases work order and they will tag your house and a big fine , then learn to set block

get someone who knows how to do it to do the job :)

You need to squish the blocks in very tightly together and put sand down where you are going to put the blocks out and faltten out the sand first to the blocks will be level-but don't let the sand get wet.Good Luck!

!~don't pour it on yourself ~! (^_^)

you need about 1/2 " of mortor between the footer and the first block, then between each one after that. if you have a string, you can run it the length of the area you are working, and get a string level, so you can see how you have to adjust each block.

well, first know where you're going to put them. Kneel to pick them up with both hands, because they're haeavy, walk slow to where they're going to go and place them carefully.

Intall your Footing. Install your concrete setting bed. Install first Block have one half inch of setting bed under first block use spacer if required. Go to first corner and set second block same as first. check both for level and square and plumb and install dry line then place. remaining block Plumb level and square remove excess setting bed mud as you go. Try one level at a time. get started right. fill cells with concrete not dirt do use re bar per city code and finish with concrete block caps. you do need a helper and a mistake will not forgive. Take your time and do it right

A) Don't drop them on your feet, hands, head ...
B) Wear gloves.
C) Start at the bottom and work yourself up.
D) Allow for drainage and cover with plastic if it rains.


Are you really going to read all the answers??

don't know

Yes i have a good tip on laying blocks. Make sure to lay it properly.

Be very, very, careful.
Good luck

Watch your toes? Good Luck!

Use fresh cement mortar, not older than 45 minutes.
Use line, straight edge and level to maintain lines.
Keep wet at least 20 days after completion.
You can not do it alone, involve a friend or family member otherwise hire some one ot help you.
Use proper tools.
Take it as a fun and not as a compulsion.
Enjoy, nothing like doing it yourself, even if you do not match the quality you will cherish the experience.

put the cement on the blocks.

Don't leave ur feet in the wet cement all day or else...just kidding. I think that you should make sure that u r safe first of all and that you lay the cement down evenly and smoothly. You wouldn't want crooked blocks or patio 4 that matter. Hope I could Help!

best tip ever....do a good job!! : )

Have you decided on what kind/size of stone you may lay?
one idea is to find really cheap broken stone at any stone yard even home depot sells broken stone real cheap. You can create a wonderful mosaic design from broken pieces.

Once the yard is cleared use black plastic at least 6 mil or more to prevent weeds and plenty of sand for levelling and drainage. When checking stones for level be sure to use a long level and check parallel to your house first and 90 degrees from that. You should have a slight sloop (1/8" every 10 ft) away from the house so water will NOT pool nor run toward or near the house. The sand maybe enough to hold the patio together for sometime before laying any permanment mortar or concrete. That way the design is flexible.

36 answers already, If I steal someones idea do not hang me. No time to review right now. I suggest that you have a wheel barrow with water to wet your block. The wet block will draw the mortar into the crevices and make a strong bond. Get the mixture right and use line levels as well as running levels. A garnen hose with water makes a good level for hills and uneven ground over long runs.

The first thing you have to do is put in your footer. Depending on the size of the building, the footer thickness and width must be determined. Start by leveling the ground whre the building is to be. When the ground is level and compacted start your footer by nailing together the footer material 2X4, 2X6, 2X8, whatever the thickness is to be.
Make a square or rectangle eight inches longer than each dimention of the building, that allows four inches wider than the blocks. Square the frame by cross measuring katy-corner. Next make the inside part of the form. If you're using eight inch blocks, make the inside part sixteen inches smaller. Make sure everything is perfectly level,
Laying the blocks - - Put your corner blocks in first.using your level to keep them plumb. When you're two or three courses high attach a tight mason line to the top of the first row on the first side to be put up. Fill in that side, and continue down the other three sides. build the corners up higher, keeping them perfectly plumb, to the top. Your mix should be one part mortar mix to three parts clean sand. Don't cheat on the mortar mix, don't use portland cement unless you add line. Don't use too much water in the mix. Make small batches of mix.

use a three foot level, and a shorter level, this helps a bit because you dont have much time before the blocks start to set. always build up a corner of two or three coarse of block before building the walls, you will also need half blocks where you have to break the block in half, this is where a diamond bladed saw or a good brick hammer comes in handy, if you hit them just right a few times along each side, they break easily and perfectly. when pouring your footing, try to get it as level as possible, again a large level comes in handy for this. if it isnt perfect its ok you can use mortar to build it up a bit but it gets costly. your footing should be about 12inch to 16 inches in width. You just need enough room to lay the block with a couple inches to spare so dont make it too big because then you will waste alot of cash on concrete.

i have nothing to say here sorry ask a professional

First you need a spirit level for levelness,next your need a thick string for straightness starting point and end point.All bricks should alternate out.You need to remove the vegetation and compact the soil before starting out.Always set out from the highest floor level while you then compensate with extra mortar for the lowest level.One part cement with 5 or 6 part sands for mortar .happy ending!!!

HIRE SOMEONE

There are some great diy books put out by stanley at Home depot and Lowes for this very thing. One thing I do know is you must keep checking your level and plumb.Once these get off it is hard to correct and with bricks it is easy to see the mistakes. The string idea works great!