Find the Best Bricklayers Near You

Bricklaying Professionals for Hire on iseekplant

Bricklaying is an in-demand trade in the construction industry, known for its craftsmanship and attention to detail. At iseekplant, we connect you with experienced bricklaying professionals across Australia. From residential projects to large commercial constructions, our skilled bricklayers have the expertise to handle various bricklaying tasks.

Bricklaying Rates Guide

Understanding the costs associated with bricklaying services is crucial for budgeting any construction project. Typically, bricklayers charge by the number of bricks laid or on a day rate. The average cost can range from $1.50 to $3.50 per brick, depending on the complexity of the work. Day rates vary between $300 to $500.

Bricklaying Costs per 1,000 Bricks

Note: All prices listed on this page are estimates, exclude GST and are in AUD. Price estimates can vary based on location and additional requirements.

Bricklaying Costs by Location

Bricklaying costs can heavily vary between certain locations, and this is associated with the demand and supply in the area, as well as varying costs of inputs like bricks and mortar. Here are some comparisons in bricklaying costs between Sydney, Perth and Melbourne:

Sydney

• Standard clay common bricks – $640
• Facing bricks clay (standard) – $940
• Cement mortar per 1000 standard bricks – $145

Perth

• Standard clay common bricks – $814
• Facing bricks clay (standard) – $953
• Cement mortar per 1000 standard bricks – $87.50

Melbourne

• Standard clay common bricks – $560
• Facing bricks clay (standard) – $690
• Cement mortar per 1000 standard bricks – $92.50

Bricklaying Costs by Job Type

The kind of job you want a bricklayer to do for you can be a big determining factor as to what the price will be. Complex jobs will always mean that the bricklayer will charge more for a job. Here are the types of bricklaying jobs and the average bricklaying costs:

• Garden Walls: $1,175 – $2,711
• Laying Foundations: $6,506 – $18,073
• Creating Openings for Doors and Windows: $903 – $1,807 (for each opening)
• Garage Building: $32,531 – $54,220
• Laying Patio: $1,626 – $4,518
• Building Fireplace: $361 – $1,084
• Building Steps: $451 – $1,355
• Removing a Wall: $542 – $3,163

Additional Costs to Consider in Bricklaying Projects

When planning a bricklaying project, it's important to consider all potential costs beyond the basic hire rates. These additional expenses can significantly impact the overall budget of your project:

Remember, costs can vary based on the specifics of your project. To get a tailored quote that includes all potential fees and charges, use our Get a Quote tool. This service connects you with our trusted suppliers, ensuring you receive an accurate and customised estimate for your bricklaying needs.

Factors Affecting Bricklaying Costs

Here are the various factors that affect the cost of a bricklaying job:

Brick Type

The type of brick you are using for your construction will affect the cost of laying the bricks more than anything else, and bricks are different from each other. Handmade bricks, for instance, are considered to be pricier than engineering bricks, and that means you budget for more money if you're going to use them. Building blocks are used as an added support to the bricks even though there's not much difference in their prizes. However, they're easier to lay and quicker to lay. Some brick types include:

• Handmade Bricks: These are carefully crafted bricks by specialists. This makes them more expensive than standard bricks, and they're used in conservative areas.
• Wire Cut Bricks: Wire cut bricks are characterised by having holes across their length. They are mostly used as facing bricks.
• Reclaimed Bricks: These are bricks that have been used for a former structure but are reclaimed and reused for another structure.
• Common Concrete Bricks: These types of bricks are often used internally in the house because they're not as durable as the other bricks.
• Engineering Bricks: Engineering bricks are built for strength and are used for structures that should be damp-proof. They can retain water.
• Facing Bricks: They're the most common type of brick mostly in use in the UK.
• Building Blocks: These are produced to be attractive with beautiful patterns, and that makes them predominantly used indoors due to their attractiveness.

Level of Risk or Job Difficulty

The majority of the bricklaying job is often done outdoors and is mostly exposed at heights that can put them in danger. Working at such heights can put bricklayers at risk of falling and getting seriously injured. Laying bricks in such conditions will mean that bricklayers will charge more for them to use special equipment to secure themselves from falling.

Additional Services

Building a brick wall does not involve using the brick alone. You would have to use bricklaying materials such as cement, mortar, clay bricks, and then pay for labour costs. The implication is that you may have to factor in all these services before estimating how much it would cost for you to finish your work.

Building Extensions

Adding a second storey to your home and using bricks on their walls would always attract extra charges when you employ a bricklayer. The quality of the bricks that you would use in such conditions should not be ignored as they would determine if the job can be completed or not. Moreover, using brick veneer materials may increase the overall cost of the job.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are made to retain earth materials and prevent them from falling off or eroding. Brick retaining walls are complex structures to build and involve measuring the distance between the laying of each brick. This makes the process considerably costlier to make than the average brick wall due to its structural integrity.

Brick Fences

Brick fences are fences that are designed entirely out of bricks from to bottom. Brick fences are attractive and will add value to the beauty of your home due to their durability and ability to withstand degradation. Brick fencing in Australia is often charged by the hour at an average cost of between $60 and 100.

Brick Repointing

Brick repointing is the process of repairing the mortar joints between bricks or other masonry elements. This is done over time to a brick structure to strengthen it, and the process is a delicate one. Bricklayers often charge more to repoint bricks due to the attention to detail that it commands when it's done. The defective mortar is removed and replaced with a fresh one which attracts extra labour than usual. Brick pointing or repointing average costs in Australia stand between $5 and $25 per linear metre.

Fireplace Installations

Fireplaces are mostly built with bricks due to their ability to withstand heat and their low heat conductivity. Building a fireplace will require using standard bricks that will last for a very long time. This would require the bricklayer to use some of the most sophisticated materials, such as mortar and other equipment. The average cost of building a fireplace in Australia is between $1,900 and $4,500.

Heavy Equipment You Need in Bricklaying

In addition to hand tools, several heavy equipment and services play a vital role in bricklaying projects to ensure efficiency and quality:

• Mixers: Mixers are essential for mixing mortar consistently. They ensure the right consistency and quality for bricklaying.
• Scaffolding (e.g., Aluminium Scaffold Hire): Provides safe and accessible working platforms for bricklayers. It's crucial for working on elevated sections.
• Compactors: Compactors are used for ground preparation, ensuring a solid and level base for the bricklaying work.
• Concrete Pumps: Concrete pumps facilitate the efficient transfer of concrete for foundations and other structural elements in larger projects.

This table provides an overview of key heavy equipment and their roles in bricklaying projects and estimated hire rates:

Safety Standards in the Bricklaying Trade

Safety in bricklaying ensures worker protection and enhances work quality. Adherence to safety standards is a legal requirement, reflecting the importance of a safe working environment. Every aspect of bricklaying, from equipment handling to personal protective equipment (PPE), is governed by these standards. These safety measures keep your job site safe and efficient:

• Protective Gear: Bricklayers must wear PPE like safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots. This gear protects against common hazards like flying debris and sharp objects.
• Scaffolding and Supports: These are essential for stability and safety when working at heights. Properly erected scaffolding prevents falls and supports workers and materials.
• Regular Safety Training: Ongoing training is crucial for understanding new risks and safety methods. It ensures workers are up-to-date with the latest safety practices and regulations.
• Employer Responsibilities: Employers must ensure all safety measures are rigorously applied. This includes regular site inspections and providing the necessary safety equipment.
• Workplace Health and Safety Regulations: Compliance with these regulations is mandatory. They provide a framework for identifying and managing workplace hazards.

Feeling like a DIY Bricklaying Project? Here’s a Step-by-Step Guide to Basic Bricklaying

Bricklaying is a skillful trade that requires precision and patience. This list provides step-by-step instructions to master the basics, ensuring quality workmanship.

1. Preparing the Foundation: A sturdy foundation is critical for the stability of the structure. Ensure the base is level and compact to prevent future shifting or settling.
2. Mixing Mortar: Mortar acts as a bonding agent for bricks. Mix to a firm, workable consistency to ensure strong adhesion and lasting durability.
3. Laying the First Brick: The first brick sets the line for the rest. Align it accurately with your string line to ensure a straight and even brick layout.
4. Applying Mortar: Evenly spread mortar on the base and sides of bricks. Consistent mortar application is key to a uniform and strong brick wall.
5. Checking Alignment: Use a spirit level frequently to check brick alignment. Consistent level checks ensure a straight and structurally sound wall.

Tips for Hiring a Bricklayer

A good bricklayer can build or construct a building using bricks and other types of bricklaying jobs. The average of hiring bricklayers in Australia ranges between $40 and $60 per hour. Therefore, when trying to hire one for your house project, you need to do research about them. There are online reviews from past customers who have hired bricklayers before. You can contact these clients and ask them what it means to work with the bricklayer involved. It would give you an insight into the experience and professionalism of the bricklayer.

Once you've done the background work on the bricklayer, you can rest assured that you're dealing with an expert in bricklaying and not just a novice or an unprofessional person. Bricklayers are usually licensed to perform big projects. You have to ask them for their licence before any other thing to ensure that they've been licensed to handle such projects.

Transform Your Project with Expert Bricklaying Services

Start your construction journey with iseekplant! We're your gateway to connecting with top-tier bricklaying professionals across Australia. With a vast network of skilled bricklayers, we assure quality craftsmanship tailored to your project specifications. Whether it's residential or commercial, our bricklaying specialists have the expertise and tools to bring your vision to life. Need additional construction equipment or materials? We've got you covered with a range of options from backhoes, trenchers and other equipment you need to get the job done.

For any questions or to receive tailored guidance, reach out to us at projects@iseekplant.com.au or call us at 1300 691 912. Ready to elevate your construction project? Click 'Get a Quote' and let's start building your success today!