Blocklaying: Step by step

© 2013 City and Guilds of London Institute. All rights reserved. 1 of 14
Level 1 Diploma in Bricklaying
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Blocklaying: Step by step
Unit 103: Carrying out blocklaying activities

Step 1
Setting out blockwork should always be the first step when building a
block wall.
Always set out two courses dry and mark their positions.
When the blockwork has been marked on the concrete, make sure
that you do not cover your marking with mortar.

Step 2
You can now start to build the blockwork against the markings. At this
stage, the end blocks can be positioned, ensuring that they can be
levelled against each other.
Use a straight edge and spirit level to do this. Ensure the straight
edge is long enough; if not, set up level station points.

Step 3
At the same time as setting out, you can also extend the corner (quoin)
and form a 90° right-angled quoin using a builder’s square.
The quoin has the 100mm cuts fixed every other course to help
maintain the bond.
Don’t forget:
the number of
plumbing points
increase when
forming a quoin.

Step 4
This illustration shows just where
to plumb with this type of wall.
Check for square upon completion
of each course.

Step 5
As the blockwork courses
increase, the ranging must be
undertaken.
The dotted line in this illustration
shows the angle at which to hold
your level or straight edge.
Ranging ensures that the wall has
a flat surface on the face of the
blockwork.
Ranging for the racking back is the
same as for brickwork – see Unit
104.

Step 6
When building a quoin in
blockwork, always ensure that the
stepped (racking back) is
plumbed.
This has to be undertaken at each
course.
The dotted line shows the ranging
position.

Step 7
Building blockwork course
by course requires the
bricklayer to gauge the
courses.
Each course equals
213mm plus a bed joint:
215 + 10 = 225mm.

Step 8
Each course at both sides of a wall must be level with each other.
Each step in the courses can be levelled using a straight edge and
level.

Step 9
Maintaining level courses in blockwork can be difficult.
The best way to do this is to use a line and corner blocks arrangement.

Step 10
As the wall proceeds in height,
perping becomes important.
To maintain a full and complete
perp, stand the block on end and
lay the perp as you would a bed
joint.
Perp joint

Step 11
Finishing a joint flush can be achieved with a laying trowel.
Remember to always push the trowel with the joint and never lift the
excess up the face.

Step 12
Achieving a half-round finish to a
joint can be done using a half-
round jointer.
Always joint the perps first, then
the bed joints. This will prevent
leaving any half-round jointer
marks in the bed joints.

Any questions?

Blocklaying: Step by step

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