Even a simple brick fence still requires special equipment and the skills of qualified bricklayers.
The cost of a brick wall is higher than alternative fence types such as wood. However, brick fencing has more advantages. It is more durable and with proper maintenance will serve you for a long time. The total cost to build a brick wall is higher because of the cost of buying bricks and other materials required. The price of a brick fence can vary between $800 to $1200+ per square metre.
Type of brick work | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Replace a damaged brick pier | $3,000 |
Repair damage on a brick fence | $2,000 |
Minor rendering | $1,300 |
Increase the height of a brick fence | $1,000 |
Replace a few bricks on an existing fence | $800 to $1,000 |
Fill gaps in an existing brick fence | $500 |
Most bricks are generally sold per thousand. Concrete masonry bricks are priced between $800 to $1,000 per 1,000. Modular concrete bricks will cost around $1,300 more per 1,000 units (290 x 90 x 90mm).
The price for 1,000 standard clay bricks ranges from $600 to $850
Modular clay bricks are priced between $800 to $1,000 per 1,000
Additional costs to building a brick fence include the wall type and intricate designs and finishes will cost more to build. Fees payable to the local council will inflate the total average cost to build a brick wall if they are necessary.
However, bricks are much stronger than wood, and the structural design of a brick fence is more complicated as well. Nevertheless, because wooden fences are easier to install and less expensive in comparison to brick fences, they will remain a better choice for many homeowners. For those who want a more effective fence with greater structural integrity, bricks may be the way to go.
Mortar and sand are used to secure the bricks together.
The sand used can either be wet or dry sand, depending on whether it is exposed to water. The sand used for exposed structures will need to be dampened during installation.
Mark out the outlines of the brickwork (i.e. border of your yard).
Excavate your soil to make room for the bottom row of bricks, if required.
Lay down bedding mortar (a mixture made from sand and premixed cement) on top of where you will place your bricks.
Place, level and align each brick carefully with its neighbour (there should be no gaps between neighbouring bricks).
Screed off the excess mortar and then allow the entire structure to dry.
Apply a thin coat of premixed cement (referred to as 'render') over the brick surface.
Allow it to dry, and apply further coats if needed for a more durable finish.
These bricks are durable and can restrain against harsh conditions such as fires, floods and earthquakes.
These bricks are long-lasting and fire-resistant. They are less likely to break compared to regular sanded clay blocks.
These bricks are usually the preferred option for fence construction due to their wide variety of sizes, thickness and shapes. For example, Jumbo or large format bricks can be used for decorative purposes while the smaller size blocks are better suited for structural strength.
These types of blocks are less expensive than masonry bricks but lack in durability. They are not made from clay so they will not absorb water easily. Sanded clay blocks typically come with premixed mortar, making them easier to use during construction.
They are highly durable and will prevent cracking better than other types of blocks during harsh weather conditions such as heavy rainfall or sunlight. However, the high durability comes with a higher cost for these bricks.
A standard brick fence will take around two to three days to finish if all the materials to construct the new fence and site conditions are ready. This includes excavation, laying of blocks and mortar, rendering and painting. Installing other types of custom brick walls such as brick piers or thin brick veneer may take a longer time. The fence builder will be able to estimate the time it will take for such specialised brick wall work. Also, if there is an old fence that needs demolition, the time required may be longer. To get an estimate of how long it will take to complete your brick wall, consult the fencing contractors near you.
A brick fence will need regular sweeping and repointing every few years in order to maintain strength and durability. Avoid using detergents when washing your brick fence because it may affect the colour of the mortar, which may cause it to discolour and crumble over time. Rendering a fence is done every 4-8 years on average, depending on the quality of rendering and size of the area. Modern renders are designed to be breathable and last a long time. They still prevent water from entering at the bottom but allow moisture out as well. Regularly repointed brick fences require less maintenance over time as their life span increases considerably. Replacement bricks should be installed when brick wall fencing materials crack or break to prevent further damage to the wall. In general, the material used will dictate how much maintenance is necessary to increase the lifespan of the fence.
Other alternatives to a brick wall that last long is the wrought iron or the steel fence option. However, the cost of a brick wall is less than that of the metal materials.
A bricklayer or brickie as local tradies are commonly referred to is a tradesperson who specialises in the laying of bricks and masonry. They may also be called on to repair, replace and install bricks as well as build brick structures such as those found in fireplaces, chimneys and patios. A bricklayer's duties can vary depending on the type of projects he is working on from laying plain bricks to complex designs. To build a brick fence, a bricklayer will need to lay the bricks in mortar onto a framework of wood or metal. When laying bricks, bricklayers must use trowels for smoothing and levelling the bedding mortar. They must remove excess mortar before pointing up joints by running the trowel along with them in a smooth motion. When the mortar dries, they will need to use pointing trowels to finish the joints by packing the mortar into them. To build a brick wall, a bricklayer will need to apply the mortar onto a framework of wood or metal as well as place and set bricks. They may also use grouting for colouring joints between bricks. When the walls are dry, they will need to cover them with rendering or painting depending on customer specifications. In addition to building bricks, bricklayers may also repair damaged bricks. They need to remove any old mortar before re-pointing edges and repointing all visible areas of the wall with new mortar. Bricklayers should always check that waterproof membranes have not been broken by assessing cracks in facades thoroughly.
The cost of hiring a bricklayer depends on several factors. Typically, the complexity of the work and the size of the brick wall to be built in linear feet or metres are key determinants. The cost to place common bricks is different from that of laying specialised work such as rendered brickwork.
Bricklayers can charge hourly rates. Others charge per brick laid. Get brick laying price estimates for both approaches and choose the more affordable option. There are many legalities surrounding neighbourhood fencing. Take a look at those in New South Wales, but check if they apply to your area.