Building a brick wall might sound like a simple task, but it can be surprisingly hard if you do not plan properly. Many homeowners who tried to build a brick wall in their garden found out that it is a lot harder than it looks. Different things, like the bricks’ size and material and the wall’s height, can make this task more tedious and often more costly than expected.
In the UK, a brick wall with only one layer of bricks can only be 52 centimetres tall. Moreover, different regions have different rules about how high and thick brick walls should be. The estimated cost is per standard 65-millimetre brick and includes VAT. If you want to build a wall, you should know how much a new brick wall will cost so you can plan your budget. In addition, building a cavity wall will give your home a significant layer of insulation and protection.
For a retaining wall, however, you will need a different plan to get the job done. You might want a garden wall for many reasons, such as to make your yard look nicer, give you more privacy, divide your yard, and so on. But if you do not know what you are doing, the cost of building can be high.
You can save money if you buy bricks in bulk instead of one at a time. Also, our guide will tell you how much a garden wall usually costs and what factors affect the price. Employing a professional bricklayer gets the job done smoothly; not only that, but it can also help cut down costs compared to doing it on your own.
How Much Does Brick Wall Construction Cost?
How much it will cost to build a brick wall in your garden depends on several factors. However, the size of the wall and the type of bricks you choose are the two most important aspects. The average cost of a standard brick garden wall will depend on how long and thick the wall is. Thus, you can choose to build a thick wall or one with an average size.
A wall with two layers of bricks will cost twice as much as a wall of the same size with only one layer of bricks. On average, a garden brick wall will cost between £70 and £120 per square metre but can rise to £300 per square metre. But this is just a rough estimate based on the current market rates. With machine-made bricks, a small 5m x 1.2m wall can cost as little as £530. Moreover, if you want a precise price quote, you might want to hire professional brick wallers from Bark.com.
If the bricks are handmade or reused, the same size wall can cost as much as £1,100. Using handmade bricks can give your wall a neat, clean, bright, distinctive look hence their high costs. It costs about £825 to build a 1m x 4m brick wall with a single skin. The new brick wall will cost about £1,450 for a single layer that is 1m high and 12m long. If you want to build a wall with facing bricks, you can expect to pay between £50 and £80 per square metre for the materials. Slate bricks will cost between £100 and £150 per square metre. Of course, the cost of materials can change depending on how many wall skins are built and other things, like the type of bricks used.
| Wall Type | Average Cost | Time Frame |
| 1m x 4m Single Skin | £830 | 1-2 days |
| 1m x 4m Double Skin | £1,300 | 2-3 days |
| 1m x 12m Single Skin | £1,400 | 1-3 days |
| 1m x 12m Double Skin | £1,800 | 3 days |
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Cost Factors Of Building A Brick Wall:
When you decide to build a brick wall, you will find several things that affect the final cost. So, it would be best to consider these things when you are making your budget. Bark.com brings professional brick wallers to you if you need an expert opinion during your construction project. Also, you can get a free quotation from the website to give you an overview of the total expected cost. In the meantime, some main factors affect the cost of building a brick wall.
The Wall Size
How much it costs to build a brick wall depends on how big it is. You will have to pay for the bricks and the time needed to build the wall. If you need to stay within your budget, you could limit the height of the wall, which will lower the cost. Thus, the larger the wall, the more materials you will use and the longer it will take to build. These things would raise the costs of supply and labour, respectively.
The thickness of the wall is another important factor that affects cost. A 5m x 1.2m brick wall with one layer of bricks would cost between £530 and £744, while a 5m x 1.2m brick wall with two layers of bricks would cost between £840 and £1,188. The cost will be similar if you want to build a higher wall and settle for a 10m x 1.2m single-skin wall. Hence, you have noticed that the cost of building a wall goes up with its size.
| Wall Size | Number of Skins of Brick | Average Cost |
| 5m x 1.2m | 1 | £530 – £744 |
| 5m x 1.2m | 2 | £840 – £1,188 |
| 10m x 1.2m | 1 | £900 – £1,200 |
| 10m x 1.2m | 2 | £1,240 – £1,800 |
| 5m x 2m | 2 | £820 – £1,140 |
| 10m x 2m | 2 | £1,400 – £1,980 |
Dimensions
The brick wall construction cost also depends on its height and thickness. The length and height of the wall will affect how many bricks you need for construction, and the wall will cost more money if it needs more bricks. Most walls made of brick are one brick thick, and these kinds of walls are called single-skin brick walls. On the other hand, double-layer brick walls are twice as thick, hence, the name. Thus, they are built with two brick layers and cost more because they use more materials.
A single-layer brick wall will be less strong than a double-layer brick wall, even though it will cost less. Suppose you want your wall to be 500 mm or less; a single-skin brick wall would be enough because you will not need the stability of a double-skin brick wall. On the other hand, if you want to build a higher wall, you should use a double-skin brick to give the structure the extra stability and strength it needs.
The Brick Type
The type and quality of bricks you use for construction affect the total cost. Depending on the quality, a standard brick’s price is likely between £35 and £50. Brick is an excellent choice when you want to build a garden wall because it is very flexible. Moreover, manufacturers can make it in various colours and styles to fit any space. Even though it is the least expensive option, the brick’s finish, quality, type, and colour can affect its price.
Standard bricks last long and can stand the test of time. On the other hand, most people find standard brick appearance to be bland. However, if you care more about how much the wall costs than how it looks, a standard brick will do you well.
If you have money to spend, you can choose handmade bricks. Moreover, these bricks are more expensive and made on benches using specific moulds, each with a unique pattern. The price will go up with the amount of work and materials that go into making this type of brick. However, the brick’s intricate designs always outweigh the price.
The handmade bricks cost between £85 and £145. Many prefer the yellow-coloured London stock bricks, mainly known for their beautiful details and charm. They are also solid and stylish, but cost between £50 and £200, which is quite expensive. But if you want to save money, you can use bricks made by a machine. Not only are they cheaper, but they also have features that make them unique. Moreover, brick makers make a lot of high-quality bricks in large quantities, following strict guidelines to ensure consistency and accuracy.
You can also use reclaimed bricks from older buildings. However, these bricks are more expensive than standard or handmade bricks because they require a lengthy cleaning process. Used bricks cost between £100 and £300. Remember, brick style and design will affect the final cost of whatever brick you choose for your wall.
| Brick Type | Average Cost |
| Machine Made | £530 – £750 |
| Hand Made | £650 – £1,200 |
| Reclaimed | £614 – £1,140 |
Method of Construction
There are three ways of bonding the bricks during construction, but it all depends on the brick style. These styles are the stretcher bond, the English Bond and the Flemish Bond. Moreover, the bonds differ in durability, strength, and look. Also, they have varying price ranges for each type of bond.
The stretcher bond is the most common. It has a pattern that looks like stretching, and you can use it for most traditional brickwork. Stretcher bonds are not as strong as some other bonds, but it is easier to construct. This means that a stretcher bond will have lower labour costs than the English and Flemish bonds.
On the other hand, English bonds are made with facing bricks and are very sturdy. You can use stretchers and headers to make this type of bond, which means the bricks are laid across the width of the wall. Even though the English bond costs more, civil engineers prefer to use it because it is more stable and reliable. You can also get stud walls.
The last type of brick bond is the Flemish bond, which is very strong because the headers and stretchers alternate in the structure. Also, more labour and bricks are needed for this bond to work. Flemish bond is more labour intensive than the other two bond types, hence the most expensive construction method.
Duration
The cost of labour will go up as a job goes on. This is not always the case, though. For example, if labour is payable per day, you would be charged for three days of labour whether the job took two days and three hours or two days and six hours. Hence, if the labour cost is set ahead of time, the amount of time it takes will not matter.
However, if you pay your labourers daily, your brick wall construction cost will be higher. Seasoned brick workers from Bark.com can help you avoid such costs by estimating the days needed to finish the wall.
The Final Touches
Adding capping bricks to the top of your brick wall can give it the final touch it needs to look nice and be strong. With cappings, rainwater cannot get into the layers of the construction and weaken the wall. Even though they will not be completely waterproof, the cappings will keep rainwater and frost from soaking into the brick wall and cracking.
You can buy bricks with special cappings, but they will cost more because they have to be made according to your requirements. If you do not want to buy special capped bricks, you will still have to dish out extra for the layer of steel that goes on top of the brick to cap it. Even though these finishing touches cost a lot, they make it easier to take care of your brick wall.
Single Or Double Skin Brick Walls
The thickness is one of the choices you have to make that will affect how much it will cost to build a new brick wall. Single-brick walls only have one brick, and double-skin walls are twice as thick because they have two brick layers- costing more. Thus, a brick wall with only one skin will cost less to build, but it will be less stable.
Single-skin walls work for walls that are 500 mm high or less. To build a taller wall, you will need to build a double-layer brick wall with piers to make it stronger. For walls taller than 1,200 mm, you will need to hire a structural engineer to ensure the wall is safe. However, hiring an engineer will be an additional cost and add more dent to your budget.
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How Can I Save Money On Brick Wall Construction?
There are a few things that you can do to save on the cost of building a brick wall. First, you can do it yourself. If you have enough knowledge, are physically able and already have the tools and safety gear, you can start by removing the old brick walls to save money. You can also get rid of the trash on your construction site and move them to the tip to save money on hiring more people.
Moreover, you might also want to limit the height of your brick wall before you build it. You have to meet the specified height standards; a taller brick wall will need more bricks, making the job more expensive. If you want a small, simple garden wall, buying all the tools and materials from local stores is a great way to cut costs.
Once you have all the materials, you can start laying the bricks. Many guides and tutorials online can help you build a brick wall; many are beginner-friendly. This way, you do not have to hire a labourer or bricklayer, which could be very expensive.
Brick wall construction is not something you go about on a whim. A good plan carried out in a timely manner will save you time and money. Thus, what you say is essential for pricing and job execution. Expect to pay more if you keep changing your mind along the way.
Lastly, always buy smart. Getting everything you need from just one building supply store is much easier. Moreover, you will be pleasantly surprised how much you can save if you look around for the best deals. So, be sure to ask for trade prices and know how much materials cost before you buy them.
How Long Does Building A Brick Wall Take?
You might need to take down or rebuild a brick wall for many reasons. In addition to the normal wear and tear that happens over time, bad weather like wind, snow, and rain storms can also damage walls. A professional from Bark.com will charge between £900 and £1,200 to take down a 5-metre wall with a gate. This price usually includes taking out the foundations and getting rid of all the trash or renting a dumpster.
How long it takes to build a brick wall will depend on several things. The main factors are the size of the wall and the style you settle for. It will take about one to two days for a single-skin garden wall to build a 1m x and 4 m long wall, and two days for a 1m x 8m wall. However, if you choose to build a 1m x 12m, it will take you two to three days to build the wall.
A brick wall with two layers of thickness will take about two days to build if it is 1m x 4m. On the other hand, it will take two to three days if it is a 1m x 8m wall and three days if it is a 1m x 12m wall. The number of workers hired, the ease of access and the condition of the construction area determine how long the job takes. Moreover, the weather and the type of brick chosen can also affect the average job duration.
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Which Type Of Brick Wall Construction Is Best?
The best type of brick wall construction will depend on your taste and budget. However, the two layers of solid bricks used in a double-layer brick wall give it a substantial advantage over the single-layer brick wall. This brick wall can withstand even the worst weather, which is helpful in places with rough weather. Also, it keeps your house safe from earthquakes and intense storms.
The strong materials can also handle hot temperatures well, so a fire is less likely to hurt them. Moreover, the durability ensures that your house is as safe and robust as it can be, which makes it last longer. Bricks are easy to cut, especially with a diamond saw blade that you can use for many different things. On the other hand, the main benefit of single-layer bricks is that they are cheaper. Hence, you can settle for a single-layer wall if you are on a tight budget but still want a good brick wall.
How Do I Find and Hire a Professional Brick Waller?
The best way to find and hire a professional to build your brick wall is through a referral. Ask friends and family if they have hired a professional to build a brick wall and are satisfied with the work. If you know a neighbour who just got a new brick wall, you could ask them for advice. Furthermore, you could also go to Bark.com and look for a qualified professional to build the brick wall.
Choosing The Right Professional To Get The Work Done:
It is best to ask many questions to ensure you employ the best brick waller for the job. Ask if the price includes ground preparation or if that comes at an extra cost. Also, make sure you ask them about their experience to make sure you hire someone with the right skills. Moreover, if they can give you references, you will know they are good at their job and can even have an idea about their previous works.
You should also ask if they have insurance for themselves and their tools. You could be sued if they hurt themselves or damage your property when they enter the construction site. If your brick waller meets these requirements, you likely choose the right person. But you can find well-qualified bricklayers near you on Bark.com and skip all this screening because they have already done it.
Checklist for Hiring a Garden Brick Wall Builder
When you hire someone to build a wall, you usually get at least one tradesman and one labourer. So, when you ask for a quotation, ensure it includes all the costs. Here are some things to consider when choosing someone to build your brick wall.
Choose where you want to build the wall and think about any work that needs to be done on the ground before you start building. Choose how tall and long the wall will be. Remember, you will need more bricks for a taller and longer wall. Hence, the cost will be higher. Moreover, you can also find the best wall builder or bricklayer to get the job done on Bark.com.
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Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Brick Wall & Their Construction:
#1. What Are Some Brick Wall Alternatives?
You can also build a wall out of stones instead of bricks. The look of a stone wall is the same as that of a brick wall, and only the material used is different. Also, fencing is an excellent alternative to a wall if you want privacy or to mark the edge of your land. A wooden fence is an excellent choice as an alternative to a wall. Moreover, you can also get a free quote and advice about fencing from Bark.com.
Iron fences or hedging are alternatives you can consider. Both must follow specific building criteria, which can be challenging to build depending on your location and property size.
#2. How Many Bricks Do I Need per Square Metre?
When building a brick wall, you need 60 bricks for every square metre if the bricks are all the same size.
#3. What Is The Price of a Brick?
A brick’s price varies depending on the type of brick in question. Bricks cost around 50p to £1.50 per brick. When purchased in large quantities, these prices usually fall. The price quotes are generally given per thousand bricks.
#4. Do I Need Approval From The City To Build A Brick Wall?
You will not need the city’s approval to build a brick wall if you meet the following conditions:
- The brick wall is next to a public road and is no taller than one metre.
- The brick wall is no taller than two metres if placed anywhere else.
- The brick wall will not add to the height of a wall already taller than the above limits.
- No part of the brick wall is a historical landmark or part of a listed building’s property.
- No part of the wall is on the same side as a nearby listed building or its property.
- A planning condition or an Article 4 Direction has not taken away the right to build the wall.
#5. What Are The Determining Factors Of Labour Cost of Brick Wall Construction?
The cost of hiring skilled workers will depend on where you live and the accessibility of the construction site. Moreover, the number of tradespeople you hire and the construction site’s condition are also determining factors.
Labourers in cities like Maidstone and London in the South East will charge more than in cities like Glasgow and Newcastle. The labour cost is not very high in most parts of Wales and Northern Ireland. However, in Northern Durham, labourers usually charge the same rates as in the South East.
What Are The Advantages & Disadvantages of Brick Wall Construction?
Advantages
- Adding a wall to your garden can make it look better and give you more privacy.
- A brick wall also helps you make the most of your outdoor space.
- It can enhance property value.
- Brick walls are durable and can withstand extreme weather.
Disadvantages
- It can be a tedious task if you do it yourself.
- You might need a permit to build, depending on your location.
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