Bricklaying is related to, but different from a stone mason. As the name suggests, bricklaying is a technique that involves the use of bricks to construct brickwork. This is also considered an ancient profession because it is a technique that has been used for many centuries. Like masons, a bricklayer is also a craftsman who goes to trade schools or serves apprenticeships in order to acquire this specialized skill.
So why do you need to hire a bricklayer? Bricklaying is considered as one of the most fundamental trades because it is, quite literally, the building block of construction projects. Many people assume that any contractor can just do bricklaying, but it actually requires a specific set of skills. Hiring a general contractor for a project that requires a more delicate or subtle approach in regards to bricklaying may result in a costly mistake.
In addition to that, there are a myriad of other things that a bricklayer can contribute to your project.
What a Bricklayer Does
Many people make the mistake of thinking that a bricklayer’s job description is limited to just one thing – the laying or layering of bricks. However, they would be sorely mistaken, as becoming a certified bricklayer requires basic knowledge of other forms of masonry in most countries, and the average bricklayer will be well versed in the following things:
- Mortar/Cement Mixing: A professional bricklayer will know how to create the correct mixture to create for layering mortar/cement, as they’re synonymous with any proper bricklaying project.
- Fireproofing: This skill is not as widespread among bricklaying professionals as of yet, but a steadily increasing percentage of bricklayers (or “brickies”, in Australian English) are becoming well known for being able to fireproof buildings or walls through the reinforcement of terra cotta and brick.
- Maintenance: It’s a given, but brick – as with almost every material used in construction – is susceptible to erosion or degradation. This doesn’t mean the end of the world, though! You can just hire a bricklayer, and you’ll find that he or she will be very experienced at replacing and/or remodeling any brick-based structure until it is almost as good as new.
- Stonework: A bricklayer will not be as experienced in this field as a specialist like a stonemason, but due to the nature of their work (the frequent use of mortar and cement in laying bricks), a bricklayer will still be more knowledgeable than the average contractor when it comes to basic stonework.
A bricklayer may not be essential to every construction project, but you’ll find that they’re necessary more often than not, and hiring the services of a professional will save you time and money.
