How to Replace Brick Foundations

A strong brick wall in your garden can add elegance. However, a brick wall without the correct foundation can become a hazard. Strong winds or shifting soil can cause the brick wall to crumble and fall, potentially causing injury if someone is nearby. A brick wall foundation doesn't need to be terribly complex to ensure stability; a fairly shallow trench with concrete will give the brick wall all the strength it needs to stay standing.

Mason line
Shovel
Concrete
Wheelbarrow
Lumber
Trowel
Plastic sheeting

Instructions

- 1
  Run a mason's line along the length of the proposed brick wall. This gives you a straight line to work along.
- 2
  Dig a trench 12 inches wide by 12 inches deep along the mason line.
- 3
  Tamper down the soil in the trench to make it as flat as possible.
- 4
  Pour a bag of concrete into a wheelbarrow at one end. Pour the amount of water recommended on the packaging into the wheelbarrow and mix the concrete and water with a shovel.
- 5
  Pour the concrete into the trench. Hit the ground near the trench with a rubber mallet to break up any air bubbles.
- 6
  Run a long piece of wood along the cement to make it as smooth as possible. Run a trowel over troubled spots. Allow the cement to dry until water appears on the surface, then wipe the water away using the trowel.
- 7
  Cover the concrete with a length of plastic sheeting for three to five days to allow it to cure before building the brick wall on top.

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