How to Brick an Opening

Brick walls are classic both as retaining walls and as a decorative element, but they can also be practically used to brick up openings. The process is fairly simple and, with the proper tools, you can accomplish it in just a few hours -- or even less, depending on the size of the opening. Select bricks that will blend in with the opening, matching the existing brick if possible. If the area surrounding the opening is not brick, choose a brick that will blend in with the surroundings as seamlessly as possible.

Trowel
Gravel
Level

Instructions

- 1
  Level the area in the bottom of the opening. Excavate about three inches below the opening, filling the created canal with gravel. Use the level to ensure that the the area is smooth and even.
- 2
  Lay the first row of brick, fitting the bricks into the space and leaving 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch of room between the bricks to fill with mortar.
- 3
  Using the trowel, lay a smooth layer of mortar across the top of the bricks. The mortar should be about 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick.
- 4
  Repeat the previous two steps, pressing the bricks into the mortar. With each layer, use the level to ensure that each row is level.
- 5
  Scrape the excess mortar off the surface of the brick once the entire opening is bricked.
- 6
  Use the trowel to add extra mortar in any spaces where there are gaps. Use the trowel to fill the spaces, then scrape it clean.

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