How to Add Privacy to a Patio With Block Walls

Lay a row of concrete blocks, without mortar, along the edge of the patio pad in the design you want the wall to assume. Place the first and last concrete blocks 3 feet from the wall of the house to create an entrance and exit on each end of the privacy wall.

Mark the design of the blocks on the patio pad with a carpenter’s chalk line. Remove the blocks and put them aside for later use.

Mix the pre-blended mortar mix in a wheelbarrow according to the label directions.

Apply mortar to the entire bottom surface and one end of the concrete block, using a mortar trowel.

Place the first block along the chalk line with the mortared end facing away from the house. Tamp the block down with the end of the trowel until approximately 1 inch of mortar is showing. Use a 12-inch carpenter’s level to make certain the block is level.

Scrape off the excess mortar from both sides of the block for use on the next block each time a block is laid.

Spread the mortar over the entire bottom and on one end of the next block and place it in line, end-to-end with the first one. Tamp the second block against the first one and down against the patio pad until it is level with the first block.

Switch to a 4-foot carpenter’s level to make certain the blocks are level when working with three blocks or more. Continue until the first layer of blocks is laid. Cut a block in half with a concrete block saw if it is necessary to make it fit.

Cut a block in half with a concrete block saw. Spread mortar on the top along the edge of the first block you laid on the patio floor and on the edges on one side. From this point, mortar is spread only on the edges of the block. Place the half block on top of it, tamp the half block down and level it with the 12-inch carpenter’s level.

Apply mortar to the cut end of the half block and the top of the next block. Continue laying blocks until the second layer is placed. The concrete blocks are laid offset of each other so that the middle of the top block rests on top of the seam where the two blocks beneath it come together. Lay the 4-foot carpenter’s level vertically against the block wall and check the level bubble to make certain the wall is straight up and down.

Cut a block in half to make corners line up square as needed. Continue laying blocks until the wall reaches the height you desire.