The home improvement itch strikes every homeowner sooner or later. Whether you're repainting a room, installing new interior doors, or putting on an entirely new addition, there's always something that needs doing. Most homeowners tend to stick to projects on the inside of the house, but there's plenty of work to do outside, too! If you've been considering options for improving your yard, then brick is often a striking, durable, and beautiful material. Bricks can easily be used in everything from paths to retaining walls to firepits, but first-timers sometimes mistakenly believe that they are too difficult to work with for do-it-yourselfers.

Fortunately, getting started with bricklaying doesn't need to be complicated. To get going on the right foot, you'll need to first select the best masonry supplies for the job. This guide will help you to pick out what you need to make your DIY masonry projects a reality.

Tools Of The Trade

Professional masons often come to the job site with a vast array of tools and supplies, but most of this isn't necessary for simple home projects. If you're attempting your first project with bricks, you will only require a few essential hand tools. In addition to safety equipment (gloves and safety goggles), you brick chisel and spade trowel will be your two most critical tools. These simple pieces of equipment allow you to cut bricks to save and work with mortar, respectively. You will also need a hammer for use with the chisel.

Depending on your project, you may also want to have access to wood poles and mason's twine. With these two inexpensive items, you can create a mason's line that will help you to create clean, even paths with your bricks. A level can work just as well, but checking each brick with a torpedo level can often be arduous and time-consuming.

Choosing The Right Mortar

If you haven't worked with bricks before, then you may be surprised to learn that not all mortar is the same. The mortar used between bricks is actually a mix of sand, water, and masonry cement. Pre-mixed mortars contain a specific blend of these ingredients designed for use with various types of projects. The two most common types for do-it-yourselfers are mortar mix and masonry mix. Mortar mix is a good choice for most smaller projects, while masonry mix is typically used in heavier-duty or below-grade applications.

If in doubt, a good masonry supplier should be able to help you purchase exactly what you need. Masonry is skilled and often challenging work, but taking your time and purchasing the right supplies can help to bring beautiful brickwork within reach.

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