Building an 8" Block Lead [For Students]
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- Learn How to Stock a Project
Learn How to Mark Layout Lines
Learn How to Set Block
Learn Parts of the Lead
Learn Plumb, Level, Straight
Learn to Keep Proper Heights
Learn How to Spread Mortar (new technique)
Learn Striking (Tooling)
Key Terms: Bond, Height, Level, Plumb, Range, Jamb, Tail End, Struck and Polished
If these videos have helped you out, please check out my instagram or perhaps donate to the channel.
Thanks for your time,
PB
Instagram Link: / masonry201youtube
Donation Link (PayPal): paypal.me/Maso...
![Spreading Mortar for Block Work [For Students]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ihJ-n1hThhA/mqdefault.jpg)
![Spreading Mortar for Block Work [For Students]](/img/tr.png)
Dislike. Thumbs up to Dislike.
Good thalent God bless you 100😚👍
I guess thumb down then because I liked it there Rodrigo San Gustas veinero de LA poopypants diego Engaysiez
@@502Louisville thanks for the comment! 😂
It would be helpful if you'd explain why you don't like this video or maybe you're unable to articulate your opinion.
@@steveb.2874 since there is no “dislike” button, it’s there as an option for the viewer to dislike the video.
This video is just right for people with zero experience. Thanks.
Thanks for the comment!
Don't understand why you don't have more subscribers. This is good stuff
Thanks for comment!
He has one more today!…..excellent tutorial.
I am a mason and I watch alot of masonry videos and his channel never came up in my recommendations til yesterday that's probably why he doesn't have more subscribers
He will get more
Because he doesn’t know how to set up a camera…
This is the greatest video to learn to build a wall. I am a female and going to build a half wall around my concrete patio. You explained every detail, thank you very much🙏
Thanks for the comment!
im a US Navy Seabee student right now and we're being tested on blocklaying, it looks so easy and this video breaks it down extremely well, hoping I get it done just as well tomorrow
Thanks for the comment and good luck!
My company does a lot of work for the navy and you seabees are useless. Very frustrating trying to train you guys. You guys spend more time on your phones then paying attention
@@ZoneOne2150 Heh, cant argue too much with that but I guarantee you we’re not all bad lol.
Gulfport. I was there in 2017. If I had to do it all again I would went navy cb builder
This is the video I have been looking for all my life for the last 43 years!!!🙂🙃🙂❤️This is perfect teaching! Thank you for your video and your time!🤠😎👌👍🤝
Thanks for the comment!
Yeah this is good.check tutorial de construccion and you will see everything you want to learn.the channel is spanish but is very easy to understand.
I have never laid brick, but your video made the lesson very clear for a DIYer like myself. Thank you for sharing this video.
Thanks for the comment!
You were a great source of information to me in explaining to me the differences between the 2 products. I'm currently building my first block foundation and I was ignorant of the differences.
@@steveb.2874 Thanks for the comment!
It’s hard to understand why there isn’t thousands of subscriptions to this vid. He’s a great teacher!
@@PjAustin-h3p Thanks for the comment!
Guys listen I am a welder am now getting in the the laying of blocks
Construction. Honestly I love the teacher and the teaching even a young born baby can understand.
I afto subscribe
Because even teacher from this teacher I need it .
@@odariefoster Thanks for the comment!
This is a great video. You’re a great teacher
@@thomasjordan1215 thanks for the comment!
@ Thank you more for the video. I have subscribed and hope to see more videos
This is the best tutorial I have seen on blocklaying
Thanks for the comment!
This guy is a genius. A stud, and great teacher.
I wish I knew what I was doing....😮😅
@@OziBlokeTimG Thanks for the comment!
Wow! After watching about six other videos about building a block wall, you definitely are the best one. You explained the measurements that nobody did. That was a huge help.
Thanks for the comment!
Awsome instruction with great clarity!
Thanks for the comment!
A superb demonstration outlining all the fundamental steps in constructing the first few courses to the corner of a block wall. Your explanations were clear throughout and the demonstration showed how complete accuracy can be attained using basic masonry hand tools. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and I trust you will continue to post similar brick and masonry content. It was great to watch and to learn from!
Thanks for the comment!
Hello Sir thank you for your video. I agree with with all of the comments. Sir I am a beginner I've never laid any blocks in my life time. Finding your video was by the grace of God Divine Providence thank you Jesus. Great job now AT least I am not hesitant about laying concrete blocks. I have a big project ahead of me I'm going to be building a Outdoor Pizza-Bread oven. For the first time. I've watched several videos on how to build a outdoor Pizza-Bread oven thank you very much sir. Amazing job.
Agree
@@thomasj.fulnecky4547great project to begin with and any imperfections just add to the character of the construction.
Awesome teaching! Pure teaching talent matched with a great demonstration!
New subscriber and life-long learner here. I appreciate your time and effort in making these instructional videos. Your delivery is very professional and the best I've seen! Your words are easy to follow and I'm not having to rewind to figure out what you're saying.
Thanks for the comment! I try to make the videos as easy to understand as possible, I realize masonry can be confusing! Thanks again!
EXCELLENT instructional video. You explained the process clearly and in an understandable manner. Thank you.
@@steveb.2874 Thanks for the comment!
I love the way you explained,how to lay the blocks . Thank you for sharing your ideas and suggestions ❤ God's blessing be with you always. Don't worry about negativ comments. You can't please everyone.
Thanks for the comment!
Nice to see you using a float sponge, didn't think many people used it. Great explanation, very informative and well-paced.
Thanks for the comment! I think makes the block work look a little bit better, and ready for paint, than the just a brush.
Wow I have been looking for videos like this for months, glad I finally got this channel out of the recs
Thanks for the comment!
Just what I needed! You are a great teacher! I've already watched a lot of videos from other channels and this is the best one. Thanks!
👏 From France
Thanks for the comment! France! Awesome!
@@masonry201 So I layed my blocks following your advices. It was just a small wall but it was such a painful task 😄
The tricks that really did it for me were :
Letting go of the block real slow
Slightly lifting one side of the block while leveling the other side
I had never heard about this in any other videos, and I 've watched dozens ! You are amazing ! 🙏
@@lareinedemado Thanks for the comment! Glad the video helped!
What great timing! I recently moved from Canada with predominantly wooden house construction to Spain with block, brick and stone. As such I knew very little of building with block and mortar... until now!
I appreciate your clear, concise and precise method of instruction. Also, it is wonderful to see a master at work. I wish to do some minor reconstruction and repairs here to start with and your video has been extremely helpful. I look forward to more, in particular, starting a wall from an uneven surface and the use of different types of mortars. Thank you!
Thanks for the comment! Great ideas in regards to uneven surfaces and mortar types.
Thanks for the video. I've been in the trade over 7 years and i always struggle with full head joints i didnt go to school for the trade i was in construction with masons and when ever i had everything stock i would hit the wall with the masons that led me hop in cause not everyone is going to let you in the wall i was self thought with little tips fom every other mason i like watching different techniques on areas i struggle with
@@afrokidd214 that’s how it’s done! Around here, some people call it “growing up through the mud pan”. Getting ahead and jumping on the wall. That’s a great way to learn! Thanks for the comment!
Im in the process of starting to plan out my build of a garage from cement blocks. This is very useful information =) Cheers
@@innominatum9906 I hope it helps, thanks for the comment!
I need to build some outside stairs about 130cm high with 6 treads, this video is perfect (just need to do what you did twice). Great explanation, thanks.
@@owenhaskins7193 thanks for the comment! I hope it all works out!
@@masonry201 Thanks, have poured the footing/foundation. Will give it 7 days to dry and then on with the concrete bricks...😁
I learned soooooooo much from this instructor. Outstanding instruction from an outstanding Instrutor.
Thanks for the comment!
Im from UK and have just started to do some DIY building inc blocklaying. I am really enjoying it and theres alot to learn - I wish I had done an apprenticeship when younger and made a career in building. Unfortunately building trades are not seen as a popular choice and the majority of students, like myself, were pursuaded into A levels and then degrees (which often have no practical use!) . The government want the majority to follow degree/ uni education which has meant that there is a shortage of skilled trade workers. Its a real mistake that more are not encouraged into trades which are interesting and rewarding. Its great there are tutorials like this for people to learn these skills!
Thanks for the comment! I'll be over in the UK soon, for the Super Trowel competition in England.
It's the same here in the US, many students going to colleges and not into the trades. Colleges are still pushed on students, more so than the trades.
Hello I am a beginner! I've never laid block in my life. I agree with all of the comments here. I've watched several videos on how to layout blocks. Sir your video Is the best I've seen you explaining everything now I have a good idea of how to start laying my concrete blocks. This was Divine providence I found your video. Thank you Jesus for allowing me to find this video. Or else I would have been lost. Thank you very much sir fantastic job
Thanks for the comment! I hope everything works out for you!
This is the tutorial that I was looking for…how to do brick, block and mix work done right. Thank you
Thanks for the comment!
Great work ethics bro keep up the good work and teachings
@@TerranceIsaacs-o5t Thanks for the comment!
Very well done! Especially like that you addressed the gaps in joints that occur. One thing that you could have mentioned is that if the wall is being stuccoed you dont have to worry about striking off the joints and can get away with just sponge floating real quick. Great content!
Thanks for the comment!
Very clear and concise explanation of how and why you do things. Thank you
@@Dillybip Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for producing this awesome content! Love the video of you showing how to properly use the trowel took me a long time to figure that out. I wish I found your channel long time ago. Thank you for doing what you do!!!
Thanks for the comment!
Im a 1st year apprentice evryone thinks im like a 3rd year on the wall loool i learned so mich from this channel.Your a legend ,love from Toronto 💪🏾💪🏾.
That's great! :) Thanks for the comment!
Adam Sandler (Hollywood Star) looks just like this guy. With this great instruction I ain't afraid to tackle a garage renovation where all bottom plates are rotted. Going to build a 2-course block base around the perimeter and set the walls back down on treated plates atop this new block wall. Great therapy post back surgery take my time no hurry. Going to Lowpes for a load of block today maybe 16 at a time....THANKS !!
Hahah! Thanks for the comment!
Great instructional video! Very clear and detailed for beginners.
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the great lesson. It was very helpful.
Thanks for the comment!
Great lesson and technique. Thanks for sharing!
@@johndoumas3603 thanks for the comment!
Hey thanks for this video. Very informative.
@@KevinLibanEvans Thanks for the comment!
Thank you Sir for this informative video tomorrow i am going to build someone's wall with confidence
@@vumileketimali299 thanks for the comment!
Great video, I built a 6ft garden wall with decorative faced blocks. I initially struggled with my mortar mix and getting even laying as I was so slow in the hot Australian weather, so I cheated by creating a consistent mortar gap buy using small plastic spacers under each block which increase my speed threefold, this did create a bit of error as the blocks had minor manufacturing differences, but with the decorative face on one side and rendering the other it was unnoticeable.
@@wonton8983 thanks for the comment! You found a way to do it easier for you and it worked!
It's Happy Gilmore! Thanks for the lesson!!
@@El_Jaco Don’t tell anyone! My movie career is tanking.
I'm a 2nd gen Tuckpointer layed a few bricks mostly pointed I just wanted to say Thank you for the video
@@BillGoff-w3s Thanks for the comment!
You are always on point with your videos...
Solid! I have to build a block wall footer for my garage wall (wood) its too cold here in Alberta to pour a slab, so my plan is Block wall 1 high, then build wood on top, finish structure, add heat then I can pump in concrete and get a good cure even if its -20c outside. Appreciate the tips on getting it level.
@@Kingsoupturbo Sounds like a plan! Thanks for the comment!
I was a lead for 6 yrs. You wont be lead until you have min of 5yr burning the line. That 1/8 tolerance is only allowed by some forwmanns, And pay attention to the 2nd coarse, When he layed the bond bock/ half block, you noticed every block was out of range of plumb. If he would of plumb and leveled that block first , they would of ranged with that block, its your natural to follow, always plumb and level your first block, This video is valid
Thanks for the comment! The 1/8" tolerance is for grading purposes. In the field, I like the saying "when it's perfect, it's close enough". Thanks again!
Thank you for the free education Sir, I just subscribed
@@LeperKing1174 thanks for the comment!
Thank you I am a beginner, excellent class
@@ericorta8196 Thanks for the comment!
Awesome! Great teaching!
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the great tutorial!
@@Charliebpaints Thanks for the comment!
I was surprised how little mortar you used for the first course of blocks. I thought, I educatedly, a full bed of mortar would have been called for not just around the edges. Great video.
Thats's a great observation!
When I was first taught, ~25 years ago, we spread a full bed of mortar, just as you mentioned, the entire width of the block. Nowadays, with walls having rebar and grout added to them, the first course's cells should be free of mortar. This is so there is no "sandwich" of mortar between grout/concrete. On most commercial buildings in California, "clean outs" (the face of block removed) are left in the first course of block. The cell floors are cleaned, even vacuumed, and inspected before grouting.
Thanks for commenting!
Hey great video! I'm an apprentice mason studying the trade and this was very helpful. Only thing that I would take away is buttering the block you already laid plus the one you are about to lay. That's a lot of extra motion on your wrist, double the amount of time, and just not sustainable outside of a classroom setting to my experience. If you just butter the one block you are about to lay well enough, it's gonna give you a perfect, full head-joint and save you a lot of time/energy. I've seen masons lay upwards of 500 block in a 10 hour shift so "double-buttering" would be 1000 head-joints instead of 500.
You’re 💯% correct! Double buttering is rarely necessary, but it does make for work that is just a touch better, even with brick work.
It definitely adds work/motions, but I actually double butter most of my work. I’m not crazy fast, but my movements are efficient, which helps with speed.
Thanks for the comment! Glad you’re in the trade!
Another amazing follow-up video. Incredible and vital for any DIYer. This project is one of the hardest I've ever attempted. Its unlike any skill which makes other construction projects seem easy. i.e. plumbing, electrical, deck building, laying floor tile, etc. Looks is deceiving as it looks easy....until you have a complete mess with a haphazard unstable wall as well as a sloppy job with wasted mortar everywhere. Excellent narration and technical know-how. This is well explained covering all the vital details. A highly-skilled professional at his best. Thank you Masonry201
Thanks for the comment! No one gets it right the first time! It takes practice and repetitions to get a good grasp of it. I can guarantee that the next wall you build would be better than your first, and that's really the goal. Thanks again!
Hi Masonry201. Thanks for the reply...and your encouragements. One thing I will do is watch your instructional video over and over again until its ingrained in my intellect. Then I will use a mock-up similar to your demo. Lining up 4 cinder blocks on a flat surface, then use the heel and tip of the trowel with the right consistency to lay each line on each side of the block starting at the bottom footer. then work the your technique until I get it right with full confidence. The beauty of this is I can repeat this over and over again - just wipe-up, add water when the mix dries up, and reuse again. I probably will use less than a 1/4 bag or 15 pounds of mortar for this demo. In closing, this is one of the most difficult learning curves to undertake. Yet, as in any challenge, this can be mastered. Thanks again for your wisdom All the best in your future endeavors.
excellent instruction!! Thank you.
@@redexit0707 Thanks for the comment!
Thank you sir. I'll be blocking my basement next month so I'll need to watch again and again
Thanks for the comment! Take your time. Once you lay a few, you'll get in the swing of things.
I love it. his English is very clear.
Thanks for the comment!
Your instructions are so detailed, thorough and well paced. Thank you from a teacher.
Thanks for watching!
Great videos man! Ive watched them all hope u keep making more
Thanks for the comment!
Very good information sir. Thnx you very much ❤❤
@@AbinashKumar-mf6mz thanks for the comment!
This guy is so detail, real expert
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for your video you got a new fan 👍👍👍
Thanks for the comment!
You are the really good instructor!! Thank you so much!
Thanks for the comment!
That was a perfect lesson. Well done.
Thanks for the comment!
Very well and clearly explained. Thanks
Thanks for the comment!
I'm about to build a garden wall that's retaining a bit of soil and this video is very helpful, thanks. We're these lighter blocks as I noticed you put up many courses, the blocks over here are about 27kg each so not sure how many courses I could go for in one session. Thanks.
Thank you for sharing
@@yvettekammie8869 thanks for the comment!
Thank you - keep it comming - you are seriously a good teacher
Thanks for the comment!
If your first block is on plumb and levelits easier to work your line through, lot of wrist action for seperate blocks, prefer a couple lines of gobbo, drop blocks quicker. Nice tutorial, very informative.
Thanks it helps me a lot as first timer.👍💯
@@GeoffreyFraser-ib5sq thanks for the comment!
Excellent video! Thank you for posting this. I want to take courses to learn masonry blocks and cement.
Best of luck!
Very good, I’m a foreman for a masonry company and I approve your work.
Thanks for the comment!
I like the video I plan on doing a block wall soon. So Tks Tim
Thanks for the comment! Good luck with the wall!
Thanks! I want to get block walls built around my property and I like to know what’s going on.
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for the video. I have a question and I would appreciate your advice . So I’ve got my leads built, level and plum. Now I need to lay the middle of the wall to my string line. I can lay my block to the line but I have trust issues with it being perfectly plum front to back. I see some just rub there trowel to make sure no lippage. Is it passable if that individual block is not perfectly plum as long as top is to line and bottom is close to perfect with block below? I hope I’ve explained my question in a way that makes sense . I’m looking to get faster with my work but I don’t have anyone to ask
That's a great question! You've explained the question perfectly. Couple things, there's terms for what you're describing. When the bottom of the block is "in" but the top is to the line, it's called "hacked". When the bottom is "out" but the top is to the line, it's called "toed". Like the toes on your foot.
Having blocks hacked or toed slightly, isn't an issue with a wall being structurally fine. It becomes an issue when the wall is "tooled", adding a concave look to the mortar joints. The wall will look like a haunted house, especially if built under a flood light or it's built outside at certain times of day when the sun is just right. It will look horrible, but structurally be just fine.
You're developing your eyes and your ability to make the blockwork look aesthetically pleasing. You can "cheat", and place a level perpendicular on top of every block you lay, but you will slow yourself down big time. Developing your eyes is the key, and spreading an even bed of mortar will help you out in manipulating the blocks to be plumb, level, and flush with the course below.
@@masonry201thank you for the tips! It helped out a bunch and made sense .
Thank you. Very detailed and educative.
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks I enjoyed watching and learned a lot , great presentations
Great refresher course. Thanks
Thanks for the comment!
Great video 👍
Thanks for the comment!
Muy bien explicado siga haciendo mas videos
Love the way you point out intricate details! #SALUTE
Thanks!
Along with all you did, I was also shown to bring those lead/ head/ corner faces flushed was the level from the begining so there is no air gap in the mortar because no adjustment woumd be needed at the end.
Good stuff bro👍🏽
Thanks for the comment!
Great explanation. Nice that you paused a bit while laying bed mortar to show your motions. Enjoyed 😊
Thanks for the comment!
Question: What do you use for practice mortar? Great video. Many thanks.
It’s 1 part lime to 4 parts sand. Then add water.
Thanks for the question!
I'm designing a house and my husband says we have to design the house according to the size of the block so that it comes out even. Is this correct? I called BS. I think you can make the house any size you want and cut the block to fit it. Can you recommend a video for an example?
😂Thanks for the question! Great question btw.
In general, try to keep things to 4” increments. Whether it’s heights of walls or length of walls or whatever. Doors and windows and other things will work out to 4” increments, and it will save you a lot of headache. I’ll be making a type of video soon with cuts that may help in understanding. Thanks again.
I loved watching you. Do you have to put rebar in the blocks for a 4 course retaining wall?
Thanks for the comment! As for the question, I would need a lot more info. Drainage is more important in a retaining than reinforcement. The wall can be made super strong, but will always lose to hydrostatic pressure (water build up behind the wall). Which is why you may see retaining walls leaning outwards. The wall may have been built correctly, but without allowing for water to get around or through it, it will fail.
@masonry2018 The retaining wall is being built on a dug out slope with a French drain behind it so the water drains off down on the outer edge.
Thank you for a most excellent tutorial!
Thank you for the comment!
Great content!
Thanks for the comment!
Great lesson, I wished I had watched this earlier.
Thanks for the comment!
its very good presentation......thanks....
Thank you!
Do we need to fill in the hold?
Thanks for the question! The cells of the block will sometimes need to be filled with grout, depending on what the architect specifies.
Best video I seen on TH-cam
Thanks for the comment!
What a great instructional vide. Thank you so much. What is this white mortar?
Thanks for the comment! The mortar is just 4 to 1 mix of bar sand and hydrated lime.
Well done...nice explenation and good job.
Thanks a lot!
Thank u so much i love the way that u explain ❤❤❤
Thanks for the comment!
Does it make a difference to mark your bond the way he did for your first course I've never done it that way
Great question! The parts of the block on the first course can be used as a guide as to where to place the second course of block. You can certainly put marks on the first course, but it's not really needed. ie, the center web of a sash block on the first course.
Thanks man great video
@@bakerco112 Thanks for the comment!
Thanks very much sir😊
@@Divinesview-h7o thanks for the comment!
Great instructional video, personally I would be more focused on building a 3 course lead, heading down wall and building another 3, probably continue that way for more corners and jogs if necessary, giving setup time to original lead and keeping the line jockeys working their magic ability to make a 2 foot wall consistently looking like it was built by a blind toddler, but that’s just me!
Thanks for the comment! Absolutely correct view. Usually we’re installing wire every two courses, and mini two course leads/corners are built. Short lead - long line is the key to production.
This is more for students to get their skills up. Thanks again!
Please continue to do these videos. They are some of the best on YT.
Any reason mortar can't be mixed in a cement mixer if that is all that is available?
Thanks for the comment! Sure, this mortar can be mixed in mortar mixer.
@@masonry201 I think he meant a concrete mixer. But yeah, that will work if you don't have a mortar mixer. Or mix it by hand with a box and hoe. Old school.