Building an 8" Block Lead [For Students]
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2022
- 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/Masonry201?country....
![Spreading Mortar for Block Work [For Students]](/img/n.gif)
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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! 😂
This video is just right for people with zero experience. Thanks.
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!
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!
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!
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!
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…
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!
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.
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!
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!
This is the best tutorial I have seen on blocklaying
Thanks for the comment!
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.
Great instructional video! Very clear and detailed for beginners.
Thanks for the comment!
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!
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.
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.
I learned soooooooo much from this instructor. Outstanding instruction from an outstanding Instrutor.
Thanks for the comment!
Very good, I’m a foreman for a masonry company and I approve your work.
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!
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!
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!
This is a great video because it shows a classic lead built right.
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!
You are the really good instructor!! Thank you so much!
Thanks for the comment!
This guy is so detail, real expert
Thanks for the comment!
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!
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!
Thanks I enjoyed watching and learned a lot , great presentations
Love the way you point out intricate details! #SALUTE
Thanks!
Thanks for your video you got a new fan 👍👍👍
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you - keep it comming - you are seriously a good teacher
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Great videos man! Ive watched them all hope u keep making more
Thanks for the comment!
That was a perfect lesson. Well done.
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Thank you for a most excellent tutorial!
Thank you for the comment!
Very well and clearly explained. Thanks
Thanks for the comment!
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.
Thanks for the great lesson. It was very helpful.
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you. Very detailed and educative.
Thanks for the comment!
Great refresher course. Thanks
Thanks for the comment!
Great lesson, I wished I had watched this earlier.
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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!
Muy bien explicado siga haciendo mas videos
Thanks for the video, very clear.
Thanks for the comment!
Your instructions are so detailed, thorough and well paced. Thank you from a teacher.
Thanks for watching!
I like the video I plan on doing a block wall soon. So Tks Tim
Thanks for the comment! Good luck with the wall!
Excellent job,
Thank you
Thank you too!
Thank you
Thank u so much i love the way that u explain ❤❤❤
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!
Great content!
Thanks for the comment!
Great video 👍
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks! 👍👍
Excellent video! Thank you for posting this. I want to take courses to learn masonry blocks and cement.
Best of luck!
Best video I seen on TH-cam
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!
Greetings from Brazil. Very good class
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.
Thank you Masonry 😊
Excellent video. I will do this work in retirement.
Thanks for the reply! Good luck!
Well done...nice explenation and good job.
Thanks a lot!
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!
Great teacher
Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the video 👍🧱
Thanks for the comment!
Great video. I subbed.
Thanks for subbing and thanks for the comment!
its very good presentation......thanks....
Thank you!
My suspended concrete porch collapsed and I ’m planning on building four walls of cinder block and filling the middle to pour a new slab on top of. Do I build the corner leads and then just split the blocks to fit as they meet in the center of the walls?
Very good videos
Thank you!
How I learned through the bac union was a six course lead and never lay the lead more then three blocks long no longer then your four foot level. Guess thing have changed over the last 40 years. lol
Thanks for the comment! You make a great point. Typically one would be building a lead on an established layout course, in which case, only 6 courses high. That's when scaffold would get bumped up, electrical extensions put on, typical grout height, etc.
For training purposes, a 7 course high lead, from the ground, makes sense. As the first course acts like a layout course.
Great observation!
If these blocks are used for garden beds, do these blocks need to have concrete footing? Thank you in advance
Great job this is the best job I have ever seen of anyone showing how to build a brick wall how to fundamentally step by step. This video at least gives me a how to build a block wall. Although I'm not using the same types of blocks here in Thailand. They are smaller in width 2-1/2" X 15-1/4" length. The Blocks here in Thailand Do not have the lead Blocks as you show in your video. They have the same types of blocks for everything. Do you have any suggestions for me?
Thanks for the comment/question! Building corners or leads with thinner block can be a little more difficult. They will want to lean forwards and backwards as you're building.
The best tip for those types of blocks will be to have consistent and smooth mortar. If the mortar is too stiff, you will beat the units down and cause the lower units to move in and out.
Thanks! I want to get block walls built around my property and I like to know what’s going on.
Thanks for the comment!
More on laying block please. Window openings? Headers? Sills?
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.
This is an outstanding tutorial ! He did not rush through explanations as so many others do.
Thanks for the comment!
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.
@@masonry2018 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.
Great stuck in an elevator music. Good video . This is not 123. Takes experience.
Ha! Thanks for then comment! I only expected about 20 views per year (from students) of this video. I didn't think many would watch this. I would've put more effort into the music!
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 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.
It definitely does matter if you place the block upside down. One side is thicker/wider. Therefore the way you place the block can definitely help gain or lose height. Intentionally or not.
Sure, if you're trying to "get up" in height, you can lay block upside down, but once installed, it doesn't matter.
👌👌👌👌👌
Why doesn't moving the half block on the second course away make a weak joint between it and the next block over?
Great tutorial. Just one question - if you're planning to build a 20 course layer, do you finish a 7 course layer first before proceeding to the other layers above it?
Thanks for the question! 7 courses high is usually the height at which scaffold will be built. After that, usually every 6 courses the scaffold height is raised. There's usually grout involved in building walls, and going 6 courses at a time (after the first 7) usually works for grouting heights and rebar overlap.
Do you pre-wet the block before starting so it doesn't pull the water out of the mortar too fast, or is this necessary?
Good question. No, blocks typically don't get pre-wet before laying. However, there are certain types of brick with what's called a high ROA (Rate Of Absorbtion) that quickly suck the moisture out of mortar. Those brick can be hosed down before laying. Thanks!
how do you know if the chalk line is straight?
Seems like it does matter which way the block is.
W ith the top -- wider part -- up, there's support for a good mortar bed. Narrow part up, not so much.
Another tip to save time is to check the course length measurement at the tail of the course.
It should be 8" back from the course below. Saves having to stretch your tape from end to end.
Now hurry up and raise that line! :)
Thanks for the comment! Definitely a faster way then checking from the jamb end! As long as the worker doesn't say "within an eighth, close enough" each course, the measurements will work out similar. Thanks again!
@@masonry2018
An old German bricklayer who was one of my mentors told me :
"When it's perfect, it's close enough."
I practiced that though out my career and was never out of a job.
CHARVESTER
BAC Local #3 Northern California,
formerly Local #7 San Francisco.
@@seeharvester I like that saying and I'm going to use it!
I've been a part of Local #1 PA for the past 24 years.
Doing 60 ft wall that rises with the grade about 9 feet
Have SE plans. Need guidance on step footings and proper depth of block compared to grade
Great questions! As for depth of the bottom of the footing, it will usually depend on the frost line depth in that area and possibly the soils compaction level.
The bottom of each stepped area will be much lower than the frost line, depending on how many steps you want to put into it and how fast the grade rises.
As for the foundation block, go as close as you can to grade without going over, then, I'm guessing, you'll transition to something else (brick, stone, etc.) above grade.
What do you do if the layouts messed up and were forced to put an extra joint on the first course. So now the second course joint (on one joint) will loand on top of another joint instead of being staggered ?
Good question! That does happen sometime, and it shows the importance of taking your time for layout courses. It's called "stack bond". It can't be "fixed", but you can make it less noticeable, by cutting two blocks, 11-5/8" long and putting them next to each other. The head joints will stagger, but not right on half bond.
Are you around the Philly / South Jersey area?
Yes. Media, PA
What do you use for training mortar
Thanks for the question! It's a lime and sand mix. 1 part hydrated lime (the stuff that's sold at Lowes or Home Depot) to 4 parts sand. Can be reused over and over.
What kind of mortar is that ? It goes on smooth and flicks off nice in a controlled straight line. Mine is an Amerimex pre-blended "S" type mortar but is not even near the viscosity as yours. I think this may be the problem of all my issues. It seems to dry-out fast making my retaining wall a rushed job. And this has become a terrible job that
I've had to demolish twice. Its frustrating but hope this 3rd times a charm. If this fails, I'll go to a timber railroad tie wall instead. Much easier to cut and stack, with the rebars already in the cement footers. Thanks again Masonry201
Thanks for the question! This mortar is practice mortar, just lime and sand, no cement. However, Amerimix S is good stuff. When mixing with a hoe, try to "whip up" the mortar. Don't just push it back and forth in whatever your mixing in (wheelbarrow, tub, etc.) After mixing, the mortar should feel "airy", like heavy whipped cream. That means you achieved getting small air bubbles into the mix. The small air bubbles help keep the mortar workable for long periods of time, without it becoming "dead" (all the water in the mix rising to the top). It takes more time to mix, by hand, but that's what you're trying to achieve, a machined mixed mortar.
There are also additives, which should generally be avoided, but can help. Even a few drops of Dawn dish detergent in the mix will help incorporate small air bubbles. Too much and the mix becomes weak, too little and it won't really do anything.
In short, take the time in the beginning to mix the mortar thoroughly. Mix it for at least 5 minutes by hand, whipping it up, AFTER it's at the desired consistency.
Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for your warm reply. I'll definitely follow your advice on the mortar prep for both consistency and longevity. I had a theory prior to your reply on why the mortar dries-out so quickly. I've worked on this project in 95-deg F heat in the summer. According to a professional industry masonry forum, the heat dries out in warmer temps reducing its water content. And thus its bonding adhesion. And whether this high temp and my using a cement mixture may have both contributed of such implications. But I'll try your hoe and swirl technique with dish detergent. Thanks again my friend. Keep-up the great work.
@@jadesystem I have done half batches also, a bit of a pain but you work with fresh mortar most of the time.
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.
Can I build half a wall then add to it later. An6 cons to doing it that way
Thanks for the question! The only cons would be financially. Is there leftover mortar you could've used? Does not finishing the lead hold up other trades/people? Otherwise, it could sit unfinished for years if need be.
If it's just a project, for practice, the only timeline is a due date! :)
👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks!
Ojalá pudieras hacer este mismo contenido en español o traducir los videos
Thanks for the comment! I wish I could too!
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!
You should upload more often I can’t find many videos like yours
I’ll be uploading a few more this summer. Thanks!
Bro the beeping made me get up and check if my fridge was closed 😂.
I know, something was going on with the emergency lights at the time. Super annoying, I didn't think it would be heard in the video. My bad.