Instant
01 · Ask
Repair, match or build new?
Spalling brick, dropped wall, want a new extension? Describe what you've got — the AI tells you whether it's a repointing job, a rebuild or a structural call.
Choose your brick coping.
Saddle-back, half-round, splayed or weathered — coping and capping options for garden, boundary and retaining walls.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a bricklayer. Match the wall, not just the brick.
Read the brief on bond, mortar and DPC — then let Three local bricklayers quote on the right spec.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Stretcher vs Flemish bond, NHL lime, cavity ties, weep holes, DPC heights. Know what good looks like before the first course is laid.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 bricklayer quotes
Three local bricklayers quote on the same spec — bricks, mortar, scaffold, finishing — so you can pick the right hand for the job.
✦
Get bricklayer quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a bricklayer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Match the brick before they start.
On extensions and repairs, sourcing the right brick is harder than laying it. Insist on a sample wall — three courses, on-site, in your light — before they buy the pallet.
Get the mortar mix in writing.
Lime mortar, cement mortar, NHL grade — the wrong mix on the wrong brick spalls in five winters. Ask which mix and why.
Check the bond before pointing.
Stretcher, Flemish, English — the bond should match the existing wall, especially on period properties. Catch it at first course, not after pointing.
Insist on a damp-proof course.
Any external wall needs a DPC at the right height — 150mm above finished ground level. A missing or wrong DPC creates damp problems you'll be fixing for years.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Day rate
£200–£350/day
Brickwork (per m²)Inc. labour, ex. bricks
£80–£160/m²
Repointing (per m²)
£30–£70/m²
Garden wall (per linear m)1m high, single skin
£120–£280
Chimney rebuild
£1.8k–£4.5k
Brick arch (over opening)
£350–£900
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Bricklayer briefing.
Infographic
Bricklayer quick-view
The top of every brick wall needs protection — water entering from above is the main cause of wall failure. Coping (with drip overhang) and capping (flush) both shed water; the choice affects durability and cost. This guide covers what UK coping options cost in 2026 and how to choose.
Different walls call for different solutions: heritage walls suit traditional brick-on-edge or stone copings; modern walls work fine with concrete or cast stone.
Coping Types
- Brick on edge: traditional, low-cost, matches the wall.
- Saddleback brick: pre-formed pyramidal brick coping.
- Plain concrete coping: budget durable.
- Cast stone coping: decorative profile, period look.
- Natural stone: Yorkshire stone, granite — heritage premium.
- Engineering brick double-on-edge: heavy-duty, water resistant.
Typical Costs (per linear m installed)
| Type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brick on edge (matching) | 15 | 40 | Cheapest option |
| Saddleback brick | 25 | 60 | Pre-formed profile |
| Plain concrete | 20 | 50 | Budget durable |
| Cast stone | 30 | 80 | Decorative profile |
| Natural stone | 50 | 180 | Yorkshire stone etc. |
| Engineering brick double-on-edge | 30 | 70 | Heavy duty |
How Long Does It Take?
- 10 m capping: 1–2 days.
- Premium stone: 2–3 days.
DIY or Professional?
DIY achievable for confident builders. Most installed with new wall builds — retrofit professional.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Discuss coping profile — drip overhang protects wall.
- Match material to wall style.
- Confirm weatherproof mortar bedding.
UK Regulations
- Standard wall planning rules.
- Heritage properties may specify coping type.
Common Problems
- Capping leaks down wall — no drip overhang.
- Joints cracking — wrong mortar.
- Frost spalling on capping — non-frost-resistant material exposed.
- Style mismatch — modern on heritage wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Capping or coping — which?
Coping (with drip overhang) for weather protection. Capping (flush) for flush appearance — riskier for water.
Best material for longevity?
Natural stone (80–120 years). Engineering brick double-on-edge (60–80 years). Concrete (30–50 years).
Can I retrofit coping?
Yes — common upgrade. Mortar onto existing wall top.
Does it really matter?
Yes — uncapped walls deteriorate 30–50% faster. Worth the investment.
What style suits Georgian property?
Natural stone or saddleback brick. Avoid plain concrete which looks modern.
Will it affect property value?
Good coping signals quality construction. Worn/missing coping signals neglect.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about bricklayer?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the bricklayer — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a bricklayer?
Sounds like a job for bricklayer. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL BRICKLAYER GUIDES →More bricklayer guides.
Guide
Brickwork Repair Cost & Guide
Brickwork is the backbone of most UK homes, providing structural integrity and protection against our unpredictable weather. Over time, exposure to rain, frost,...
READ GUIDE →GuideFront Steps Replacement Costs
Your front steps are more than just a functional entrance; they are a vital part of your home’s kerb appeal and structural safety. For UK homeowners, replacing ...
READ GUIDE →GuideBrick Repointing Guide
Repointing is the process of renewing the external part of mortar joints between bricks. Over time, the UK’s harsh weather causes mortar to crumble, crack, and ...
READ GUIDE →GuideCrack repair
Cracks in brickwork are a common sight for UK homeowners, often triggered by seasonal temperature changes, heavy clay soils, or historical settlement. While man...
READ GUIDE →GuideGarden wall brickwork repair
Garden walls are more than just boundaries; they provide security, privacy, and kerb appeal to UK homes. However, constant exposure to the British weather—parti...
READ GUIDE →GuideHistoric Dry Stone Wall Restoration Guide
Historic dry stone walls are a defining feature of the British countryside and many period properties. Unlike modern masonry, these structures rely on gravity a...
READ GUIDE →