Phase one completed we left the mortar to cure for a few days before commencing with the rest of the wall.



Before going any further with the bricks we allowed time to let the mortar set so the lintel that will support the next row of bricks will be consolidated more efficiently. So the rest of the timber framing around the opening could be erected in the mean time. Plus a couple of angel brackets were added for extra support at the bottom of the frame.



Now comes the tricky part of creating an opening for the window, this requires some skill to keep the wall plumb.
As you progress with laying the bricks you need to incorporate brick ties for extra structural support for lateral forces. We used galvanized angel bracket for this exercise because no water will be penetrating the weather board external wall, so you didn't need the regular brick ties.

Once you got your mortar ready its time to lay a bed of cement down to place your first row of bricks. For real accuracy you really need a spirit level but we didn't have one so the trusty string line had to do.

Next the cement was mixed with water to give us a nice mud to adhere the bricks. You don't want the mud to dry or wet otherwise it very hard to work with. Its almost like making a bread mix, where you make a well in the centre so the liquid doesn't go every where and also you don't need a container as well.

The timber frame needed to be erected first so the masonry wall had structural support. This will allow you to level the wall off from the frame with the string to give you a plumb wall all the way up.


Started off with a chipboard base to keep the mortar cement off my pavers(nasty stuff to get off).
Next step was to prep the materials by laying them out ready to be assembled. Materials and tools used for the job were: Timber , bricks, brickies trowel, chisel, shovel, lug hammer leveling string, lintel ,cement, screws, nails and MDF boards.

We were able to score some second hand bricks from a company in West Melbourne called 'Paddy's bricks' the owner was very helpful. When I was there, around the back is a huge yard with piles of bricks and 3 blokes sitting down chipping away the mortar. Tough going. The rest of the materials were sourced from Bunnings to save time.

Third and final phase of construction is the external cladding and plastic sheet window. The cladding will give the wall water proofing from rain and also a little more rigidity.

Here is the second phase of construction, with the addition of Jack studs, Noggings, Lintels, trimmers and insulation. Brick ties will be laid in the mortar to give the Masonry wall more stability. Also top plates and bottom plates complete the timber wall frame. The timber frame is the only structural support for the roof (even tho a roof will not be added) and masonry wall.

This is a working drawing for the first phase of construction, approx 50 bricks in all will be used with MGP10 90X35 timber for the framing and old pillows for insulation. Still undecided about the external cladding and window. Brickies mud will be used for mortor to hold the bricks.

Here's a little animation that shows the addition of weatherboards and roofing materials and then swings around and shows the reverse brick veneer.