How to Lay Block Walls For Beginners

[@reddye2331]

Here is what’s sad. This Young Man Should have more followers and subscribers then any hot rod car channel ETC. All the mortar/cement companies like Quikrete should be doing what they can to back you. Not to many youngsters out here tht are taking the time to show the non skilled Diy’ers. How to do everything from A to Z in Masonry. I’ve tried filming myself on pointing foundations and laying block foundations. It’s not easy at all. Very challenging. Good job Young Man...👍👍👍

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you so much! This means a lot

[@jessekings7828]

Subscribed!

[@riseauto1]

Agree 💯 invaluable information, thanks

[@p.t9047]

Bro this is definitely the best tutorial video on laying block wall. No BS no long intros straight to the point and you are a true master at your craft I must say.

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you so much!

[@quackadoodledoo9486]

All the positive comments here are well earned. I'm commenting for my husband who has fallen asleep watching your informative, no bullshitz video. I'll have to save it to watch later for him & let him know to take a gander at your playlist for more pertinent information. He's fallen asleep due to exhaustion, not boredom. He's building a main internal wall into our 75x30 Morton building to separate our apartment from the rest. Thank you for taking the time to do this for people like him that aren't keen to pay someone by the hour to sit for half the time or do a half assed job of it. We've been there, done that & don't want to anymore. It's unfortunate that a handshake isn't what it used to be when it comes to a hire. Far too many are spitting on the integrity of a hard day's work & earning your keep. It's obvious to me you are one of the not-so-many left in your field that can say they are mastering their trade. You're also special because you're young but not lacking work ethic. Please mentor as many whipper snappers that you can stand to, we need more like you. Take care & be sure to watch out for the Covid toe, I hear it's going around. No injection necessary, just some vitamins here & there with lots of fluoride-free water or iced tea.

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks so much! You just made my day!!!

[@addradz]

Thanks for the free exchange of excellent knowledge and expertise. No bullshit, no fille or annoying banter. You deserve to do well in life man I hope your boss gave you a bonus!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks! I just like helping people

[@addradz]

@@masonthemason6412 Watching your vidz made the difference between stuffing it up and doing a profesh job, straight with even flo bro! Thanks again

[@bilbobaggins4462]

Super useful videos. Absolutely no BS, no extra talk, no annoying music. Well done!

[@callingorsen1]

I learned how to lay block as a teenager from my dad, who was an all-purpose guy and figured it out on his own. I'm now 55 and planning to build a small outdoor fireplace. I haven't tried to lay block in 35 years. Your vid is outstanding and demonstrates how to do it properly. Thank you so much for this video and your expertise. Awesome instruction.

[@robertbuehler4619]

looks like he has given this lesson to every beginner he has hired and I suspect there has been many. You know your stuff, thanks for the video.

[@masonthemason6412]

Mainly just keep making videos about it and trying to be a better teacher. Thank you!

[@robertbuehler4619]

@@masonthemason6412 I would come work with you just to learn the trade. I put up a block retaining wall in my basement and it showed me that laying block might look simple but it is not as easy as you make it look. I have a large driveway that I would love to pour but I cannot see doing it by myself. I will have to search through your videos to see what you have on the subject.

[@peep39]

work smarter not harder. you are good at it. reminds me of some kids I paid to move my crap from the moving truck to my house. I kept all the boxes between 45 and 65 pounds. he would sit the box on his belt buckle and just use his hands to cinch it to his body. there's always something you can do

[@DavidWood-j9k]

This video is recommended for quality Builders only thank you

[@stevenlight5006]

You get a new level for Christmas 🌲

[@masonthemason6412]

Birthday

[@Ashroyer86]

I havent watched a lot of masonry channels on yt, but I have a feeling yours is one of the best. Also, if you want a day's worth of work, id be happy to pay you to redo my porch foundation. Even buy you lunch.

[@dc-wp8oc]

Mason, appreciate you taking the time to make these kinds of videos. Keep repeating the basics for us who only lay block occasionally. Perhaps you could address some of the details like when to use reinforcement grids, when to grout block, tool selection and some things generally needed to pass inspections. Also, would be interested in learning how to do lay out for door, window and garage door openings. Keep up the good work.

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks for the ideas! I love to make videos. I’ll keep putting what I know out there

[@davinjohnson1110]

Thanks bro Love from the Bahamas 🇧🇸

[@masonthemason6412]

You’re welcome, love from Pennsylvania. Thanks for watching!!

[@anthonycollins3110]

Your videos really help man. What you're doing does make a difference hope you keep it up!

[@masonthemason6412]

That’s great to know, thank you!

[@trollnapf1670]

I really like you videos, straight to point without any fillers or gimmicks just pure knowledge. 👍🏽

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you!!

[@alisharif1997]

Very professional 🏗️🏨🕌🏨🕌🏨🏨🕌🏨🕌🏨

[@holtridge7337]

That's hard work. I helped do this once in 1999 and that was enough for me.

[@bruceboice7955]

brue thank you man, im about to start building a room at home this december, so ill watch this video multiple times

[@masonthemason6412]

Great, hope I can help!

[@vonstek]

like the way you explain in detail,thanks so much been helpful,your awesome,thomas Ashland Oregon

[@Heavensmyhomenow]

Great channel. Im learning alot here. Thank you Mason

[@KetterHomeImprovements]

You make me want to go buy some block and build a wall in the middle of my lawn… just because I know how now.

[@cindyrobinson735]

Great video. Well explained.

[@pdlandry]

You are a MASTER at your craft without a doubt. I love you precision and all your steps to maintain accuracy. Very impressed with your techniques. I know nothing about block work but I do know when someone is a excellent craftsman. I’ve been a Inspector for 35 years and miss your kind of detail. Have a GREAT day.

[@masonthemason6412]

You made my day, thank you very much!

[@argentorangeok6224]

Thank you for this. I'm trying to get my son interested in a trade and teach him some basic stuff. I was an engineer and now am a die maker, so I'm teaching him some good construction related 2d & 3d practical math. But I really don't have experience in construction skills. We are going to build a 4' x 6' compost bin. It will be an open front shed with a block half wall with a framed upper wall and shed roof. This video will help a lot.

[@masonthemason6412]

Glad I could help! Trades are in high demand

[@juancavaldez293]

Starting a small little wall thanks for the vids

[@masonthemason6412]

You're welcome

[@ROBBANKS666666]

Awesomeness!!!!

[@seanmurphy7435]

I’m starting block on an addition. Your videos have given me the confidence todo this on my own. Thank you. REALLY!

[@masonthemason6412]

That's very amazing to hear! I'm glad I could save you some money! I hope everything turns out well

[@giovannifiorentino8947]

Excellent video. Shows all the details.

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks!

[@georgewilson8062]

Show em how it's done son it ain't easy as they think you're amazing brother

[@camperjack2620]

Ou are very good at explaining and demonstration of this. Don't worry about working so hard you wear out your level. The speed you go, you could just buy a new one every spring, and keep the old one for a spare. The Johnson level made of mahogany and brass is very durable. A little neatsfoot oil one the wood once in a while will help it out.

[@DemunJonesMusic]

You’re doing a good job but wouldn’t it be quicker to use a string to straight edge the lead off the other lead once u level & plum the corner

[@NT-uv5dc]

Thanks for the video. Great work keep them coming.

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you

[@blade123able]

Great vid mate thanks for the tips, I’m just about to start a 4m x 3m retaining wall and this is spot on 👍

[@masonthemason6412]

Awesome, hope I helped!!

[@hoosierhillslawncare]

“I’m not like a real strong guy” then goes on to say “I can do this all day long and not get tired” 😂😂 great video!

[@masonthemason6412]

I was just trying so say if you know how to use your body it makes it easier haha

[@brian2359]

Pretty impressive!!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks!

[@mrbakklesworldwidesinger4370]

I am definitely going to get this one day

[@masonthemason6412]

Yes you are!

[@mahalewellen4912]

excellent video

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you

[@winterfar2814]

Great work bro!

[@carlitosinvegas6015]

Great Video 👍 👍

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you!!

[@21psd]

"I get alot of crap for beating on my levels. But I do it anyways!" ---- 'Murica!! 👊🍻

[@masonthemason6412]

I do what I want 😂

[@21psd]

@@masonthemason6412 😂

[@blindtomdiy5918]

Great job!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you!

[@maryannamat1354]

So....very nice....🙏 so very clear😊

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks!

[@dahay79]

Another great informative vid!!! Thank you

[@masonthemason6412]

You’re welcome, thanks for watching!!

[@hectorespino4798]

I sent this the guy with those big mister trucks? Famous KZbinr I seen this dudes videos I know I’ve watched them !

[@alisharif1997]

Good man keep do what you doing 🏗️🏫

[@jimcameron4672]

Excellent

[@gabec6522]

Man this is a nice video

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks brother. I tried to be as informative as possible

[@gabec6522]

@@masonthemason6412 I give u respect I am usually to busy talking about wild woman and beer drinking lol. Keep it up man.

[@masonthemason6412]

Lol thanks brother

[@jonmotes5406]

Great tips! Good video!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks!

[@gowerlucas2009]

Informative video for us beginners. Going to attempt a flower box, is it necessary to have a footing for just 3 courses 8 ft long 4ft wide 3 sided?

[@0MLisa]

Ive got permission in France to start my wall. Im going to build 1.74 high i have an old wall there but its built with dirt, im hoping i can just remove the old stones ect and replace without a large foundation. It already has iron fencing in the wall each side so im leaving that and building into it so its stands strong.

[@frankflanagan4360]

Good stuff as always. Thanks for the tips!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thank you! I'm happy to give em out!

[@marcostankless7526]

youngsters like this give me hope for the next generation. I recently went to a college town to grab a burger, I saw a young man about your age he was wearing a skirt. I suppose he'll be a professor some day or something like that. Hope you get a good reward for being a stand-up guy with a real skill.

[@KurtG85]

Probably the most time efficient explanation. I’m total newb. How long do you have to wait to let the mortar dry before stacking 2 or 3 high? Won’t stacking that extra weight mash the mortar at the bottom out and make it unlevel? Also… when is laying block without mortar appropriate? Also… can you use mortar to fill the blocks with rebar or does it have to be a special concrete? Also what’s the risk of water getting in the block? I’m building a four sided square within a brick porch surrounding wall and filling the middle and outside edge of the walls with gravel and then pouring a slab on it. How do I prevent water from seeping through the slab and filling up the cinder blocks?

[@masonthemason6412]

It sets up very fast. I’ve gone 8 courses at once

[@KurtG85]

@@masonthemason6412 thanks for the help bud.

[@leonidas7281]

Im just about to build a block tornado room in an addition i built. Ive never done block. Experience in concrete. This will be on top of a slab foundation. I was thinking about how can i do a concrete ceiling on this thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated. The room will be 6x8. Thanks

[@LamMa-dj6hh]

How to tell the grout are the same for the vertical or block is evenly spaced across the wall

[@philipoien7562]

Hey Mason. you don't show a string line with the dog bone, and a story pole like you've explained in another video is used to keep the top level of each course the same vertical height as you build the wall with a distant corner that has already been laid down, and so has an existing vertical spacing of the blocks. I'm curious about the when and why you would or wouldn't use a string line. Thanks for making these videos. I've looked at a bunch of videos from various creators here on KZbin, and I find that your attention to detail is outstanding, and what I like.

[@masonthemason6412]

I use a level to build corners and leads then when I run the walls in I use a string line. I have a playlist that explains the entire process from footers to filling the cores with concrete. It will show you everything about building a simple block foundation

[@SouthernBellAng]

Mason quick question my house burned down and when taking off the top part because bottom is brick cinder block the guy busted down about 6 ft of my wall do I have to put rebar up when I rebuild wall it was built in 1965

[@hepsonmulendele9626]

Good

[@ricdenali4213]

Do you have to put wire on any of the courses?

[@masonthemason6412]

When they call for it it's every 2 or 3 courses

[@fabiancanada8876]

Hey young fellas. Just wondering if you mix your own mortar and what ratio you are using (3 parts sand 1 part Portland cement?). If you mix your own, what kind of sand are you using? Thanks for the tips in the video. I want to build a greenhouse foundation with 10" block (7 high about 100').

[@masonthemason6412]

Yep we are. Yes we do a 3 to 1 ratio. We use masonry sand. Please go to my playlist and watch the full process of the block foundation. I show you how to mix the mortar in my third video. It's a 6 part series and if you watch them all you'll learn how I build a foundation

[@masonthemason6412]

kzbin.info/aero/PLU5uFXb4HW8SqO4AfuniidNQLljspIuuJ

[@fabiancanada8876]

@@masonthemason6412 Thanks so much, thats awesome! Can't wait to get started. All the best and greetings from Nova Scotia

[@Hugo.345]

What kind and size blocks are those?

[@arthurmiller8336]

What type of mud are using s or n? what size does the footings need to be?

[@masonthemason6412]

I always use s. If you are using form boards for 10in block the minimum is 18in. I prefer if they are 24in. I also prefer if it's in a ditch to have a 3 foot bucket and just make the footings 3ft so it's easy to walk around. Depends on the job and how you bid it

[@masonthemason6412]

Most times if you have a print it will tell you what the footings should be

[@mokassem1311]

Great video!! Is there a way I can contact you? Thank you!

[@masonthemason6412]

Thanks. Yeah you could email me

[@dilonprice3648]

How do you start the very first level

[@artificer845]

Got a question: I mixed my mid 4:1, but it isn't sticking on the edges of the verticals between blocks, suggestions?

[@artificer845]

Ok nevermind, kept watching and saw the answer

[@masonthemason6412]

Less sand. I do 3:1

[@davids8730]

What determines weather you use 12" block or 8" ?

[@masonthemason6412]

I use 12 in block for frost foundation. Usually you step back to 10in block. I use 8 in block for porch walls or something that doesn't need extra support. The bigger the block the better for putting weight on it. When no weight is going on top of your wall use 8in block

[@davids8730]

@@masonthemason6412 So a filled block garage with a wood frame house on top would be 12" block. Your videos are great, very informative, and your craftsmanship is impressive. Thank you for doing this.

[@masonthemason6412]

10's are fine for 2 story houses. People like to save a couple cents and use the smaller block. I would use 10's for that project you are doing. The only time we use 12 in block is for a frost footer. That's for Pennsylvania, some places don't require that. Thank you! I try as hard as I can to make these videos so everyone can understand them and can do it themselves. I hope I helped you

[@TheJohndeere466]

Wouldnt the wall be stronger if you put mud on the center of the block also

[@masonthemason6412]

I’d assume

[@TheJohndeere466]

@@masonthemason6412 just wondering why most guys don't do it

[@masonthemason6412]

Less mortar and its faster to not. It’s not required. When you fill the cores with concrete it makes it strong

[@PaddleDogC5]

Always plumb down to the first course with the long level.

[@peviratte9]

How about the rebars?

[@timthompson7205]

That's the question i keep looking for an answer to but no one ever talks about it. How do you know how much is enough mortar? How much do you tap it down? Whats the width? How do you control the width going horizontaly? You could be out by inches horizontaly if its too much or too little. Height wise too but if its level than all that changes is your inner framing. If you're out widthwise though you're off of the corners or an RO for a window or door.

[@johnmack4351]

It takes me longer to finish these days when I beat on my level...Choppin,scoopin n slappin

[@taylorphillips5118]

I can't find those blocks with the grooves at the ends. I think they're called stretchers. I'm going have to make do with flush ends. That's somewhat annoying.

[@taylorphillips5118]

And cumbersome to manipulate.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Rock the level and look to see high spots. Don't beat it.

[@MrHodgeon5th]

Is this mud the same mixture from the cat piss video?

[@masonthemason6412]

Always the same mixture just no cat piss in this mix hahaha

[@nazarethsilveria2722]

By the end of the day throwing them up any kind of way then pounding them straight with the three pound lump hammer an to by four to tired to shake the mud lol

[@lucycats6282]

You beat on your tools because you do not have to pay for them out of your own pocket. Nice videos

[@michaelsantos4161]

new level every year dont be cheap bro 100 $ good brickelyers earn 80k +++ year

[@1FatHappyBirthday]

I gotta get me a rooster so I can harass everyone.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Range your block at the very top.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Your other video you said keep everything in 8". No reason not to stay in 8" coursing. Adjust your mortar consistency or spread time a bit.

[@gusemery5475]

Lay just one block then tingle your line down to it every course then you don’t have to beat the crap out of your level? 😱

[@PaddleDogC5]

You shouldn't need to straddle a wall to build it.

[@alisharif1997]

MashaAllah🏗️🕌🕌🕌🕌🕌🏫🏫

[@PaddleDogC5]

Don't put you hand to o hold the mortar when you filled the half. Hands are to hold tools not be a trowel.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Foot on base of level and one hand you look like your trying to tug on the wall.

[@oman1216]

Never supposed to bang on your level

[@PaddleDogC5]

To many movements to butter the end of the block on end.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Beating you level is not necessary use your 👀

[@PaddleDogC5]

You are not even spreading 16" per trowel. To movements and trips to the board.

[@djsurf]

gloves -

[@chrislnflorida5192]

😂 Shake that Mud. HOW do u keep up with your Height without measuring? Is your 4' Level an American, if so hopefully you got the T-Bar down the middle. The 1st American i had it Warped, it had the Brass Edges Not the T-Bar. That was close to 40 years ago.

[@chriswilson6952]

Very good Mason but don't be teaching folk to hit the level and I will let you find out the hard way , someday that lazy little bubble destroying hack is gonna cost you a fortune. That instrument was created to check your eye and it needs to stay consistent. There are only a few level brands that are constructed to last a beating and you do not hit those levels either. there are you tube videos on Stabila levels and how the vial is made and how it sits in the level.

[@Charlotte9-t2o]

Ur still a beginner bro

[@masonthemason6412]

That video was a year ago. So I’ve been laying for 4 years. I layout and run jobs. I build the leads. I’m pretty good. But thanks for your opinion

[@PaddleDogC5]

Using 2' level first then a 4' is a waste of motion and time.

[@PaddleDogC5]

No style when you re slapping the mortar around.

[@PaddleDogC5]

Dump 5he Chinese trowel 🤮