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Garden Wall Builders

Free-standing garden walls are a beautiful and durable garden feature, but they must be properly built to the correct specifications to ensure their durability.  As free-standing walls are not very stable in the face of adverse weather conditions such as wind, their design requires more than just deciding on the right length and height.

Single skin brick walls are mostly used for decorative purposes, such as borders in domestic gardens, as half brick walls are not deemed stable above 725mm in height. In gardens, one-brick-thick freestanding walls can be used up to a height of 1925mm (1075mm in very open locations). Garden walls must be constructed on a firm base, which is commonly a concrete strip footing (a trench filled with mass concrete).

On a freestanding wall, a damp proof course is not required, but a layer of impermeable material, available in rolls to fit all widths of brickwork and laid 150mm or more above ground level, will prevent upward movement of ground water. A damp proof course, while not strictly necessary, is inexpensive and ensures that the wall will last longer because damp will not be able to penetrate the bricks. Piers are advised for strengthening the ends of half-brick and one-brick thick walls and are ideal for supporting a light gate.

Although increasing the thickness of a garden wall improves wind resistance, a straight solid wall is still inefficient due to its thin base; in highly exposed areas, a curved or zigzag wall would be better at resisting forceful winds. Longer garden walls require movement joints to limit expansion, effectively dividing the wall into discontinuous lengths to avoid accumulating load that can lead to cracking due to movement or instability.

Garden Wall - DIY or Bricklayer?

Although you can build small, decorative garden wall no more than 750 mm high and 5cm long yourself, it is best to use an expert for more complex designs to ensure that it is long-lasting, sturdy, and appealing. Small, simply decorative walls of no more than 750mm high and 5m long, on the other hand, can be accomplished with DIY abilities and smart design. Without professional assistance, never attempt to construct a high or load-bearing wall due to the training and experience needed from a professional bricklayer. Unless you are quite confident in your abilities and are aware of the risks, it is advisable to leave the construction of brick retaining walls or freestanding walls to a qualified brickie.

Garden Wall Costs

Many builders base their figures on regular tradesman rates of roughly £150 per day, plus £100 per day for labourers if needed. Foundations, bricks, copings, and tipping/skip hire, for example, would cost from £900 to £1200 for a 5-metre wall with a gap for a gate. Another method some bricklayers use is to charge per brick, which is roughly £400 for every 1000 bricks installed. Retaining walls for gardens constructed on gentle slopes to hold back a bank of soil will be substantially more expensive.

Choosing a Bricklayer to build a Garden Wall

Finding quotes has never been easier on Top Tradespeople. Simply post your job and we will connect you with up to 3 local Bricklayers without obligation, and totally free of charge. Once you have gathered your quotes, ask for examples of previous work and what is included in the quote to make sure you choose the right person for you. Also, the cheapest quote may not necessarily be the best so make sure to consider all quotes before you make your decision.