Constructing your own wall using concrete blocks is a straightforward project you can probably undertake by yourself. Concrete blocks are masonry blocks that are made of molded cement for the purpose of building walls.
1. Plan out your wall
Start by planning the positioning, length and height of your wall, as well as what materials and equipment you are going to need to build it.
2. Gather your necessary materials
You’re going to need quite a lot of things for this one: hollow concrete blocks, steel rebar, cement mortar, tape measure, brush, trough, shovel, trowel, concrete float, a bucket, some string, levelling device, masonry ruler, plumbline, sledge hammer, a mallet, tamper tool and brick laying gloves.
3. Measure and outline the space for your wall
Using your tape measure, make sure that placement of your wall is where you want it to be. Mark the line of your future wall using taut string.
4. Lay the foundation
Start by digging up the soil for the wall and the footer. Compact and level out the soil with a tamper tool. Pour gravel into the hole you have made. Place steel rebar at regular intervals along your foundation. This will strengthen your wall and aid in your alignment. Mix and add concrete to fill in the footer hole for your wall foundations. Make sure the concrete is smoothed out. Allow it to cure for 7 days before moving on to the next step.
5. Lay down your first concrete blocks
First, wet the foundation slightly to assist with the hardening process. Add a layer of mortar to the foundation and gently place down you first concrete blocks, one on either side of your wall (or a portion of your wall if it is very long). Make sure they are both level and plumb (set at the same height).
6. Create a guide for your next blocks
Attach a taut string that goes over the top of your blocks. This will serve as a guide for the rest of the blocks that will be added to this level of your wall. Double check the alignment of your first two blocks before you move on.
7. Add more blocks of concrete to your first line
Place down a 4cm layer of mortar down and place the next block in line with your first block. Check that it is level and plumb. Add mortar between the new block and the first block and scrape it clean with your trowel. Continue to add blocks of concrete to your wall along your line, making sure that they are level and plumb and in line all the way and securing the blocks with mortar between each block. Make use of your masonry ruler to check the level of the whole wall at regular intervals.
8. Fill in gaps
If you come to a space that is too small for a full block, break a block in half using your sledgehammer and place it into the gap, filling the sides in with mortar.
9. Start your next level
Add a half a mortar block to each end of your wall at your next line. This will ensure that your blocks overlap or are staggered rather than built directly above one another, which is unsafe. Repeat step 7 to complete the next line. Start your next level with whole masonry blocks to continue the staggered pattern.
10. Repeat until your wall has reached the desired height
Once your wall has reached the desired height, fill in any rebar holes, and then leave it to dry for 48 hours. Cut any parts of your rebar that may be sticking out.
This is a very basic guide for building a very basic wall. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully, and maybe do some extra research before you get started. Also make sure that your project falls in line with your local municipal laws, regulations and codes. It’s always a good idea to consult a professional for advice before building your own wall. You can easily find local and reputable builders
here. They will happily provide you with the advice, expertise and assistance that you may require!