- 1). Locate the fence line and mark it with stakes and mason's twine. Measure it with a tape measure to determine the number of bricks needed; figure bricks at 8 inches long by 4 inches wide by 2 inches deep. Check local building codes to determine a pattern. Many codes require walls or fences more than 3 feet high to have reinforcing bars set in concrete between two brick faces.
- 2). Dig a footing with a shovel. Make a trench at least 8 inches deep and 8 inches wide, but vary the specifics according to the height and width of the fence. Local building codes also may specify footing dimensions. Lay a base of at least 2 inches of compacted gravel and pour a concrete footing the length and width of the fence. Smooth the surface with a trowel and use a level to get it level the length of the fence. Let the concrete cure for a week.
- 3). Stretch a string line the length of the fence and level it with a line level, to be a guide for laying bricks. Start at one end, put mortar on the bottom and one side of a brick and press it firmly in place. Add a second brick the same way and work to the end of the fence line with one row of bricks. Use a level to keep the course level.
- 4). Lay a parallel course for the other side of the fence wall. Start that course with brick sides abutting, or with a 4-inch gap between sides, depending on your pattern and reinforcing requirements. Begin a second course or layer with a half-brick at the end, so the mortar joints will not be aligned. Lay a second full course on either side. Lay the third course with bricks perpendicular, across the two outside faces or alternating "stretcher" bricks lengthwise with "bull headers" perpendicular to tie the two sides together. If reinforcing bars are required, just lay both sides in overlapping "running bond" pattern, set the rebars in place and fill the gap with concrete.
- 5). Build the two sides to the desired height, checking every course with a level to make sure bricks are level and walls are vertically plumb. Finish brick joints every couple of courses with a finishing tool, a steel device pressed into the mortar to squeeze it into a cylindrical shape so water will flow out of the joint.
- 6). Build a short fence with some different patterns. Use a rowlock with two rows of straight bricks with 2-inch edges abutting and cover them with a row of bricks laid perpendicular so the 4-inch ends are out. Follow that pattern to the desired height. Make a "soldier" wall with two courses of bricks along the fence line, then set a course of bricks on ends, with the long dimension up, on one side, while continuing regular bricks on the other. Three courses of straight bricks will get to the height of the vertical line; add two more standard courses, then another solider course and so on to the desired height.
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