How to Lay Cement Block

Prep the post line and brick layout

1). Plan your cement-block layout on paper. Factor in the depth of the posting. Plan the footing for outdoor areas like barbecues in your drawing so that you have measured the footing to be twice as deep and wide as any walls you install. Draw 8-inch blocks for every 4 feet along the post line.
2). Layout the groundwork by placing 2-by-4 wood boards along the ground, then drive in stakes to hold them in place.
3). Adjust the level of the footing surrounding the work space. Make sure your wooden stakes are on all outer sides of the 2-by-4 wood boards, and at each corner for ballast. Pour cement into the footing. Fill the footing up to the very top. Level the cement off with a straight board or flat shovel.
4). Scrape off any cement that overflows. Use a flat shovel or a flat wooden board, and scrape along the top, back and forth along the perimeter.
5). Let the cement dry for three or more days before you lay any blocks.
6). Measure the corners of each end of the post line. Cut wood, or estimate wood size from scrap, to fit the corners at roughly a 90-degree angle. Hammer the boards together at a 90-degree angle with nails. Attach stacks to these boards to hold them in the ground at each corner of the post line.
7). Test your post line by laying out some blocks of cement along the perimeter. You should have enough blocks to cover the line. If not, you can cut blocks and use plywood to fill in any spaces.
8). Remove the blocks, and set them to the side.

1). Measure roughly about 4 feet from each corner of the post line, then lay mortar about 1 inch deep along the post. Spread the mortar to the width and length of the bricks, roughly 8 inches. The blocks are actually smaller, but this is just to allow ample space for the mortar to dry.
2). Lay down about four or five blocks at a time, starting at roughly 4 feet out from the corners. Ensure the blocks have their holes facing upward. You may lay the blocks closer if you like, depending on the size of the corners. For very large corners, start the block layout further from the corner of the post line.
3). Insert a furrow in the middle of the mortar, and place your blocks in the corners.
4). Continue to lay your blocks, scrapping excess away from the edges of the cement blocks.
5). Ensure that the blocks are aligned, pushing the blocks back into alignment as you inspect the finished structure.
6). Fill in the gaps in the cement blocks with extra concrete mix. Allow the wall to dry and your job is done.