Brick and Block Laying for Beginners
Weekend Workshop
Master the essential skills of conventional brick and block laying, empowering yourself to tackle both repair work and new construction projects with confidence.
Delve into the fundamentals of masonry, learning crucial techniques that have stood the test of time. This course is designed for beginners and novices who wish to grasp the fundamental principles of these modern construction methods. Gain the expertise needed for contemporary applications in the world of brick and blocklaying, paving the way for hands-on proficiency in both repairs and new builds.
Want to gift this skill to someone? Vouchers available here
On this course, you’ll learn:
Introduction to the tools you will be using for blocklaying and bricklaying.
An understanding on damp course and insulation including the different types.
Practice in making mortar and the different consistencies of mortar.
Marking out and constructing corners correctly
Keeping joints properly spaced.
Bricklaying
Get your questions answered around:
Different styles of brickwork,
How to mark out windows and doors
How to finish off for wall plates on sheds or houses, retaining walls etc.
What will I leave with?
You’ll leave with the confidence to start creating and repairing your own brick and block walls, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the role they play in our structures.
You will also leave with a connection to other likeminded learners, who you’ll be able to keep in touch with through a 12 month membership of our community app The Commonage included in your course fee.
What’s included?
The course fee of €380 fees cover tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed. *There is mandatory site safety gear required to participate in this course, please see below.
Additional Information
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We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest for use when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves.
The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
Steel toe-capped boots. No trainers, shoes or wellies will be allowed on site due to risk of injury.
Protective gloves*
Safety glasses*
Knee pads are also useful and will provide greater comfort. You may already have many of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Masonry Site & Safety Kit. This is available to purchase as an add on to your course ticket.
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our FAQs page.
Staying at The Common Knowledge Centre
We now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.
Instructing this course
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Martin O'Malley
Martin is a qualified block and bricklayer and a Master Stonemason. In recent years Martin has chosen to combine this trade with his artistic side by carving stone and bogoak.
He also helps people with disabilities to build confidence and express their creative side by participating in projects, nurturing inclusivity and improved physical and mental health through creativity.
Martin is passionate about the environment and gives biodiversity talks locally and in the Galway county. He hosts woodcarving classes and biodiversity talks on his farm where he takes people out of the classroom into nature. Martin is currently embarking on his journey to become an organic farmer. He aims to cover at least one third of his farm with native broadleaf trees which he plans to hug for his remaining days!