EPIC curved brick retaining wall | pt 4 | decorative brickwork
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- Thank you all for your patience waiting for this video to be finished, as the build has taken a little longer than expected!
Having always been fascinated with Victorian brickwork and the level of craftsmanship seldom seen these days, I embark on a very challenging build to create a retaining wall with style and character.
This is the third part of the project to build a strong decorative retaining wall.
In this video I work with reclaimed clay brick, showing how I made a decorative pattern and finished the wall.
Please subscribe for more content. The next project is underway and regular updates should follow.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 intro
00:50 laying first courses
04:32 cutting/shaping bullnose bricks
08:38 jigs & templates (cutting diamond pattern)
15:54 laying bullnose row/course
16:23 laying diamond pattern bricks
23:35 bullnose top row/course
24:47 laying bricks above pattern
26:51 brick ties
27:30 wall capping discussion
30:11 making coloured mortar
33:39 installing corbel brickwork
37:17 tidy mortar gap
38:41 corbel corner install
39:50 rowlock header course
42:46 cutting voussoirs
45:15 final stretch header course
46:45 FINISHED WALL MONTAGE
47:16 outro - Jak na to + styl
I'm a real Bricklayer and your hard work and enthusiasm is something for young lads to admire and strive towards.
Can't believe my new favourite Bricky on CZcams ain't even a bricky 🤣🧱🧱🧱
🤣😂🤣sorry! I like to have a go all many different trades, as you’ll see in future videos.
Check out Rob Songer.
He's the master.
@@fritzdrybeam He certainly is! I've just been introduced to his channel @Robsonger
When the wall beds into it's surroundings people will say "you don't get craftsmen like Victorians anymore" 😂
Excellent job.
Ha! That’s the plan! Now I’ve got to make the rest of the place match though…..🤔
The fact your not a Bricklayer makes this 1000x more impressive.
Incredible work!
Thanks so much. I'm just glad the real bricklayers haven't slated my work!
@danwaterson356 if you didn't lay with your trowel hand on occasion I would never of noticed!
Really? His wrist control was on point then other parts told me he wasn't. I'm very impressed. I'm a Bricky. And I've seen a lot worse than you on site
@markmorgan6231 no I mean he lays with his trowel hand. Meaning he puts his trowel down to lay a brick.
If he didn't do that I wouldn't have a clue.
@danwaterson356 many brick layers have never done this complex work.. I admire the time it took you.. also, I'm a stone mason and lay a few bricks here and there.. never nothing this amazing.. Great job
Leave it as it is… absolutely perfect
Thank you, noted.
Agreed!
Yeah agreed
Absolutely leave it!
agreed
Leave it sharp. Looks so good already. You are an absolute craftsman.
Thank you for your kind words. It’s looking like the sharp edge gets to stay unless there’s a sudden sway in the votes!
Having been a bricklayer for many years, (I used to do a lot of work for English Heritage and the National Trust), I must say this video was a joy to watch. It brought back so many memories.
I used to love repairing all the old buildings, fancy arches, garden walls with fancy piers and such. People were amazed what you can do with the right bricks and the time to cut and shape the bricks to make beautiful things as you have done here. I left brickwork because I got bored with the square boxes that seem to be the norm these days. But I do miss projects like this. The satisfaction when you stand back and look at the finished job is a feeling I can still remember to this day. Excellent work.
P.S. leave the capping as is. Less is more. You will take the eye away from the main feature of the paneling below.
Thanks for sharing your story. Brick is such an amazing medium to work with and some lovely structures can be created. Time and energy are all that is required, as you said. Glad the video spoke to your memories. All the best.
I’m not a brick layer but I’ve done small walls and bbq bit of block to watch you video was great what an amazing project like most things take time and get great results it’s all trial and error in my eyes as for the top I’d leave as is the main feature says it all 👍
Unfortunately I think you were just not able to find the right clients, those with the money do not care about the time or cost of the project just the opulence of the finished product. A £2M + house with gated driveway would pay VERY well to have a 6 foot version leading to the gates, or maybe around a raised flowerbed or pond.
@@ferretfez6976 In my experience, it’s the people with money that are the tightest. Always trying to get the job done cheaper and always trying to save a bob or two. Trust me, if they have the money, they’re always trying to get more or save what they’ve got. 😬
I've been a mason since 1967 and i can tell you that was a major task you took on there. Well done sir! Looks great.
Thank you so much. It was a major undertaking!
I vote for leaving it square edged. When you proposed rounding it I expected that would be great, but looking at the wall as it stands, the squared edge gives it a definitive upper edge and doesn't distract from the rounded bricks below. It draws your attention down to the curves.
I think you’re right. I was concerned it’d look unfinished, but instead it does look defined as you say. 👍
I agree sharp edge. Excellent job!
You are a natural bricklayer and most of the bricklayers i have worked with in my 40 + years in building trade would not have attempted that wall, give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done.
🙏 thanks so much. 25 years ago I bought a house in the UK and unbeknown to me my neighbour was a bricklayer. I decided to build a brick wall, and after a couple of days he couldn’t put up with the sound of me pounding on the bricks anymore, so he came around and gave me some pointers……. Sometimes you just need to SEE someone work for it all to click.
@@danwaterson356so right is that buddy. Well done. You have done An amazing job. I think the reason you have done so amazingly well is because you are enjoying doing it. Most brickies like said in the comments wouldn’t even bother.
Coming from a family of Brickmasons, I can say this is a job well done my friend! Whether this is your main trade or not, you've done a splendid job! That red brick touch up with the diamond design on the outside of the cinder block was a fantastic idea and to be quite honest, you've done a better job than most bricklayers I've seen! Hahahahaha... you should be proud of yourself! Excellent work! 💯
No way he did all this job and keep talking so calmly.... 😅
What a great work! Real art!
Ha! 🙏 thanks. The inner turmoil was real though…🤣
I have nothing to do with bricklaying but this is just like an art. Masterpiece.
Thanks for the comment, much appreciated. Just to prove brick work doesn’t have to be plain and boring! 😀
Stunning. To think current and future generations will look at it and admire it must be a blessing for you.
Thank you! I’m sure it’ll outlast a couple of generations.
Thanks for the mention made me smile on father's day
Happy Father’s Day. And thanks for the tip, really was much easier.
Thanks, the tip I’ve taken from the video is using the laser and trowel to level the curved wall I’ll be using it next time I build a curved wall
regarding the flat wall ties I did some time working in germany they had similar stainless steel ones very popular the tip I got from Dean from Reading was bend them to about an eighty degree L shape and after laying the block slide the tie in with the L up and because it’s over 90 when you push the bottom tight to the wall the top edge will be tight against the wall and not catch your hands as you work
@@peterthebricky Nice one, that would keep the ties out of the way. I had no idea whether the ties would align, as the reclaimed bricks varied from 69-75mm thick. I would've referred wire brick ties, but just can't get them in NZ.
I’ve been a carpenter for 40 years, I now just build bespoke wardrobes and cabinets but I’m always in awe of other trades such as brickies and plasterers. And you’re not even a bricklayer! Never a doubt that the Festool sander wouldn’t do the job either. Great work fella
Nice work transitioning into cabinetry. I played at being a cabinet maker in a past life, and will be building a workshop so I can get back into some wood construction and steel fabrication. Festool do make some fine gear don’t they? I’ve even ground and polished a bathroom concrete floor with the Rotex! 👍
I have been a mason for 43 active years, and i would have never attempted all the cutting and itricate work , lob well done lookes great!
You’ve more sense than me then! 😂
Thanks for the comment.
I've done a decent amount of brick work here in philly, but; and I don't say this lightly, YOU ARE A BEAST! Doing all that by yourself! I know union bricklayers I'd say you're right there with them...
That's very kind of you to say, especially from a seasoned professional such as yourself.
I would leave it as a sharp edge personally... What a beautiful job you have done! I love traditional building methods like that!
Thank you, and it looks like the edge will be remaining sharp.
I think it looks perfect as it is. No radius cut.
Thank you for the vote 👍
Labour of love.The only way to explain you is your a genius.
You’re too kind. It was a labour of love though👍
Mate, that is stunning, I was in the building game for 20 years and I don’t know anyone who would undertake that project. I tip my hat to you Sir. 👍 leave the sharp edge on it.
Thanks for the comment 🙏. Just published the final video in this series, and nearly everyone voted to keep the wall edge sharp.
Thank you for sharing Dan. What a monumental effort.
Leave as a straight edge
Thanks Peter, your vote is noted.
I absolutely love this type of stuff. These types of details and unique designs is what makes a property amazing. Real craftmanship art!
I would leave the edge sharp. It's a nice contrast to all of the other curves. it makes it pop more IMO.
Agreed, it’s doing things differently that adds a touch of uniqueness to a property. Stay tuned for more!
Judging by the votes it seems most would agree with your opinion on keeping the top edge as-is.
Wow. If NZ has a lets-give-this-trade-a-whirl competition, you'd win first prize. Skilled, clever, beautiful and a joy to behold.
🙏 thanks for the comment and your kind words.
As a cabinet maker I spend so much of my time inventing systems for repetitive work, not that much different to this. One wrong measurement puts the next out of line and gets steadily worse. Experience teaches you to take the time to do it right. Love the result, it looks magnificent!
Absolutely! Jigs, fixtures, templates and systems are the stable of any good workshop and help you keep your sanity and avoid time consuming mistakes. One of the projects I’m working on is to design and build a workshop near the cabin, where I’ll get back into cabinet making and steel fabrication with some cool projects. Of course it’ll all feature on the channel 😀
Great craftsmanship and what patience.
As a carpenter and teacher at a crafts school, I know what it's all about.
Keep up the good work
Greetings from Denmark
Leave it It's beautiful as it is. My mind would have exploded doing this hats off to you
Thanks, the top edge is staying as-is. 👍
you are one skilled bricklayer im amazed at your work and all done by yourself
🙏 thanks for the kind words.
I know nothing about bricklaying, I just know that I love bricks! This is really impressive, and more so seeing as you've done it by yourself. The diamond pattern is really striking.
Thanks for the comment. I know what you mean, there’s something so appealing about bricks!
@@danwaterson356 I think its something to do with it being a natural material. I also love how every builder has a different pattern or style. There is so much opportunity for variation!
Dan
Your bricklaying skills are excellent, I’ve been a brickie for 30 years, I’ve learnt a few tricks from this video. I would lend you my bricksaw if you need it. We never get to do ornate brickwork like this, it was nice to see. If I ever get a chance to do it I’ll rewatch your video.
Thanks so much. There’s a saying that you can learn more from watching a fool work for an hour than you can listening to an expert for a day. If you do end up doing an ornate job make sure you charge twice the price you think it’ll be! 🤣
Absolutely mesmeric. Craftsmanship is always a thing of joy to behold. Outstanding work fella
Thanks and I agree that fine craftsmanship is always enjoyable (more so the less we see nowadays).
Nice job, you need to leave it square. I appreciate how you were patient in keeping your joints plumb and keeping bond throughout.
Thank you. Looks like I’ll be leaving the top edge square. 👍
Кирпичное кружево! Как же здорово увидеть, что кто-то этим занимается в наш скучный век минимализма!
Thank you, I like that term - 'brick lace'. Спасибо. Мне нравится этот термин «кирпичное кружево». Прямая однотонная стена наверняка была бы скучной.
You are an artist, sir. Reminds me so much of the beautiful decorative 19th century brickwork on so many buildings in Oxford, which I have always admired. Why have dull run-of-mill architecture (for that is essentially what this is) when you can have something creative and playful. I applaud your artistic achievement; bravo!
Thank you for the kind words. Oxford is a wonderful old city; there are so many examples of great architecture in England, I wish I'd taken the time to see more when I lived there!
Great attention to detail and unbelievable patience. Beautiful work a master victorian bricklayer would be impressed by👏
Thanks for the comment, Glad you liked it! 🙏
First class. Renovating my 200 yr old stable yard and gates showed the skill of the old boys. In the tudor style, rubbed bricks, broken specials with hair thin mortar to use them and ground brick dust were all there. Bricklaying is one of the most satisfying and challenging of jobs but it never ceases to amaze how accurate we can be by eye and with basic tools. When I built my house, all the correct coins to ward off spirits were put into the corners, fireplaces and chimneys. I am not a professional but 50 years on, the glow of hand made swanage brick and flush white lime mortar with local grit sand stands true. Of course I can still see all the little errors. Thank you posting.
Thanks for sharing. Historical architecture and building techniques can be fascinating. Enjoy the old stable.
Insane amount of talent. I can’t imagine what something like this costs
Why thank you so much 🙏. Check you the video I uploaded yesterday to see the costs…..
All in all you’re just another brick in the wall!
Leave it as it is! It looms lovely!
Thank you. I think most seem to agree with leaving the wall as is.
As a retired bricklayer, the job you done was very time consuming, but an amazing finish, keep the coping as it is, looks great, happy there are still people out there that can do this type of work, its all wack em and slash em today, some rubbish been built, no pride in their work, well done👏👏
Thanks for the comment. Time consuming is right. If you don’t take pride in your work then there’s no point in doing it.
Incredible work, you have the patience of a saint. well done
Thank you, and I have to have patience- I teach secondary students 🤣
Beautiful work, well done
Saw the thumb and thought I'd flick through. Watched it all. Not only a fabulous wall, terrific presentation as well.
Thanks so much for the viewing time, much appreciated especially as it’s a long video. It’s been great fun making this retaining wall series of videos so I’m excited to get stuck into the next project.
Просто великолепно.Оплодирую стоя.Вы мастер с большой буквы! Браво👏👏👏
🙏 Спасибо вам большое, вы слишком добры. Я кланяюсь.
Stunning
Thank you
Master Class in Brick Laying. you Sir are a true Craftsman! A true Professional Beautiful piece of art you've built thank you for sharing with the world.
Kind of you to say, thanks!
The sharp edge looks good. It contrasts against the radius of the wall.
Thanks. It seems most people agree with you so it’ll be staying as-is 👍
this is fantastic, remembering my own poor attempts of bricklaying in our own garden. I am really amazed by what you have accomplished. Unfortunatly i won't be able to share this video with my wife, since that might put me in a position i will certainly regret later. Leave the top row as is - it's just perfect.
Thanks. Just show her the latest video where I discuss the costs; that’ll likely put paid to any notion of adding to your job list 🤣😂🤣
My first attempts 30 years ago were also very poor, but fortunately my neighbour was a brick later (unbeknownst to me) and when he heard me pounding on the bricks he just couldn’t stand by, so gave me some pointers. Sometimes you just need to SEE how something’s done, which is why CZcams is such a great resource.
Top row is going to remain, it seems most people agree with you.
Hey Dan, thank you for the quick respnse. Unfortunately i also added old bricks to my pile of future projects and after seeing your latest video i think costs are generally a bit lower here in germany. Since my labour is free of charge and being sure i am not as patient as you are i stick to no show. Until the next time i have one too many beers. Love your channel.
Grandios !!!👍👍👍 This will be a tourist attraction!
Ha! Here's hoping....a future project is to build an off-grid cabin in the hills, and this retaining walled area will become the visitors parking.
Masterful work, and delightful commentary.
Thank you 🙏
radius and round edge. Amazing and beautiful job!!
Thanks. Your vote has been noted.
Absolutely amazing quality work 👏
Thank you 🙏
Masterpiece of artwork. It was a pleasure to watch this CZcams video. And it must have been a large amount of work. Hours and hours.
Thanks so much for the comment, and glad you enjoyed watching. Hours and hours is about right…..
I'M GUESSING YOUR AGE IS AROUND 150 BECAUSE THAT'S THE BEST LOOKING VICTORIAN BRICKWORK EVER!!! FANTASTIC WORK AND BETTER THAN MOST PROFESSIONAL BRICKIES.
It feels like it took me that long to build! The Victorians certainly knew how to be opulent with design.
Great work and patience
Thank you
Absolutely stunning! You are a very patient man to put in the time to make this wall perfect. It is a work of art!
Thanks so much. I do enjoy a challenge, and this certainly tested me at times.
Simply Outstanding
Thanks
as a brick layer from NZ i take my hat of mate well done!
Kia ora, thanks!
@@danwaterson356 Oh just seen your a kiwi too! chur well done mate!
AMAZING! So beautiful!
🙏 thanks so much.
all i can say is WOW
🙏 thank you.
Looks amazing. Well done 👌
Thanks so much.
It's so nice to see a proper British craftsman. Attention to detail, skill and preparation are key to any job. Thank you for sharing this.
Absolutely, planning is crucial for any project. Thanks so much for the compliment.
Breathtaking
🙏 thanks
Well all my years of watching bricklaying.i have never seen such a detailed design and a finish to a curved brick wall.i take my hat off to you not only on the final look and finish but to the design the workings out for the curviture the alignment for the perps .this is a genius at his work a master in the world of bricklaying.never have i seen the likes of it .and its been my pleasure to watch you at work.i salute you sir.keep up the fantastic work❤
Thank you so much for your kind words. Certainly fuels me to keep going! Glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Look forward to seeing more of your creative work i admire your perserverence and patience
PIECE OF ART! LOVE IT😊
Thanks. Mundane things such as walls can be beautiful!
Bullnose please absolutely beautiful brickwork thank you
👍 thanks for the vote and comment
That looks great, such attention to detail.
Leave the corner sharp.
Thanks so much 🙏 and thanks for the vote
Excellently done.
Thank you.
The top is perfect as is the rest of the way. Don't change a thing. Fantastic job!
Thank you and your vote is noted.
That’s stunning
Thanks!
Found and joined you on part 4. Absolutely brilliant workmanship. Bravo. Inspiring. Thank you.
So kind you to say 🙏 Thanks for the comment.
Leave the top edge! Looks so incredibly sharp, pun intended. I will be using a lot of the foundation laying knowledge from earlier in this series to build my own garden wall soon.
Great! Good luck with your wall project. I went to lengths explaining how to get the steps in the foundation to the correct length so you don’t have to cut the blocks- ignore this as the blocks are very easy to cut! Also I think I said the height of the steps should equal the height of the block/brick - actually it should be the block/brick height plus the mortar bed👍
95 % of bricklayers would run a mile than tackle that
They’ve more sense than me then!
@@danwaterson356 🙂 I was gonna say it's because we already know the amount of work this guy just too on! Great job he did though.
Amazing work. I don´t have the patience for this and would probably install sheets of 10mm steel that rusts.
Thanks. In the right setting rusty steel can look fantastic, but I just love the charm of an old (new) brick structure.
An amazing result. Sharp edge looks good.
Thanks, and it’s looking like a sharp edge is getting to stay in place.
Perfect as it is
Thank you 👍
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing.❤
🙏 thank you, and thanks for watching.
that looks absolutely fantastic mate, i did something similar a few years back, i found the easiest way was to get all your cuts done, they i laid it out dry on the floor and just transfered it to the wall as i need it, you made a lovely job of that
Thank you. Yes, planning and prep is all important. Congrats on your project, I know what you went through!🤣
Absolutely impressive work !
Thanks
I wish detailed beautiful work like this was the norm. I live in Birmingham and love the care old masons and stone workers used to take on pattern work and decorative elememts the lift buildings from functional to beautiful. The old railway works, train stations and telecom buildings have some mind bending brickwork on them. Love the video
Thanks. There are some stunning buildings hidden around the UK, harking back to the Industrial Age. Architectural minimalism has its place, but nothing beats quality crafted design.
Excellent!
Thanks!
very satisfying to watch and the final result is perfection.
Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed.
Stunning brilliant work
🙏 thanks for the comment
Love the beats around 18 minutes
Me too! BEEP by Heyson
Fantastic job. 👍
🙏 thanks
Stunning artwork and precision
Thank you, glad you like it
Beautiful work!
🙏 thank you!
That is absolutely stunning, leave as it is, congratulations and very very well done. 👌👌👌
🙏 thanks for the comment. Looks like I’m leaving the top as-is!
That’s pretty close to a masterpiece.
Thank you, I’m happy with it.
It's beautiful.
Thank you. I’m very pleased with the outcome.
Amazing work!
🙏 thank you.
Using a bucket to measure the sand and cement will give you a consistent mix.
It takes a bit longer to put into buckets.
But it’s worth it for a uniformed finish 😊
Great tip, thanks. Consistency is the key (which is why I like the Trade Mortar as it guarantees 12.5MPa strength after 28 days). I guess you could use a bucket to measure water also.
You are an artist. That wall is fabulous
Thanks, much appreciated 🙏
Belleza de proyecto 🎉
Es muy amable de tu parte decirlo, thank you.
Absolutely wonderful work! Thank you for sharing. Very inspiring!
Thanks for commenting!
Leave it square edged. Wow, I am well impressed and you’re not even a bricky. You certainly are a perfectionist. Well done Dan
Thanks for the comment and the vote. Perfectionism is a curse and a blessing! 🤣
Amazing craftsmanship. Well done! I like the sharp edge.
Thanks, and your vote is noted.
Beautiful job 👌👍
🙏 thanks
Leave it straight as is. Great job.
Thanks 👍
It turned out really nice. It’s something that you can be proud of for a very long time.
Thank you. I’m sure it’ll outlast me, even when the earthquake hits (I’m in NZ)….😬