Brickwork is one of those trades where the cost per brick can look deceptively cheap — but the total price of a job depends on far more than just the brick count. Here's a practical breakdown of what affects bricklaying costs and what you should expect to budget.
What Affects the Cost of Brickwork?
- Type of brick — standard clay bricks are cheapest; engineering bricks, reclaimed bricks, and facing bricks all cost more
- Accessibility — scaffolding, tight access, or working at height all add to labour costs
- Wall type — a single-skin garden wall is far cheaper than a double-skin cavity wall
- Mortar and waste — mortar, DPC (damp-proof course), and a waste allowance for broken bricks all factor in
- Existing structure — knocking down old brickwork or preparing foundations adds time and cost
Typical Brickwork Costs (2026)
| Job | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Garden wall (single skin, 1m high, 5m long) | £700–£1,200 |
| Garden wall (double skin, 1m high, 5m long) | £1,100–£1,800 |
| Brick pier (per pier) | £150–£300 |
| Repointing (per m²) | £40–£80 |
| Brick extension (per m² of wall) | £100–£200 |
Per-Brick vs Per-M² Pricing
Most bricklayers price by the square metre or by the linear metre for walls, rather than per brick — this accounts for mortar, labour, and waste more fairly. For smaller repair jobs, some may charge a day rate of £200–£300 per day.
Reclaimed vs New Bricks
If you're matching existing brickwork on an older property, reclaimed bricks can cost £0.80–£1.50 each — significantly more than new bricks at £0.40–£0.80 each. The colour and texture match is usually worth it for visible work on period properties.
Repointing: When Does a Wall Need It?
If mortar is crumbling, cracking, or falling out, repointing restores the wall's weather resistance and prevents moisture getting into the brickwork. It's a labour-intensive job — the old mortar is raked out to a set depth before new mortar is pressed in — which is why it's priced per square metre.
Getting Quotes
Always get at least two or three quotes for any brickwork job, and make sure each quote specifies the brick type, wall dimensions, and whether waste removal and materials are included. A vague 'per brick' quote without these details is a red flag.