Customer Reviews

Bricklaying

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I checked the book out from the library first to get a feel for it, though the illustrations are good, I found the method of instruction haphazard and very much lacking.

In addition the author is Australian and many of the terms used are not US specific. No attempt is made to explain many of the techniques

Go for a time life book, or the following used text "AUDEL'S MASONS AND BUILDERS LIBRARY," by Louis Dezettel (look for volume 2 bricklaying, plastering...) is exceptionally written in regards to detail and very easy to understand.

A disapointment. Confusing, full of obscure terms and "inside" tips that are useless to the do-it-yourselfer. Seems like a book written by an expert for other experts. After purchasing this book I picked up a used Time-Life book on masonary that had more good info in 10 pages than this 320 page turkey.

Buy this book first! Whether you plan on laying up brick and block yourself, or you want to prepare yourself to deal with a masonry contractor or a property built with masonry, this book is for you. The writing is clear and to the point, and the illustrations are first-rate. I especially liked the author's insights and tips that can only come from someone with A LOT of practical experience. Most other books I've seen deal with garden walls and pathways. Not this one. Structural walls, windows, doorways...it's all here. You may want other supplemental material, but start with this book first. Price is right, too

Some reviews claim this isn't a book for a 'do-it-yourselfer'. This may be true if your abilities to think and to build are of a limited capacity. This book has excelent illustrations and explainations that walk you through many forms of building with brick though simple explaination. I would recomend this to the 'able' 'do-it-yourselfer' and I can imagine there are things profesionals could gleam from this book as well.

I have done quite a bit of tile work and am not a foreigner to trowel trades. When I decided to put in my first brick hearth and wall I looked for a book to give me the basics. This was not it. I feel it is poorly outlined and organized and lacked some basic information I sought. There are some cool projects in it, but start with another book if you're new to the trade.

If you are a mason of any background, you will love this book. Really well illustrated, diagrams done nicely. Easy to understand. From beginer type work to extreame arch wk & much more. Last point if you want to build a outside grill out of brick check out the 10 brick grill layouts in this book.
Good Stuff!