Bricklayer day rates in 2026
Most experienced bricklayers in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire charge between £220 and £350 per day as a day rate. This is for labour only — bricks and mortar are charged separately.
Some bricklayers quote by the square metre instead, typically £80–£150 per m² of brickwork laid. The per-m² rate makes it easier to budget in advance because you are not paying for time.
Always get a fixed-price quote rather than a day rate for larger jobs. A written quote protects both parties. A good bricklayer will be happy to provide one.
Typical costs by job type (2026)
| Job | Typical cost (South of England) |
|---|---|
| Single-storey extension (brickwork only) | £4,000–£12,000 |
| Double-storey extension (brickwork only) | £8,000–£20,000 |
| Garden wall (10m x 1m, materials + labour) | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Boundary wall repair or rebuild | £800–£3,000 |
| Chimney rebuild | £1,200–£3,500 |
| New build house (brickwork contract) | £18,000–£50,000+ |
These figures are for brickwork only. They do not include foundations, structural steel, scaffolding, roof works, windows or any other trades.
What affects bricklaying costs?
Brick type and cost
Bricks vary enormously in price. A standard facing brick costs around 40–70p each. Handmade, reclaimed or specialist bricks can cost £2–£8 each or more. For a typical garden wall 10 metres long and 1 metre high, you need roughly 600 bricks per side — so material cost alone varies from £500 to over £5,000 depending on brick type.
Bond pattern and complexity
Simple running bond (stretcher bond) is the fastest to lay. More complex bonds — Flemish bond, English bond, decorative patterns — take longer. Decorative brickwork with cut bricks, soldier courses or arches adds significant time and cost.
Access and scaffolding
Scaffolding is required for work above ground floor level. Expect to add £600–£1,500 for scaffolding on a typical extension or upper-floor job.
Mortar type
Standard sand and cement mortar is cheapest. Lime mortar (needed for period properties) costs more. Coloured mortars add to material costs.
Should I supply the bricks myself?
Some bricklayers prefer to source materials themselves — this simplifies the job and they know exactly what to order. Others are happy for you to supply bricks, particularly if you need to match existing brickwork from a specific source. Either way, agree this clearly in the written quote before work starts.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to lay 1,000 bricks?
- An experienced bricklayer can typically lay 400–600 standard bricks per day on straightforward work. More complex bonds, lots of cuts, or awkward access will reduce this significantly.
- Do I need planning permission for brickwork?
- Extensions usually require planning permission unless they fall within permitted development limits. Garden walls under 1m next to a highway, or under 2m elsewhere, generally do not need planning permission. Always check with your local council.
- How do I get an accurate bricklaying quote?
- The more detail you can give, the more accurate the quote will be. Useful information includes: dimensions of the work, brick type (or a photo of existing brickwork to match), access conditions, whether scaffold is already in place, and any drawings or planning permission reference if relevant.