Step-by-Step Guide to Mortaring Brick Planters

Creating a brick planter is an excellent way to add charm and structure to your garden or outdoor space. Brick planters are durable, visually appealing, and can be customized to fit any style or size requirements. One of the most crucial steps in building a sturdy and long-lasting brick planter is properly mortaring the bricks together. Mortar acts as the glue that holds bricks in place, ensuring stability and longevity.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of mortaring brick planters, from gathering materials to finishing touches. Whether you are a novice DIYer or an experienced mason, this article will provide valuable tips and techniques to help you build a beautiful brick planter that lasts for years.

Materials and Tools Needed

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials and tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.

Materials

Bricks (quantity depends on planter size)
Mortar mix (pre-mixed or dry mortar powder)
Water
Gravel or crushed stone (for drainage base)
Sand (optional, for mixing mortar if using dry mix)
Landscape fabric or plastic liner (optional)

Tools

Trowel
Mortar hawk or mixing board
Bucket for mixing mortar
Masonry brush or sponge
Level
Rubber mallet
Tape measure
String line and stakes
Wheelbarrow (optional)
Gloves
Safety goggles

Step 1: Planning and Preparing the Site

The first step is to choose where your brick planter will be located. Select a flat, stable area with good drainage and adequate sunlight for your plants.

Clear and Level the Area

Remove any grass, weeds, rocks, or debris from your selected site. Use a shovel or rake to level the ground as much as possible.

Mark the Layout

Using a tape measure, stakes, and string line, mark out the exact shape and dimensions of your planter. This will serve as a guide during construction.

Step 2: Create a Solid Foundation

A strong foundation is essential to prevent settling or shifting over time.

Dig a Trench

Excavate a trench about 6 to 8 inches deep along the marked outline. The trench should be wide enough to accommodate one layer of bricks plus mortar joints—usually around 10 inches wide.

Add Gravel Base

Fill the trench with 3 to 4 inches of gravel or crushed stone. Compact this layer firmly using a tamper or by stomping it down. This layer facilitates drainage and prevents moisture buildup under the planter.

Step 3: Mix the Mortar

Properly mixed mortar ensures good adhesion between bricks.

Using Pre-Mixed Mortar

If you use pre-mixed mortar, simply add water following package instructions until you achieve a peanut butter-like consistency—thick but workable.

Mixing Dry Mortar Powder

If using dry mortar mix:

Pour dry mix into a bucket.
Slowly add water while stirring continuously.
Mix thoroughly until smooth and lump-free.
Let it stand for about 5 minutes then remix before use.

Wear gloves during mixing to avoid skin irritation.

Step 4: Lay the First Course of Bricks

The first row of bricks sets the tone for the entire project. Accuracy here is critical.

Apply Mortar Bedding

Using a trowel, spread a ½-inch thick bed of mortar evenly into the trench where bricks will sit.

Place the First Brick

Press the first brick firmly into place on top of the mortar bed. Use a level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal front-to-back and side-to-side.

Buttering Bricks

Apply mortar to one end of each subsequent brick (this is called “buttering”) before placing it next to the previous brick. This seals joints between bricks tightly.

Continue Laying Bricks

Set each brick firmly onto the mortar bed with buttered ends touching adjacent bricks. Check alignment regularly with string lines and level tools.

Step 5: Build Up Additional Courses

Once the first course is laid, continue stacking additional rows of bricks following these best practices:

Stagger Joints (Running Bond Pattern)

Offset bricks in each new row by half a brick length relative to the row below. This increases strength by distributing weight evenly and locking bricks together more securely.

Apply Mortar Joints Consistently

Maintain consistent mortar joint thickness—typically ¾ inch—to ensure an even appearance.

Use Rubber Mallet for Adjustments

Gently tap bricks into place with a rubber mallet to align edges without damaging them.

Step 6: Tooling the Joints

After laying each course, smoothing out mortar joints improves both aesthetics and weather resistance.

Wait Before Tooling

Allow mortar joints to set slightly until they become firm but still pliable—usually around 30 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Choose Your Tooling Style

Common joint profiles include concave (most popular), v-shaped, or flush joints. A concave joint is created by pressing a rounded jointer tool into joints, compacting mortar inward for durability against water penetration.

Step 7: Cleaning Excess Mortar

Keep your work clean by wiping off any spilled or smeared mortar from brick faces as you work.

Use a Masonry Brush or Sponge

Once mortar starts setting but is not fully hardened (about an hour after laying), gently scrub bricks with a damp masonry brush or sponge to remove residue without damaging joints.

Step 8: Allow Mortar to Cure Properly

Mortar gains strength as it cures through hydration—a chemical reaction requiring moisture over several days.

Protect from Elements

Cover your planter loosely with plastic sheets if rain or intense sun occurs immediately after construction to prevent cracking or drying too fast.

Keep Moisture Levels Balanced

Mist newly laid walls lightly every day for 3–5 days if weather is particularly dry.

Step 9: Add Drainage and Fill Soil

Once your brick planter is fully constructed and mortar has cured:

Line bottom with landscape fabric if desired.
Add several inches of gravel at planter base for drainage.
Fill with quality potting soil appropriate for your plants.
Plant your favorite flowers, herbs, shrubs, or vegetables!

Tips for Success and Maintenance

Choose quality bricks suitable for outdoor use; some are designed specifically for planters.
Wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with mortar.
Keep tools clean by rinsing after use; dried mortar can harden quickly.
Inspect planter periodically for cracks or loose bricks; repair promptly with fresh mortar.
If you live in freezing climates, consider winterizing your planter by removing soil or covering it during cold months.

Conclusion

Mortaring brick planters may seem intimidating initially but following these detailed steps makes it manageable for any DIY enthusiast. With careful preparation, patience during laying courses, and proper curing techniques, you can create beautiful masonry planters that enhance outdoor spaces dramatically while lasting many years with minimal maintenance.

Building your own brick planter also allows customization in size, shape, height, and style — turning functional gardening containers into splendid architectural features in your yard or patio. So gather your materials today and enjoy crafting a lasting addition that brings both greenery and craftsmanship together beautifully!