Today I’m messing around with brick arches, man. I started with this idea that I wanted something cool over the windows. You know, not just the usual flat top, something with a bit of style.
So, I got some bricks. I grabbed a pencil and a big sheet of paper, and sketched out how I wanted this arch to look. I had to make sure it fit the window just right. I measured the window about a zillion times, double-checking everything. Then, I figured out the curve of the arch, making a template on the paper.
Next up, I needed a wooden frame to hold the bricks while the mortar set. I’m no carpenter, but I managed to knock together a frame that matched the curve I drew. It was a bit wobbly, but it did the job. I set this frame over the window, resting on some supports I rigged up on the sides.
Laying the bricks was the real deal. I started from the bottom on both sides, slapping on some mortar and stacking those bricks. It was kind of tricky, making sure they followed the curve of the frame. I used these little wedge things to keep them in place and make sure the gaps between the bricks were even.
- Mix the mortar – not too wet, not too dry.
- Place the first brick on one side of the frame, then the other, working upwards.
- Use wedges to adjust the bricks and keep the spacing consistent.
I kept going, brick by brick, until I got to the top. The last brick, the keystone, was a big moment. I had to chisel it a bit to get it to fit just right. Once it was in, the whole arch was pretty solid, even without the mortar being fully dry. I had to do some cleanup, smoothing out the mortar and wiping down the bricks. It was a bit messy, but satisfying.
I left it alone for a few days to let the mortar cure. When I finally took the frame off, the arch stood there on its own, looking pretty darn good. It’s amazing how these bricks just hold each other up, all thanks to that curve.
The Finishing Touches
After the arch was set, I did a bit more cleaning. I wanted it to look nice, so I went over the mortar joints again, making sure they were neat. I even used a brush to give the bricks a bit of a scrub, getting rid of any dried mortar bits.
All in all, it was a good day’s work. It’s not perfect, but I’m pretty proud of it. It’s cool to think that this arch is gonna be there for a long time, just doing its thing. And every time I look at it, I’ll remember the day I built it, brick by brick.
