Alright, so I had this wild idea to build a little garden wall, and I thought, why not use some old bricks? Gives it that rustic, been-around-the-block vibe, you know? So, I started my hunt for used bricks.
First, I hit up some online classifieds. You wouldn’t believe the stuff people are trying to get rid of. Found a few listings for used bricks, some even free if you’re willing to haul them away yourself. I messaged a couple of sellers, asking about the condition and quantity of the bricks.
Then, I decided to check out some local salvage yards. These places are like treasure troves for builders and DIYers. I stumbled upon a yard that had piles of old bricks, all different shapes and sizes. I started chatting with the owner, a gruff but friendly guy who’s been in the business for years. He told me all about the different types of bricks and even gave me some tips on how to lay them properly.
- Sorted through the piles, looking for bricks that were in decent shape.
- Negotiated a price with the owner.
- Loaded up my truck with as many bricks as it could handle. It was a workout, let me tell you!
After that, I spent a few days cleaning the bricks. Some of them had mortar still stuck to them, so I used a chisel and hammer to chip it away. It was tedious work, but it was satisfying to see the bricks slowly transform.
Finally, I started building my wall. I’m no expert, but I followed the advice the salvage yard owner gave me, and it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. It’s not perfect, but it has character, and that’s what I was going for.
The Results
The wall is done, and it looks great! It’s got that charming, old-world feel that I was aiming for. Plus, I saved a bunch of money by using used bricks. It was definitely more work than buying new ones, but it was worth it. I mean, who would know that the load-bearing capacity of those bricks is nearly 500 to 1000 PSI? I learned a lot through this process, and I’m already thinking about my next project. Maybe a brick patio? Or a brick pizza oven? The possibilities are endless!
