Bricks and Pavers Education and Training

Put your best foot forward with bricks and pavers education and training

By Andrea Townsley
Bricks and pavers add a different type of beauty to buildings and properties; one that homeowners and businesses owners are willing to pay handsomely for. From brick veneer siding to driveways with interlocking pavers, you'll be well compensated for your time if you have the training to do the job well.

There are numerous ways to get the education you need, and it doesn't take long to learn this trade. By the time you order your first load of wholesale brick pavers, you'll be well on your way to success. Consider the following when looking for bricks and pavers education and training:

1. Get basic knowledge of pavers, bricks and masonry techniques. You'll need this before you can get to work.

2. Use manuals as guides when you stumble across something you're unsure about. Projects like installing indoor brick pavers are not very common, so you may need some extra guidance.

3. Check out instructional videos on how to properly install bricks and pavers. Watching someone else do a clean installation will give you the knowledge you need to execute a job.

 

Learn the basics of working with bricks and pavers

Before you try to get a job or start your own company, you should be familiar with the basics. This includes everything from masonry and installing bricks to screeding and laying pavers. You'll need to know about planning and excavating, mixing mortar and grout and squarely laying bricks and pavers.
Try: Get certified with one of the programs offered by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute. There are also a variety of workshops you can take from the National Concrete Masonry Association. Both ICPI and NCMA offer classes around the country. If you have the time to travel, consider taking the course at the School for Advanced Segmental Paving, which is offered at the company's headquarters in Wisconsin.

Read technical notes and manuals regarding projects using bricks and pavers

To build upon your training, it's a good idea to take a look at some how-to guides. By expanding your knowledge, you can take on more jobs and make more money. Having these resources will help you immensely. A specialty brick supplier may also provide you with instructions on how to install their products.
Try: Check out the technical notes available from The Brick Industry Association. Use the online manual from PAVE TECH to help you get started on a project using pavers.

Watch instructional videos explaining how to lay thin brick, pavers and more

If you want to know more about a specific job, you can watch videos to find out how it's done. You can find videos on almost anything, and watching someone else perform a job give you the guidance you need.
Try: Watch the great video at YouTube that shows a paver job from start to finish. Check out the thin brick-laying technique of the mason featured on Vintage Brick Salvage.

 

  • Reclaimed brick is popular nowadays because of the movement to recycle and reuse products. If you ever order any used bricks or pavers, know how to spot the ones that may not be up to par for use in a job. Products with significant cracking and wear may not hold up very well.

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