How Much Does a Bricklayer Cost in the UK? (2026 City-by-City Guide)
The cost of hiring a bricklayer in the UK varies considerably depending on your location.
Bricklayers in the UK should hold CSCS card; City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 recommended certification
(verified at Federation of Master Builders).
This guide lists 2026 bricklayer prices for all 200 UK cities in our database
— click any city for a full local pricing guide.
Regional price tip: London bricklayer costs typically run 40–50% above the national average.
Cities in the North East and Northern Ireland are often 15–25% below average.
Use the region jump-links below to find your area quickly.
📄 Bricklayer — National Price Overview (2026)
UK Range (typical jobs)
£60 – £2,000
Typical Duration
1 day–2 weeks
Certification Required
CSCS card; City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 recommended
Cities Covered
200 UK cities
The UK national average is used as the baseline.
London typically costs 40–50% above the national average; Northern Ireland and
parts of the North East are 15–25% below.
Prices within each region can also vary by suburb and whether your job requires
emergency call-out rates.
What a Bricklayer Job Typically Involves
A standard bricklayer quote usually covers:
Labour for all agreed bricklaying and blockwork within the quoted scope
Mixing and laying of mortar to standard specification for the work
Construction of walls, garden walls, piers, or extensions' brickwork as agreed
Basic setting-out, levelling, and pointing of the new brickwork as it is built
Reasonable clean-down of the finished face and removal of mortar spoil on completion
A low garden or planter wall a few courses high is achievable for a careful DIYer, and many homeowners tackle small decorative brickwork successfully. Anything structural — load-bearing walls, retaining walls, foundations, or the brickwork of an extension — should be left to a professional, as a wall built off inadequate footings or with the wrong mortar mix can fail or move, with serious safety and cost consequences. Structural brickwork must comply with Building Regulations, a retaining or boundary wall above a certain height can need planning permission, and walls on or near a boundary may trigger the Party Wall etc. Act — so check these before any significant work begins.
UK bricklayer costs vary significantly by location. Typical job prices run £60 – £2,000. London tends to run 40–50% above the national average; cities in the North East and Northern Ireland are often 15–25% below. Click any city in the table above for a full local pricing breakdown.
Hourly rates for bricklayers depend on your location and the time of call-out. Standard daytime rates (Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) are the lowest; evening, weekend and emergency call-outs typically attract a 30–60% surcharge. Most bricklayers also charge a minimum call-out fee equivalent to 30–60 minutes of work.
Yes — Bricklayer work legally requires CSCS card; City & Guilds NVQ Level 2 recommended certification in the UK. Verify credentials at Federation of Master Builders before hiring.
Always obtain at least three written, itemised quotes before committing to any bricklayer job. This lets you compare on price, qualifications and professionalism rather than defaulting to the lowest figure, which may indicate corner-cutting.
A proper bricklayer quote should state: the full scope of work, itemised labour and materials, whether VAT is included, expected start and completion dates, call-out or minimum visit fees, and any workmanship guarantee offered.
Yes — London bricklayer rates are typically 40–50% above the UK national average, driven by higher demand, travel costs and cost of living. The South East also runs 10–20% above average. Use the regional tables above to find your city's rates.
Use the official Federation of Master Builders checker to verify registration in seconds. Ask the tradesperson to produce qualification certificates, public liability insurance documents, and any relevant accreditation before work begins. A trustworthy professional will have these documents readily available.
A deposit of 10–20% is normal practice for larger bricklayer jobs. Never pay more than 25% upfront, and always pay by card or bank transfer rather than cash so you have a clear payment record. Avoid any tradesperson who demands full payment before starting.
Warning signs include: demands for a large cash deposit before any work starts, inability to produce insurance or qualification proof, refusal to provide a written quote, significantly undercutting all other estimates, and pressuring you to decide immediately. A reputable bricklayer will never rush you.
Use vetted platforms such as Checkatrade, Rated People or TrustMark to find reviewed bricklayers in your area. Personal recommendations from neighbours or friends remain the most reliable method. Always verify public liability insurance of at least £1 million before agreeing to any work.
Price disclaimer: Prices above are 2026 estimates based on regional
trade cost-index data. Actual quotes will vary by contractor experience, job complexity,
materials, and market conditions. Always request at least three written quotes before
committing to any work.
ServicePriceHub.uk is an independent price reference guide and is not affiliated with
any tradesperson or trade body.
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