COST GUIDES

Building a brick wall: Cost breakdown 2026

Updated 05/26

Cost to build a brick wall

Blog>Cost Guides>Building a brick wall: Cost breakdown 2026

Adding a wall to your garden can add charm, privacy and provide effective zoning to make the most of your outdoor space. But how much does it cost to build a brick wall?

Read on to learn about the average cost of building a brick wall, in various sizes and materials.

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Fast Facts

  • The cost to build a standard, single-skinned 1m x 4m brick wall is around £825

  • Building the same-sized garden wall from stone typically costs around £240-£520

  • Bricklayer day rates in the UK average around £280 per day

  • Single skin is only suitable for walls up to 500mm in height

  • For walls about 1200mm in height, you’ll need a structural engineer to design or approve the wall plans before building work begins

The average cost to build a brick wall in 2026 is around £825 for a 1m x 4m, single skin structure. However, the total cost for your project will vary depending on several factors, including:

  • Materials, e.g. brick or natural stone

  • Wall type, e.g. single skin or cavity wall

  • The average labour rates in your area

How much does building a brick wall cost in 2026?

Wall typeAverage costTimescale
Single skin (1m x 4m)£8251-2 days
Single skin (1m x 12m)£1,4501-3 days
Double skin (1m x 4m)£1,2002-3 days
Double skin (1m x 12m)£1,8503 days
Brick and block cavity wall - uninsulated (per m²)£215-
Stone garden wall (1m x 4m)£240-£5201-2 days
Stone garden wall (1m x 8m)£830-£1,540 2-3 days
Stone garden wall (1m x 12m) £1140-£2,1603 days
Last updated: May 2026
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

How much does a 1m x 4m wall cost?

  • To build a single skin 1m x 4m brick wall costs around £825

  • On average, a double skin 1m x 4m brick wall costs about £1,200

  • For comparison, a 1m x 4m stone garden wall might set you back between £240-£520

How much does a 1m x 12m wall cost?

  • For a single skin 1m x 12m brick wall you’ll be looking at a cost of about £1,450

  • Building a new double skin 1m x 12m brick wall will cost around £1,850

  • A 1m x 12m stone garden wall will cost in the region of £1140-£2,160

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Brick wall construction prices by wall type

In this section, we outline the average cost of building four of the most popular types of garden walls.

1. Cost to build a brick and block cavity wall per m²

A cavity wall is two separate walls with a gap (or ‘cavity’) in between. The outer wall is usually built with brick and the inner wall is often made of breeze blocks.

Cavity walls provide increased thermal insulation and the outer wall stops moisture from penetrating through.

  • Cavity wall (brick and block - uninsulated): £215 per m²

  • Cavity wall (brick and block - insulated): £230 per m²

NB. These cavity wall costs include all materials, labour, and internal plastering and skirting finishes.

Top Tip

The exact price of constructing a brick and block cavity wall can vary, so it’s important to discuss the details of your project with an experienced local bricklayer to get an accurate quote.

Find a local bricklayer

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2. Cost to build a brick garden wall

Wondering how much does it cost to build a brick garden wall? The average cost will depend on the material being used, the length, height, and number of skins (if using bricks), as outlined below:

Single skin garden wall cost

  • For a single skin brick garden wall, you can expect the cost to be around £825 - £1,450

  • If you need a per m² cost, then expect to pay around £150 per m² for a single skin brick wall, including labour

Double skin garden wall cost

  • If you're looking to build a garden wall with a double skin of bricks then the average costs range from £1,200 - £1,850

Top Tip

The thickness of your brick wall will affect both the cost and strength of the build. Single skin walls are cheaper but best suited to low walls up to 500mm high. Meanwhile, double skin walls (designed or approved by a structural engineer) are needed for taller builds.

3. Cost to build an English Bond wall

There are a number of 'bonds', or brick patterns, you can use when laying a brick wall. Some are stronger than others, and each has a slightly different look.

English Bond is one of the most popular and you can expect to pay £400 per m², including labour, for a professional to build one in this style.

4. Cost to build a stone garden wall

For some gardens or homeowner tastes, natural stone is a more suitable choice for a garden wall than traditional brick.

If that's you, then you'll be interested to know that the average cost of building a stone garden wall ranges from:

  • £240 - £520 for a 1m x 4m wall

  • £830 - £1540 for a 1m x 8m wall

  • £1140 - £2,160 for a 1m x 12m wall

As a m² cost, you should expect to pay around £214 - £428 per m² to build a stone garden wall, including labour.

Stone garden retaining wall

Cost of bricks per m² vs other materials

The garden wall material you choose will impact the overall cost of your project, so here's a guide as to what to expect:

  • Brick: £60 - £100+ per m²

  • Natural stone: £70 - £100+ per m²

  • Concrete: £50 - £65 per m²

  • Facing bricks: £60 - £100+ per m²

  • Flint: £100 - £120 per m²

  • Sandstone: £70 - £130 per m²

  • Slate: £100 - £150 per m²

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Ready to get your project underway? Contact local bricklayers that we've checked and approved in your area to get a selection of quotes using our free mobile app.

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Factors affecting the cost of building a brick wall

Understanding the factors that can affect the cost of building a brick wall will help you to plan your budget effectively. The main influencing factors include:

1. Wall size

  • As you might expect, larger, longer, or taller walls will incur higher material and labour costs

  • The shape of the wall will also impact cost, with curves and corners often adding to the cost

2. Chosen materials

The type and quality of materials you select will affect the overall cost of your project.

  • Bricks are more cost-effective than slate or sandstone, for example

  • Premium bricks or decorative options will cost more than standard bricks

3. Mortar and cement costs

While not one of the biggest expenses when building a wall, the cost of mortar and cement can soon add up for longer or double skin walls.

4. Foundation requirements

If your ground is uneven or unstable, more labour time may be required, especially if deeper foundations are needed.

5. Location and accessibility

If your wall is being built in a hard-to-reach or restricted area, costs can increase. Typically, the more complex a project, the fewer bricks it will be possible to lay in a day.

6. Regional differences and labour costs

Typically, two key factors will influence labour costs:

  • Where you live: Expect rates to be higher in London and the South East

  • Skill level: An experienced bricklayer will be able to lay more bricks per hour than an apprentice, for example. This will be reflected in the price you're quoted

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What's included in a brick wall quote?

As a general rule, the following elements are usually included in a brick wall quote:

  • Supply of all materials (bricks, sand, cement, etc)

  • Removing any existing fence panels and posts

  • Preparing the ground and digging all footings (the wall foundations)

  • Filling footings with concrete

  • Laying bricks

  • Removal and disposal of all waste material

Some of the less obvious costs to be aware of are up next.

What might not be included in a brick wall quote?

Each brick wall project is different, so you should confirm the details of what’s included in the price of your project when you speak to local tradespeople.

1. Planning permission and building regulations

As a general rule, building a garden wall doesn't require building regulations approval. However, in some circumstances, planning permission is needed (which will come with a cost). This is typically if the wall is over 1 metre high next to a public road or footpath, or 2 metres high elsewhere.

To be on the safe side, it's always wise to check with your local planning authority before starting your project.

2. Excavation and ground preparation

Preparing the ground and digging the footings is normally included in the quote for building a brick wall, but it's best to check with your bricklayer.

3. Waste removal

Depending on the specifics of your project, there could be additional costs for removing waste. For example, clearing the area where the wall is to be built, or removing an existing structure.

4. Scaffolding hire

Any specialist equipment required, such as hiring a scaffold tower for building taller walls, could be charged as extra.

5. Extra materials

Aside from the wall material, be it brick or stone, you'll need several other materials, including mortar mix, ties, damp-proof course, and more. Check what's covered in your quote before work begins. You may also wish to have additional elements incorporated, such as security lighting or a gate. Or perhaps you need to budget for garden landscaping once your wall is in place.

Cold or wet weather may slow down the job and cause labour time to increase.

7. Matching existing brickwork

If you're extending or repairing, sourcing bricks to match the existing can come at a premium.

Top Tip

Make sure you receive a detailed quote from your bricklayer before work begins, with a breakdown of the project costs so you know what you’re paying for.

bricklayers building a double skin, curved brick wall

Bricklayer day rates in the UK

An experienced bricklayer makes the job look easy. However, bricklaying is a highly skilled trade, taking many years to learn and perfect.

When you hire a professional to build your wall to the highest standard, you should expect to pay, on average:

  • A bricklayer hourly rate of £32.50 - £37.50

  • An average bricklayer day rate of £260 - £300

Cost of hiring a bricklayer vs DIY

If you're confident in your skills and ability to construct a wall, building a brick wall in your garden is a good place to start.

However, we would always recommend hiring an experienced bricklayer to ensure structural integrity, compliance with any building regulations, and a long-lasting, neat finish.

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If you're having a garden wall built, why not consider other ways to incorporate brickwork into your outdoor landscaping? A retaining wall is great for a sloped garden or a raised bed. Or how about a brick BBQ or pizza oven for alfresco dining?

FAQs

How much does it cost to build a garden retaining wall?

The average cost of building a garden retaining wall is around £9,870 for a 6ft high wall.

How do you estimate the cost of a brick wall?

First you'll need to decide on the length, height, and thickness of the wall. Then use the m² cost of your chosen wall material (e.g., brick or stone) to estimate the cost of your brick wall. Remember to factor in labour costs too.

How are brick wall costs measured?

Usually per square metre - for both materials and labour. Complex designs and premium materials will increase the average costs.

How long does it take to build a brick wall?

A small garden wall could be constructed in 1-2 days, while larger or double skin walls could take 3-5 days, depending on project complexity (and of course, the weather conditions!)

How high can you build a garden wall without planning permission?

When planning to build a garden wall, you will need planning permission if:

  • The wall is higher than 2 metres

  • The wall is higher than 1 metre and adjacent to a highway used by motor vehicles

  • Your home is restricted by an article 4 direction or other planning conditions

  • Your house is a listed building, is within the grounds of a listed building, or the garden wall forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building

If in doubt, contact a checked and reviewed bricklayer near you for their expert advice.

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