Bricklayers construct walls, facades, fences, retaining walls, chimneys, and other masonry structures using bricks, blocks, and stone. In Australia, bricklaying remains one of the most visible trades — the quality of mortar joints, coursing alignment, and bonding patterns directly affects both the structural integrity and street appeal of a building. Bricklayers work with clay bricks, concrete blocks, limestone blocks, and natural or manufactured stone veneer. They are responsible for reading plans, setting out string lines, mixing mortar to the correct consistency, and laying each course to precise levels and plumb. Homeowners most commonly engage a bricklayer for new home brick veneer cladding, boundary and retaining walls, letterbox and BBQ constructions, fireplace surrounds, and repair of cracked or deteriorating brickwork.

Queensland Building and Construction Commission — Regulatory Overview

Queensland Building and Construction Commission is Queensland's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all bricklayers who perform regulated work in the state. The QBCC issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.

As of February 2026, Queensland Building and Construction Commission oversees 1,970 licensed bricklayers across Queensland, covering 3 licence classes. This represents one of the most comprehensive licensing regimes in Australia, designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards.

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Performing unlicensed bricklayer work in Queensland carries significant fines. Homeowners who engage unlicensed bricklayers lose access to statutory consumer protections and may face voided insurance, failed inspections, and other consequences.

How to Verify a Bricklayer in Queensland

Verifying a bricklayer's licence in Queensland is straightforward and should be done before engaging any tradesperson for work. You can use TradieVerify's free search tool to instantly look up any Queenslandbricklayer by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au.

When verifying, confirm: (1) the licence is current and active, (2) the licence class covers the type of work you need, (3) there are no conditions or restrictions on their licence, and (4) there is no disciplinary history. A legitimate bricklayer will have no hesitation providing their licence number for verification.

How to Hire a Bricklayer in Queensland

1
Ask to see examples of their mortar joint finishing
Mortar joint style (ironed, raked, flush, or struck) dramatically changes the look and weather resistance of a brick wall. Ask the bricklayer which joint profile they recommend for your application and request photos of completed walls using that profile. Inconsistent jointing stands out immediately on a finished wall.
2
Confirm they understand the structural requirements for your wall
Retaining walls over a certain height (typically 800 mm–1 m depending on the state) require engineering design, and masonry fences in wind-prone areas need core-filled and reinforced piers at specific intervals. Ask whether the bricklayer will work from engineer-supplied specifications and whether they have experience with reinforced blockwork.
3
Check they hold a QBCC or equivalent bricklaying licence
In Queensland, bricklaying and blockwork over $3,300 (inc. GST) requires a QBCC licence. NSW requires a licence for masonry work over $5,000. Verify the licence is current on the state register. Unlicensed bricklayers cannot be pursued through the state licensing body if defects emerge.
4
Ask about mortar mix and brick compatibility
Different bricks require different mortar mixes. Soft heritage bricks require a lime-rich mortar, while modern clay bricks use a standard cement-sand mix. Using too-hard mortar on soft bricks causes the bricks to spall and crack. A knowledgeable bricklayer will specify the mortar mix to suit your bricks.
5
Confirm they will install adequate weep holes and damp-proof courses
Brick veneer walls require weep holes at the base of each storey to allow moisture to drain from behind the brickwork, and a damp-proof course to prevent rising damp. A bricklayer who does not install or spaces these elements incorrectly is creating a moisture problem that may not become apparent for years.

Red Flags When Hiring a Bricklayer

Mortar joints visibly inconsistent in thickness and alignment:Standard mortar joints should be 10 mm thick and consistent throughout the wall. Joints that vary from 5 mm to 20 mm, bricks that are visibly out of level, or courses that wander indicate a lack of care that affects both appearance and structural integrity. Check examples of the bricklayer's previous work before engaging them.
No weep holes at the base of brick veneer walls:Weep holes are required at the base of every brick veneer wall to allow trapped moisture to escape. Missing weep holes cause water to pool behind the brickwork, leading to timber frame rot, mould, and eventually structural damage. A bricklayer who skips weep holes is violating the National Construction Code.
Builds retaining walls without engineering input when required:Masonry retaining walls over approximately 800 mm in height generally require engineering design specifying footing depth, reinforcement, drainage, and construction method. A bricklayer who builds a tall retaining wall "by feel" without engineering drawings risks wall failure, which can damage neighbouring property and endanger lives.

Typical Bricklayer Costs in Queensland

Hourly Rate

$65 – $110

Callout Fee

$70 – $120

Common Bricklayer Jobs & Estimated Costs

Job	Estimated Cost
Brick retaining wall (per sqm)	$300 – $600
Brick letterbox construction	$500 – $1,200
Brick repair and repointing (per sqm)	$60 – $120
Brick feature wall	$1,500 – $4,000
Brick BBQ construction	$2,000 – $5,000

Bricklayer Complaints & Disputes in Queensland

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)

139 333 Website

How to Lodge a Complaint

1Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
2If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
3QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection
4If the complaint is substantiated, QBCC can issue a direction to rectify the work
5If the tradesperson fails to comply, QBCC may take disciplinary action or use its insurance fund to cover rectification

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does bricklaying cost per square metre in Australia?

Bricklaying labour costs typically range from $40–$80 per square metre for standard clay bricks laid in stretcher bond, depending on the complexity and region. Stone or face-brick feature walls with detailed patterns cost $80–$150 or more per square metre. Material costs are additional — standard clay bricks run $1.00–$2.50 each, while premium face bricks can exceed $4 each.

What causes cracks in brickwork?

Common causes include ground movement (particularly reactive clay soils that swell and shrink with moisture changes), foundation settlement, thermal expansion, tree root activity, and inadequate articulation joints. Stair-step cracks following mortar joints usually indicate differential foundation movement. Vertical cracks through bricks suggest more severe structural issues. Cracks wider than 5 mm should be assessed by a structural engineer.

Can cracked or damaged brickwork be repaired?

Yes. Tuckpointing (removing and replacing deteriorated mortar joints) can restore ageing brickwork. Individual damaged bricks can be cut out and replaced. For structural cracking, the underlying cause must be addressed first — often through underpinning or tree removal — before the brickwork is repaired. Cosmetic repairs without fixing the cause will simply crack again.

How many licensed bricklayers are there in Queensland?

As of February 2026, there are 1,970 licensed bricklayers registered with Queensland Building and Construction Commission in Queensland. This includes all licence classes: Bricklaying and Blocklaying, Stone Masonry, Brick and Segmental Paving.

How do I verify a bricklayer's licence in Queensland?

You can verify any Queensland bricklayer's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through Queensland Building and Construction Commission at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au. Enter the bricklayer's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.

Licensed Bricklayers in Queensland

Find Bricklayers by City

QueenslandBricklayer Statistics

Breakdown by Licence Class

Breakdown by Financial Category

Bricklayer Licensing in Queensland