Bricklaying Cost Australia 2026
Bricklaying costs are usually quoted per 1,000 bricks or per square metre. Simple garden walls are cheaper than structural or decorative work requiring cuts and detailed mortar pointing.
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National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bricklaying (hourly rate) | $45/hr | $65 | $100 |
| Bricklaying (per 1,000 bricks, labour) | $900/1000 bricks | $1,300 | $1,800 |
| Bricklaying (per sqm, standard) | $55/sqm | $90 | $130 |
| Garden feature wall (per sqm) | $80/sqm | $140 | $220 |
| Brick retaining wall (per sqm) | $120/sqm | $200 | $350 |
| Brick veneer (new home, per sqm) | $50/sqm | $70 | $100 |
| Brick pointing / repointing (per sqm) | $30/sqm | $55 | $90 |
| Brick repair (per brick) | $15per brick | $30 | $60 |
| Brick letterbox (supply & lay) | $400total | $800 | $1,500 |
| Brick BBQ / fireplace | $1,500total | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| Damp-proof course installation | $500total | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Full-day bricklaying | $400per day | $550 | $850 |
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Bricklaying in Australia costs $55–$130 per sqm for standard work (labour only). For smaller jobs, hourly rates run $45–$100/hr. Large projects are often quoted per 1,000 bricks at $900–$1,800 labour. Bricks, mortar, and materials are usually charged separately on top of labour.
Common bricklaying jobs in Australia include: Bricklaying (per 1,000 bricks, labour): $900–$1,800 /1000 bricks · Bricklaying (per sqm, standard): $55–$130 /sqm · Garden feature wall (per sqm): $80–$220 /sqm. All prices include GST and are based on Australia metro rates, March 2026.
Prices vary by up to 30% depending on job complexity, your suburb within Australia, and the tradie's experience. Always get at least 3 quotes — compare free Australia quotes here.
Bricklaying Costs by Room and Home Size
Carpet cleaning is usually quoted per room or per square metre. Most companies offer discounted rates for whole-house cleans. Here's what typical jobs cost:
| Job | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single room | $25–$50 | Standard room up to 12m² |
| 2-bedroom home | $120–$220 | 2 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 3-bedroom home | $170–$320 | 3 bedrooms + hallway + lounge |
| 4-bedroom home | $220–$400 | Full house clean |
| End of lease clean (2-bed) | $180–$300 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| End of lease clean (3-bed) | $250–$400 | Includes guarantee for bond return |
| Stain treatment (per stain) | $20–$50 | Red wine, coffee, pet stains |
| Deodorising treatment | $30–$80 | Pet odour, smoke smell |
| Scotchgard protection | $3–$7 per m² | Stain-resistant coating applied after clean |
| Rug cleaning (per rug) | $30–$80 | Depends on size and material |
End of lease bricklaying is the most common booking type. Most companies offer a bond-back guarantee — they'll return and re-clean for free if the agent isn't satisfied. Always get a receipt specifying the rooms cleaned and the cleaning method, as real estate agents typically require this for bond release.
Steam Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning: Which Method Is Better?
The two main bricklaying methods have different strengths. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right service:
| Factor | Steam (Hot Water Extraction) | Dry Cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $25–$50 per room | $30–$60 per room |
| Cleaning depth | Deep — reaches carpet base | Surface to mid-level |
| Drying time | 4–8 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Best for | Deep stains, pet odours, heavily soiled | Regular maintenance, delicate fibres |
| Allergen removal | Excellent — kills dust mites | Good |
| Risk | Over-wetting if done poorly | Chemical residue if not rinsed |
| Bond clean accepted? | Yes — most agents prefer it | Sometimes — check with agent |
Steam cleaning (hot water extraction) is the industry standard and what most real estate agents require for end-of-lease cleans. It provides a deeper clean and better allergen removal. Dry cleaning is faster and uses less water, making it better for delicate carpets or situations where you need the room back quickly. For general home cleaning, steam cleaning every 12–18 months is recommended by carpet manufacturers.
What Affects Bricklaying Costs in Australia
Labour vs supply & install
Most Australia bricklayers quote labour only — bricks, mortar, sand, and fixings are charged separately. Always confirm whether your quote is labour only or supply and install. A full supply-and-install quote is easier to compare.
Wall type
Simple garden feature walls are cheaper to lay than complex structures. Double brick, curved walls, arched openings, and decorative brickwork in Australia require more skill and attract higher rates.
Brick type
Standard clay bricks are the most common. Feature bricks, heritage restoration bricks, and oversized formats cost more and take longer to lay. Face brick (visible) work requires higher precision than backing work.
Repointing & repairs
Repointing worn mortar joints costs $55–$130/sqm in Australia for basic walls. It's far cheaper than rebuilding walls — worth doing to prevent water ingress and structural issues.
Site access
Scaffolding, restricted access, or demolition of existing work before rebuilding adds significantly to Australia bricklaying costs. Mention any site constraints when getting quotes.
Licensing for structural work
In most states, structural brickwork (load-bearing walls, foundations, retaining walls over a certain height) requires a licensed builder or registered bricklayer. Check licensing requirements for your project.