Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most bricklaying in Melbourne costs $945–$135/1,000 bricks
or {lo1}–{hi1}/hr for labour
Standard bricklaying in Melbourne costs $47–$105/hr or $945–$1,900 per 1,000 bricks (labour). A brick boundary wall runs $58–$135. A brick extension or garage is $84–$230.
+2.2%Bricklaying costs in Melbourne have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Bricklaying Cost in Melbourne
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr
Bricklaying in Melbourne costs $47–$105/hr for labour, or $945–$1,900 per 1,000 bricks laid. Common residential projects include brick fences ($58–$135), brick extensions and garages ($84–$230), and retaining walls ($125–$370). Bricks are supplied separately — budget $600–$2,000 per 1,000 bricks depending on style.
Quick answerBricklaying in Melbourne costs $47–$105 /hr, with most averaging $68 /hr. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Melbourne quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Bricklaying (hourly rate)
$47/hr
$68
$105
Bricklaying (per 1,000 bricks, labour)
$945/1000 bricks
$1,375
$1,900
Bricklaying (per sqm, standard)
$58/sqm
$94
$135
Garden feature wall (per sqm)
$84/sqm
$145
$230
Brick retaining wall (per sqm)
$125/sqm
$210
$370
Brick veneer (new home, per sqm)
$52/sqm
$74
$105
Brick pointing / repointing (per sqm)
$32/sqm
$58
$94
Brick repair (per brick)
$16per brick
$32
$63
Brick letterbox (supply & lay)
$420total
$840
$1,575
Brick BBQ / fireplace
$1,575total
$3,150
$6,300
Damp-proof course installation
$525total
$1,050
$2,100
Full-day bricklaying
$420per day
$580
$890
Getting quotes for bricklaying work in Melbourne? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Most Melbourne bricklayers quote labour only — bricks, mortar, and materials are additional. A full supply-and-lay quote is easier to compare but less flexible on brick choice.
Brick type & pattern
Standard clay bricks in a running bond pattern are cheapest. Feature bricks, face bricks, and complex patterns (stacked, herringbone, soldier course) take longer and cost more in Melbourne.
Wall height & size
Low boundary walls in Melbourne are straightforward. Taller walls need engineering certification. Larger projects (extensions, garages) need footings and may require a building permit.
Site access & scaffolding
Bricklaying above single-storey height in Melbourne requires scaffolding ($2,000–$5,000+). Easy ground-level access with room to stack pallets is the cheapest scenario.
Demolition
Removing old brickwork before new construction in Melbourne adds $50–$150/sqm for demolition and disposal. Always get a separate demolition quote.
Permits & engineering
In most Melbourne councils, brick walls over 1.2–1.8m need a building permit. Structural walls and extensions always need engineering — budget $1,500–$4,000 for plans and certification.
How to Save Money on Bricklaying in Melbourne
1
Get quotes from experienced Melbourne bricklayers — confirm whether bricks and materials are included
2
Choose your brick style before getting quotes — brick type significantly affects material cost
3
Check if you need a building permit in Melbourne before starting — fines for unpermitted work can be significant
4
Ask about mortar colour matching if doing repair work near existing brickwork
5
Site access matters — ensure the bricklayer can get pallets of bricks close to the work area in Melbourne
6
Get a fixed-price quote for the whole job rather than hourly — it's easier to budget
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does bricklaying cost per hour in Melbourne?
Bricklayers in Melbourne charge $47–$105 per hour. Per-1,000-brick rates are $945–$1,900 for labour only. A qualified bricklayer typically lays 400–600 standard bricks per day.
How much does a brick fence cost in Melbourne?
A brick boundary fence in Melbourne costs $58–$135 for a standard single-skin wall including footings and labour. Double-brick walls cost proportionally more. Bricks are usually priced separately.
How much does a brick extension cost in Melbourne?
A brick extension or garage in Melbourne costs $84–$230 for the bricklaying component. This doesn't include slab, roof, windows, or internal fit-out — those are separate trade costs.
How many bricks do I need?
A standard single-skin brick wall uses approximately 50 bricks per sqm. A double-brick wall uses about 100/sqm. Always order 5–10% extra for cuts and breakages when estimating for your Melbourne project.
Do I need council approval for a brick wall in Melbourne?
Most Melbourne councils require permits for brick walls over 1.2–1.8m height. Front fences in heritage areas have strict requirements. Always check with your local council before starting any brickwork.
How long does bricklaying take?
A skilled Melbourne bricklayer lays 400–600 standard bricks per day. A 10-metre brick fence (approximately 1,000–1,500 bricks) takes 2–4 days depending on height and complexity. Extensions take weeks to months.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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