Bricklaying costs depend on whether materials are included, the type of work (fence, extension, repairs), access conditions, and whether scaffolding and permits are required.
Prices verified 2026-03-18 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.
Bricklaying in Australia costs $45–$100/hr for labour, or $900–$1,800 per 1,000 bricks laid. Common residential projects include brick fences ($55–$130), brick extensions and garages ($80–$220), and retaining walls ($120–$350). Bricks are supplied separately — budget $600–$2,000 per 1,000 bricks depending on style.
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Most Australia 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 Australia.
Wall height & size
Low boundary walls in Australia 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 Australia 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 Australia adds $50–$150/sqm for demolition and disposal. Always get a separate demolition quote.
Permits & engineering
In most Australia 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 Australia
1
Get 3 quotes from experienced Australia 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 Australia 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 Australia
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 sqm in Australia?
Standard bricklaying in Australia costs $55–$130 per sqm for labour only. Simple garden walls are at the lower end; structural, curved, or decorative work is at the higher end. Materials are charged on top.
How much does a bricklayer cost per 1,000 bricks in Australia?
Bricklaying labour in Australia costs $900–$1,800 per 1,000 bricks. A standard Australian home brick wall uses approximately 50 bricks per sqm, so a 20sqm wall needs about 1,000 bricks.
How much does a brick retaining wall cost in Australia?
A brick retaining wall in Australia costs $120–$350 per sqm for labour, plus bricks and engineering if required. Walls over 600mm typically need council approval and may need a structural engineer.
Do I need council approval for a brick wall in my garden?
In most Australia councils, walls under 1m don't need a permit. Retaining walls over 600mm–1m (depending on your council) typically require a building permit and sometimes engineering certification. Always check with your local council first.