2026 SA Bricklaying Labour Rate Reference
These rates reflect 2026 South African market conditions for labour only. Bricklaying costs vary by wall type, finish, height, province and contractor experience. Always get at least three quotes for any project over R10,000.
| Wall Type | Low (R/m²) | Mid (R/m²) | High (R/m²) |
|---|
| Single skin — half-brick (plastered) | R150 | R200 | R270 |
| Double skin — one-brick (plastered) | R300 | R390 | R510 |
| Face brick finish | +25% on the wall-type rate |
| Scaffold / high walls (above 1.5m) | +25% on the wall-type rate |
| Per 1,000 bricks laid (reference) | R1,400 | R1,850 | R2,400 |
Provincial Rate Multipliers
| Province | Multiplier | Relative to KZN |
|---|
| Western Cape (Cape Town) | 1.05× | +17% |
| Gauteng (JHB / PTA) | 1.00× | +11% |
| KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) | 0.90× | Base |
| Eastern Cape | 0.85× | −6% |
| Mpumalanga | 0.83× | −8% |
| Northern Cape | 0.84× | −7% |
| Free State | 0.81× | −10% |
| Limpopo | 0.82× | −9% |
| North West | 0.80× | −11% |
What is Included in a Bricklaying Labour Quote?
A labour-only bricklaying quote covers mixing the mortar and laying the bricks to the agreed line, level and plumb. It does not include bricks, cement, sand, foundations, scaffolding hire, lintels over openings, or rubble removal unless stated. Boundary walls also need a foundation trench and footing, and usually piers at intervals — these are separate items.
Always confirm in writing whether scaffolding, foundations and openings (lintels) are included, and agree the mortar mix ratio. A 1:4 to 1:5 cement-to-building-sand mix is the SA standard for most walls.
How Many Bricks Can a Bricklayer Lay Per Day?
A bricklayer with one assistant can lay approximately 500–1,000 bricks per day depending on wall type, height and complexity. A single-skin wall uses roughly 50–55 maxi bricks per m²; a double-skin wall roughly double that. Face brick is slower because every course must be neat. Allow extra time for setting out, corners, piers and openings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does bricklaying labour cost per m² in South Africa?
In 2026, SA bricklaying labour costs approximately R150–R270/m² for a single-skin (half-brick) wall and R300–R510/m² for a double-skin (one-brick) wall. Face brick costs 20–30% more than plastered stock brick because the work must be neat enough to leave exposed. These are labour-only rates — bricks, cement and sand are extra.
What does a bricklayer charge per 1000 bricks in South Africa?
SA bricklayers commonly quote R1,400–R2,400 per 1,000 bricks laid in 2026 for standard stock-brick work, and more for face brick where neatness matters. A bricklayer day rate is roughly R450–R800, and a bricklayer with an assistant can lay approximately 500–1,000 bricks per day. For larger walls, a per-m² or per-1000 rate is more reliable than a day rate.
What is the difference between single skin and double skin walls?
A single-skin (half-brick) wall is one brick thick and used for internal walls and light boundary walls. A double-skin (one-brick) wall is two bricks thick, much stronger, and used for structural walls and most boundary walls. A double-skin wall uses roughly twice the bricks and labour, so it costs about double per m². Boundary walls usually also need piers and a foundation, which add cost.
Does face brick cost more to lay than plastered brick?
Yes. Face brick (exposed brickwork) costs 20–30% more in labour because every course must be perfectly level, the joints raked or pointed neatly, and there is no plaster to hide imperfections. Plastered stock-brick walls can be laid faster because the surface will be covered. If you want exposed face brick, budget for the premium and insist on seeing a sample of the bricklayer's previous face-brick work.
Does the bricklaying quote include mixing mortar and scaffolding?
A labour-only bricklaying quote usually includes mixing the mortar and laying the bricks, but not scaffolding hire, materials, or foundation work. Walls above about 1.5m need scaffolding, which adds R800–R2,000 per day in hire plus extra labour time. Always confirm whether scaffolding, foundations and rubble removal are included in the quote.
Should I supply the bricks and cement or let the bricklayer supply them?
For most projects it is cheaper to buy bricks, cement and sand yourself from a builders merchant and hire labour-only — material markups by contractors are typically 10–20%. Use our Brick Material Calculator to work out exactly how many bricks, bags of cement and cubic metres of sand you need, then get labour-only quotes. Always agree the mortar mix (a 1:4 or 1:5 cement-to-sand ratio is standard in SA) in writing.