How many bricks per course for a pier?

A 1-brick pier (215mm square) uses 4 bricks per course in alternating bond patterns. A 1.5-brick pier (327mm square) uses 8 bricks per course. A 2-brick pier (440mm square) uses 12 bricks per course. The bond pattern alternates each course to create interlocking for structural stability.

What foundation does a brick pier need?

A brick pier needs a concrete foundation pad that extends at least 100-150mm beyond the pier on all sides. For a 1-brick pier, a 450mm × 450mm × 300mm deep pad is typical. The foundation pad must be on suitable bearing ground — compacted subsoil below topsoil depth. Use C25 concrete minimum.

When do I need brick piers?

Brick piers are needed to support gate posts, pergolas, fence panels (between piers), garden walls over 1.35m high, and as intermediate supports in long walls. For structural walls, piers are required at maximum 3m centres and at all ends and corners. The pier size depends on the wall height and loading.

What bond pattern for a brick pier?

A 1-brick pier alternates between 2 bricks running north-south and 2 running east-west on successive courses. A 1.5-brick pier uses a more complex pattern with 8 bricks per course. The bonding pattern must be alternated to create proper structural interlock. Use engineering bricks for piers below DPC level.

How much mortar for a brick pier?

Allow approximately 0.8 kg of prepared mortar per brick (including bed and perpendicular joints at 10mm). For a 1-brick pier with 4 bricks per course and 13 courses per metre height, that's about 42 kg of mortar per metre of pier height. A standard 25 kg bag of mortar mix lays approximately 30 bricks.

TradeCalculator

Brick Pier Calculator — Bricks Per Course & Foundation Pad

Calculate bricks per course for 1, 1.5 and 2-brick piers, mortar and foundation pad concrete.

Pier Height

Pier Size

Number of Piers

Brick Price

Concrete Price

How We Calculate This

This calculator determines brick quantities, mortar and foundation pad sizing for brick piers of various sizes.

Brick count

Courses = ceil(Pier Height / (Brick Height + Joint))
Bricks per Pier = Courses × Bricks per Course × (1 + Wastage%)
1 brick pier = 4/course, 1.5 brick = 8/course, 2 brick = 12/course.

Foundation pad

Pad extends 100-150mm beyond pier on all sides. Depth typically 300mm of C25 concrete on compacted subsoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.