You must have a mix that's softer than the bricks themselves as, if the wall moves, then it's the joint that gives and cracks, not the bricks. Every brick manufacturer will provide a laying and pointing mix for all their different bricks. Pop into your local builders merchants or check on the net. As a general guide, a 6/1/1 mix of building sand/hydrated lime/cement is a good mix. The hydrated lime will give it weather resistance. There's no need to put PVA in, but I always give it a SMALL squirt of Fairy liquid. It makes it a little easier to use. Don't forget to let it dry for an hour or two afterwards then brush off the bricks with a stiff brush. Have fun!!
Denis Langley, February 2012
