Things You'll Need
2x4x10 wood studs
Drill
Screws
Measuring tape
Cooking spray
Soil that contains clay
5-gallon bucket
Cement
Water
2x4 piece of wood
Putty knife
Mud bricks are building supplies made of raw, earthen material. Composed mostly of water and soil, a mud brick will hold together, providing a basic building block for construction. However, if you live in a damp or wet climate, it is important to ensure that mud bricks hold up during periods of rain and humidity. Mud bricks made from soil containing clay will have a natural waterproof quality that also controls and combats humidity. While it may take a few trials and errors to get the right mixture, it is possible to make your own mud bricks for a wet climate.
Making a Frame to Set Bricks
Step 1
Go to your local hardware store and purchase size 2x4x10 wood studs. The number of studs you purchase is dependent on how many bricks you need to make. The studs will be used to create a ladder-like frame in which the mud bricks will set and dry, in order to hold the form.
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Step 2
Set two wooden studs on the ground parallel to one another. Place the remaining studs on top of the first two studs, perpendicularly. The spacing between the parallel and perpendicular studs is dependent on what size bricks you need. For example, a standard brick is 4 x 2 2/3 x 8, while a traditional New Mexico adobe brick is 14x10x4.
Step 3
Attach the wooden studs together using a drill and screws. Spray the inner faces of the wooden studs with cooking spray. This will ensure that the bricks do not stick to the frame as they dry.
Making Moisture-Resistant Mud Bricks
Step 1
Purchase soil that contains a small amount of clay. Clay adds to the strength and moisture-resistant properties of mud bricks. However, too much clay will cause your bricks to crack. The amount of soil needed is dependent on the number of bricks you are making.
Step 2
Dump the soil into a five-gallon bucket. Mix in a small amount of cement. Cement will increase the strength of your mud bricks. Add water until you achieve a thick, pasty consistency.
Step 3
Pour the thick mud mixture into the sections of the wooden frame. Overfill each section. Use a 2x4 piece of wood to level off the top of each brick.
Step 4
Allow the bricks to set and dry for two to three hours. Lift the frame off the bricks. Use a putty knife to scrape the frame clean for reuse.
Step 5
Allow the bricks to dry for three days. Then turn each brick on its side. Allow the bricks to dry further, sitting on their sides, for three more days. Once the bricks are dry, use a putty knife to scrape and shave uneven and excess mud from the sides of the bricks.
Tip
Make a test brick before committing to making a large number of bricks. If you notice the brick cracking as it dries, it means your soil contains too much clay. Add sand to your mud-brick mixture to prevent cracking in subsequent batches.
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