Cement is the dry, powdery substance that binds all masonry projects together. If you mix it with water and sand, you get mortar. When cement is mixed with water, sand, and gravel, it becomes concrete.

If you notice a cracked or broken brick, or if the mortar between the bricks is crumbling, it might be possible to make the repairs yourself. Sometimes the hardest part about replacing a brick is finding one that matches the others.

Many of the same tools are used for both concrete work and bricklaying. Most of them are either inexpensive or can be built by yourself. For starters, you should familiarize yourself with the variety of trowels that are available for specialized tasks.