Frog up: newbie advice

[mike004]

I'm currently attempting my first ever bricklaying project -- a very small wall 2 courses high. Just a "practice" project, really.
I have followed the standard advice to build with "frog up". But after completing 2 courses it is now apparent that the top course has a frog which will collect water.
Coping stones would be overkill for such a small wall.

Advice please -- is it OK to put a "reverse" frog course on the top, leaving a level finish?

Mike

 

[masona]

Yes you can but the problem is they might get easily knock over unless both frog are 100% filled with mortar or you could use a engineer brick instead which will give a top colour border line appearance. The engineer brick is also water resistence.

They are available in red, black, purple etc.

 

[mike004]

I don't have any engineering bricks knocking about.
It's only a decorative wall so maybe I'll try the "reverse the frog" approach for the top course.

Mike

 

[brumylad]

the other popular solution for a coping layer to keep the damp out of the wall is a layer of clay roof tiles. Have a look at some brick garden walls localy to see how its done.

 

[Thermo]

to be honest if its a small ornamental garden wall, it shouldnt be too much of an issue, just put a little extra mortar in the frog as well as on the bed before you lay it