base construction

[tommy5]

i am about to dry lay my 8x 8x16 blocks for my base, do i have to mortar the first layer to the foundation?

[dmun]

Yes, you mortar the first course of blocks, because your slab is unlikely to be flat enough to support the blocks flat, without rocking. In addition, you can make small changes for level at this point.

[mrpbjnance]

first course

Tommy,

It is recommended that you motar the first course of bricks but I did not. My slab was not perfectly level but the bricks set on the slab ok so I just filled them with the concrete. I then made sure my hearth was level..It would have been easier if I had leveled the blocks but my results came out well.

Just wanted to give my experience.

Good Luck