Most paper brick makers use a steel box section, two pressure plates with holes to release the water, and two overcentre arms to gain mechanical advantage and really apply pressure.

The best paper mix is well saturated and agitated.

I plan to use bleach as a wetting agent.

I have a paint stirrer that fits onto the end of a drill so that will be a low energy (for me) agitation option.

I’ll weigh the paper slush into even sized batches, and use hydraulic pressure (a modified log splitter) to ensure each brick has the same pressure applied to it.

I will split the finished, dried bricks into three batches:

1.  Planter box

The bricks will be formed into four walls over a wooden base and filled with potting mix and a selection of spring bulbs.

When the bulbs finish flowering in October/November I will disassemble and see  how well the bricks hold up to all that organic matter and water.

2. Small wall

The bricks will be formed into a single wall held together by weak mortar.

The unrendered wall will be evaluated at the same time as the planter

3. Loose bricks on concrete

How well can a set of  bricks out in all weathers hold up?

Pictures as the project develops.

Comments welcome!