Abstract: A tool for spreading mortar in laying bricks or blocks and a method for using such a tool are disclosed. The tool comprises a body that has a long axis, wherein transverse to the long axis, the body has a cross-section that defines a chamber under a flat upper wall and between side walls, the chamber having a height that decreases from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the upper wall. In the method, the tool is placed such that the chamber substantially spans the layer of mortar, and moving the tool along the layer of mortar with the leading foremost while applying a force to the tool in a direction substantially normal to the upper wall, whereby the mortar layer is formed into a mortar bed.