I've currently got a guy in (I know, I know) building a couple of raised brick beds. Whilst I'll do pretty much any DIY I've never been any good at plastering or brickwork so I figured I'd pay to get a proper job done without stress... Or at least that was the plan!

I am a bit concerned about what appears to be a mixture of bricks being used and I would welcome a second opinion whether I should be concerned or not, and what to do about it if need be.

For context, the raised beds are the two surrounding the arch in the following sketch:

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent/gardenplan.jpg

Progress is seemingly going okay:

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...ll-planter.jpg

....although I've had to do more supervision than I'd like to make sure things were lining up with existing features and properly placed to accommodate the already-bought arch. This was all stuff that was pointed out during the pre-build discussion yet, unsurprisingly perhaps given there was just lots of nodding and 'yeah no problem' from the builder. It just hasn't been followed up well enough in my view though.

Of current concern however is that two brick 'types' appear to have been used. At my request, he's using Bekstone Golden Buff (http://www.pavestone.co..uk/bekstone...tural-walling/) but there appears to be a mixture of 'pitched' and 'tumbled' on the job:

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...es-general.jpg

i.e. the pitched one (on the right) has one smooth face (the other rough) whereas the tumbled (left) has both faces rough.

Would it be normal, or even acceptable, to mix two types in a single wall? YYou can see there are some pitched ones in use he

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...l-interior.jpg

....and I don't think they're noticeable on the outside:

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...l-exterior.jpg

....so perhaps he does know but doesn't consider it an issue. However, he has slipped up with this half brick on the corner:

http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...all-corner.jpg
http://www.newtonnet.co.uk/permanent...er-closeup.jpg

....which makes me wonder if maybe he hasn't noticed. Or is this just an isolated mistake?

Now, that corner will need to be rectified (I can confirm that the rough side is on the inside!) but should I be concerned about the others? I certainly don't want any pitched bricks (i.e. one side smooth) used in the top couple of layers because they'll be above the bed soil line and thus visible from both sides.

As I say, I'd welcome your thoughts on the situation. Should I be worried that he may not have noticed, or maybe more worried that has has noticed but not said or done anything about it? I've left a message with him to get in touch so to be fair he hasn't had chance to comment yet, but I thought it worthwhile seeing what unbiased rational folk might thinking - uk.d-i-y members can chip in too... ;-)

Admittedly, it's yet another 'issue' I've had with the build and so perhaps I am being overly sensitive so please don't hesitate to impart some proper perspective if you think it deserves it!

Mathew