Adding a brick veneer wall to your home can bring a touch of rustic warmth and character to any space. While it may seem daunting at first, the process is actually quite simple. In this guide, I'll show you how to install a brick wall with easy-to-follow instructions that will help you avoid any headaches or hair-pulling moments.
Finding the Best Method for Building a Brick Wall
The first thing to note is that you don't need regular full-size bricks for an interior wall. Instead, you can use thin brick or brick veneer, which is lighter and more reminiscent of concrete tiles. When I first embarked on this project, I wasn't sure how to install a brick wall. However, after researching various methods, I found that using construction adhesive was the most efficient and time-saving approach.
DIY Faux Brick Wall: What You'll Need
To get started, gather the following materials:
- Thin brick
- Chalk line
- Loctite Power Grab adhesive
- Mortar mix
- Grout bag
- Tucking tool
- Brick chisel
- Large bucket
Preparing the Wall for Brick Installation
For a new wall, it's best to install cement board or water-resistant drywall (commonly known as green or blue board). Screw these materials to the studs where you want the brick to be. Cement board is recommended as it provides a sturdy foundation to support the weight of the bricks. However, if you're applying thin brick to an existing wall, regular drywall is acceptable as long as it's clean. Keep in mind that it may not be as durable over large wall spans.
Drawing a Chalk Line for Leveling
Before adhering the bricks, it's essential to create level lines on the wall. Use a chalk line to make both horizontal and vertical lines. These lines will serve as guides while laying out the bricks. Don't worry about achieving perfection, as slight imperfections will give the wall an authentic, aged look. A finger or an eyeball can be used as spacers between the bricks.
Adhering the Bricks to the Wall
Now it's time to adhere the thin bricks to the wall. Decide on a pattern, such as the running bond, and start at the left end of the wall. Begin the bottom row with a full brick, then alternate with half bricks for the subsequent rows. To create half bricks, use a two-inch-wide brick chisel and a hammer. Place the brick on a board, align the chisel at the center point, and strike it with a hammer. This will cleanly and smoothly cut the brick.
It's crucial to choose the right adhesive for this step. Initially, I used an average construction adhesive, which required holding each brick in place for several minutes. However, I later discovered Loctite Power Grab all-purpose construction adhesive, which made the process much smoother. With this adhesive, the bricks stayed in place immediately. I finished the rest of the wall in record time.
Applying Mortar Between the Bricks
Once the bricks are firmly adhered to the wall, it's time to apply mortar between them. Mix an inexpensive mortar with water in a large pail. Aim for a toothpaste-like consistency, as it will flow smoothly through the grout bag. Fill the spaces between the bricks with the mortar using the grout bag. To achieve an authentic, old-fashioned appearance, smooth out the mortar with a tuck pointing tool or, alternatively, your finger.
When mixing the mortar, ensure it's not too thick, as this will make the task more challenging. It's essential to find the right consistency for smooth application. During this process, my husband and I worked as a team: I mixed the mortar while he filled the spaces between the bricks. With practice, we became efficient and worked like a well-oiled machine.
We also installed a wooden section on the wall, providing a sturdy base for hanging items. Now that the brick wall was complete, we could sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while waiting for the mortar to dry.
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