How to Install Glass Blocks in a Bathroom
If you want to add a glass block wall to your bathroom, a good place to do so is on top of an existing pony wall. Glass block walls look good, are easy to install and allow plenty of natural light through. Adding a glass block wall to your pony wall will also give you more privacy between bath fixtures on either side. Doing any kind of bath remodel, including building a glass block wall, can add value to your home as well. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Glass block spacers
- Mortar mix
- Mixing attachment
- Bucket
- Drill
- Trowel
- Rubber mallet
- Level
- Sponges
- Reinforced ladders
- Foam expanders
- Galvanized steel brackets (flexible)
- Silicone
- 4- to 6-foot ladder
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Complete a dry run of your glass block. Set up your glass blocks one by one across the base of your sill to make the first row. Use standard glass-block spacers between blocks as you go. Use different size blocks to make your glass blocks fit the length. For example, glass blocks come in full size, half size and quarter size. Any leftover space is filled by the mortar. Cutting glass blocks is usually not recommended because they break easily.
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2
Mix your mortar and some water in your bucket. Use the mortar mixer and attach it to your drill. You want to mix just enough mortar to be used in 20 minutes or less. The texture of your mortar mix shouldn't be too dry or it will fall apart, but you don't want to make the mix too wet either. Mortar of the correct texture will be able to withstand a light squeezing of your fingers and still hold its shape.
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3
Apply mortar mix to the base of your sill using a trowel. Spread out just enough mortar for a few glass blocks at a time. Set each glass block in place and tap down with a rubber mallet, if needed, to get a solid set into the mortar base. Use spacers between each glass block as you go. Don't forget to level each glass block as you set it. Wipe away excess mortar with your wet sponge as needed.
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4
Set your reinforced ladders, which are just metal reinforcing strips, on top of your first row of glass blocks. Overlay the reinforced ladders by about 6 inches. Once you are at the wall, insert one of your foam expanders along the edge. The foam expander will prevent the mortar line along the walls from cracking as your mortar expands and contracts.
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5
Install your galvanized steel brackets along both sides of the walls after you have set two rows of glass blocks. This bracket should be flexible, so that one portion of it is attached to the wall, and another portion of it is bent down to sit flat in the mortar mix. The idea is to form an "L" shape. This galvanized bracket is put in place to help support your glass wall should anyone lean on it.
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6
Repeat the above steps as you build each row. You will probably have to remix your mortar after each row is installed. Make sure to wipe away excess mortar as you go before it dries. Don't forget to level each glass block and each row as you build your wall. When your wall is complete, wipe down your entire wall, apply silicone to all outside seams and clean up.
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