How to Install Brick Wall Tile

Brick veneer is an alternative to actual bricks.

Applying thin brick tile to a home's interior is a great way to create the illusion of a rustic brick wall. Thin veneer panel systems can save on time and money as well, since they don't require lintels, shelf angles or structural supports. Some veneer tile systems can be purchased pre-built for even easier installation. When installing brick tile in a home, it's important to have the proper safety equipment and several basic tools.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Hammer
• Pry bar
• Dropcloth
• Felt paper
• Utility knife
• Galvanized nails
• Leather gloves
• Metal lathe
• Tin snips
• Protective eyewear
• Type S mortar mix
• Bucket
• Drill
• Mixing bit
• Mortaring trowel
• Notch trowel
• Small trowel
• Face mask
• Hearing protection
• Angle grinder with diamond wheel
• Grout
• Grout bag
• Dry brush
• 3/8-inch trowel

Instructions

1. Cut felt paper to the dimensions of the wall using a utility knife. Several sheets of felt paper will be needed, especially for large areas. Apply the felt paper to the wall (beginning in a corner) with a hammer and galvanized nails. The sheets of felt paper should overlap with one another by about 4 inches. Cut off any excess felt around wall edges with the utility knife.

2. Prepare the metal lathe by cutting it to size using tin snips. Always wear leather construction gloves while handling metal lathe, which is very sharp when cut. Apply the metal lathe over the felt paper with a hammer and nails. Make sure the nails holding the lathe go into a wall stud and not just the wallboard. Nails should be about 6 inches apart.

3. Attach the mixing bit to the drill. Pour some mortar into the bucket and add water. Mix the mortar and water together using the mortar mixing bit. Gradually add water until the mortar has a mashed potato consistency. Mix for at least five minutes.

4. Smooth the mortar mix over the metal lathe on the wall using the mortaring trowel. The mortar should be about 1/2 inch thick and should completely cover the lathe.

5. Drag the notched trowel over the still-wet mortar to create a grooved surface. Do not apply so much pressure to the notched trowel that the lathe becomes visible. Let the surface dry for at least 48 hours, or the amount of time indicated on the mortar packaging.

6. Mix another batch of mortar in the same way as you mixed the scratch coat and to the same consistency.

7. Apply the mortar to a small section of the wall using the mortaring trowel. Apply mortar to the back of the brick veneer using the small trowel.

8. Press the brick tile onto the wall, wiggling it slightly. Tap the brick lightly with the handle of the hammer to secure it into place. Hold the brick in place for about 30 seconds. Repeat this process for the entire wall, leaving the corners for last.

9. Measure the areas between the brick and the corner of the wall to determine where to cut the brick to ensure a tight fit. Cut pieces of brick using an angle saw with a diamond wheel or a wet tile saw. Apply the corner pieces with the cut edges facing the corner.

10. Mix grout or use the remaining mortar. Grout comes in a variety of colors and should be mixed to the same consistency as the original mortar.

11. Fill a grout bag with the grout or mortar. Squeeze the bag to apply the grout or mortar into the cracks between the bricks. Let the grout dry for about 30 minutes, or until the grout is thick and doughy. Brush off any leftover grout on the surface of the bricks using a dry brush. Smooth the grout or mortar between the brick tiles using a 3/8-inch trowel.

Tips & Warnings

• Wall outlets should be removed before applying brick veneer tile. Make sure the electricity is turned off, then remove the outlet cover and unscrew the outlets. Once the tiling job is complete, insert an outlet box extender to make the outlet flush with the wall.

• Wear protective eyewear when mixing mortar.

• Always wear eye, face and ear protection when using a saw.

References

• Tabs Wall Systems: Thin Brick Wall Support System