How to Install a Glass Brick Wall

Glass block walls are durable and allow light to pass through.

Glass brick walls are built for both function and aesthetic appeal. Glass bricks, or more commonly referred to as glass blocks, are durable enough to be used for an exterior wall that allows natural light to bathe a room, but keep the wind, rain and snow outside. These bricks are a popular choice to create a half wall, full wall or room partition. Glass bricks are available in a wide variety of colors, styles and finishes.

Things You'll Need

• Glass block mortar
• Trowel
• Level
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape
• Spacers
• 2 buckets
• Sponge

Instructions

1. Measure the length and height of the area for the glass brick wall. Multiply length times height and divide by the size of the glass bricks to determine how many standard glass bricks are needed. Measure the height and length of the wall and divide by the size of the finishing brick to determine how many finishing glass bricks are needed.

2. Make two parallel lines on the floor with the masking tape, 1/8 inch wider than the width of the brick, to be used as the guidelines.

3. Mix the glass mortar in a bucket, according to the directions listed on the bag.

4. Apply a 1/2-inch base of the glass mortar in between the masking tape guidelines. Work in sections of approximately 3 feet at a time to ensure the mortar does not dry out.

5. Use a trowel to apply 1/4 inch of mortar to the side of the glass brick.

6. Butt the first brick up against the existing wall if there is one. If there is no existing wall, begin with a finishing brick. Do not apply mortar to the side.

7. Use a wet sponge to remove excess mortar from the glass brick.

8. Place a level on the glass brick to check for level and plumb. To level a glass brick, tap the brick with the heel of your hand or a wooden mallet. Plumb means level in a vertical direction.

9. Place a spacer next to the first block. Spacers ensure the glass bricks will have the same distance between each brick.

10. Apply 1/4 inch of glass mortar on the side of the next brick, and butt the second brick up against the first brick. Use the spacer to keep the same distance between each brick. Continue the same pattern for the entire first course. At the end of the first course, use the glass finishing brick for the final brick. A glass finishing brick is usually curved and used to end a wall.

11. Apply a 1/4 inch layer of glass mortar on top of the first course of glass brick. Continue to work in manageable 3-foot sections.

12. Place a section of reinforcement ladder on top of the mortar and press it into place. Reinforcement ladder is a metal strap with perforations used to strengthen the glass brick wall.

13. Apply glass mortar to the bottom and side of the glass brick. Continue in the same manner for the second and subsequent courses, always ending the course with the finishing brick.

14. Complete the top course of the wall with glass finishing brick.

Tips & Warnings

• Two types of glass bricks are required: standard glass brick and finishing glass brick. Standard glass brick makes up the body of the wall. Finishing glass brick is the decorative or finished end and top pieces on a wall.

• Do not put pressure on the wall for 24 to 48 hours.

References

• Pittsburgh Corning: Homeowners' DIY