How to Lay a Glass Block Wall
Glass block walls provide a stunning alternative to typical walls and windows by allowing ample sunlight in while still obscuring views enough to maintain privacy. Whether you want to brighten up your sunroom, block the view from your bathroom window or update the look of your shower, glass blocks are sure to give your home some personality. Glass block walls are surprisingly simple to construct, and the popularity of glass block kits makes this do-it-yourself project more straightforward than ever. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Glass blocks (various sizes and styles according to your needs)
- Glass block spacers
- Mortar (see recommendations on the manufacturer's instructions)
- Reinforcing wire
- Metal anchors
- Plastic spoon
- Sponge
- Cotton cloth
- Framing square
- Level
Instructions
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1
Gather ideas about how you would like your glass block wall to look. Measure the space and sketch a rough diagram to determine what size and shape glass blocks you will need. Keep in mind that you may want to purchase rounded "end" blocks to provide a finished look to exposed edges.
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2
Prepare the surface where you will be constructing the block wall. If the wall will serve as a privacy barrier for a shower, you may need to sand the base of the shower with 100-grit sandpaper to allow the mortar to adhere effectively. Other preparations may be necessary depending on where you want the glass block wall to go.
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3
Arrange the glass blocks on the floor in the order you plan to lay them. Make sure you have the right number and style of blocks before you begin the project.
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4
Mix the mortar according to the instructions on the package. Most mortar designed for glass blocks will be somewhat drier than the mortar used for bricks or tile.
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5
Begin your glass wall in a corner if possible. Use an angled trowel to spread 1/4 of an inch of mortar horizontally and several inches up the wall where the first glass block will touch.
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Position the first glass block into the prepared area, using a framing square to make sure the block is straight. Spread 1/4 inch of mortar on the exposed vertical side of the block. Place the next block against the first. Repeat these steps until the first row is complete, being careful to keep the spaces between each block even.
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7
Arrange plastic or foam spacers along the first row of blocks. Cross-shaped spacers allow you to control both the horizontal and vertical space between blocks. Spread another layer of mortar so it completely fills the gap created by the spacers. Lay a second row of glass blocks. Repeat this step until you have five or six completed rows. Use a level and framing square to ensure each row is positioned properly.
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8
Wait 1 to 2 hours before you add more rows to your wall. This time allows the mortar to set fully so it can support the weight of additional blocks. Scrape any excess mortar from the surrounding walls and floor. Use needle-nose pliers to remove any visible parts of the spacers, and fill any holes with additional mortar.
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9
Clean the glass with a damp sponge. Buff each block with a dry cotton cloth to remove any remaining haze from the mortar.
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10
Apply a waterproof sealant to the mortar using a plastic spoon to distribute the sealant evenly. Wipe any excess with a damp sponge.
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Tips & Warnings
If you lack the inspiration to plan a glass block wall from scratch, a number of kits are available at local home improvement stores. These kits come equipped with all the materials you need, along with detailed instructions.
References
Resources
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