DIY Network

Mortar and Dressing the Joints From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-204

	In this week's episode of Weekend Remodeling, host Fuad Reveiz will take this kitchen cooking area to the next level by ...
	giving it the appearance of a classic-style brick enclosure.

This is an intermediate level project and rated 2 on a "difficulty" scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most difficult.

In this final segment and the start of day two of the project, all that's left is to apply the mortar and dress the joints.

Materials:

Pre-cast brick veneer tile (flat and corner pieces)
Tile adhesive
Sand and buff masonry cement
Mastic
Newspapers

Tools:

Tape measure
Pencil
Notched trowel
Wet saw
Grout bag
Tile nippers
Level
Straightedge
Large bucket
Striking "joint" tool

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Here's a great bird's-eye view of the finished brick veneer stove alcove.

1. Begin by loading up a large grout bag with a buff-color mortar that was mixed with some sand.

2. Apply the mortar to the two column sections on either side of the alcove first (figure A).

   Tip: Be sure to work in sections so the mortar doesn't change color in the middle of a run.

3. Shortly after all of the joints in the columns are filled, you can then come back and dress them using a masonry joint tool. The mortar just needs to set up about half way to a slightly crumbling state, and in this case it took approximately 40 minutes.

4. When you're ready to dress the joints, use the striking tool to press the grout into place, leaving a standard crease (figure B). This also fills any areas between the bricks that may have some gaps.

5. After the mortar sets up, use the same techniques on the inside walls above the stove.

6. Next, move on to the front wall and the herringbone pattern.

   Note: This can be a workout. Be patient and know that the grout bag will clog if the mixture is too thick.

   Tip: When dressing the joints, you don't want to make them too neat because the brick veneer is rough.

RESOURCES :

Pre-Cast Brick for the Veneer (Castone)

Color: Red
Manufacturer: Coronado Stone
Where available: Castone (info, below)

Castone LLC
Website: www.castone.org

GUESTS :

Kent Everitt
Owner
Castone LLC
Phone: 865-983-5000

Daniel J. Levin
Owner
Coronado Stone
Toll-free: 800-847-8663
E-mail: sales@coronado.com
Website: www.coronado.com

Jeanne LeDoux
Pre-Cast Stone expert
Castone LLC
Phone: 865-983-5000