DIY Network

Install Brick Veneer on Inside of Alcove 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 first segment, host Fuad Reveiz begins the process by outlining the materials and tools needed for the job. Then he starts the preparation work and sets the first course of pre-cast bricks to the inside of the alcove.

Note: Pre-cast bricks and stones come in a wide variety of choices, including different shapes, sizes and colors. For this particular project, the brick veneer will be added to both the inside and outside walls around the stove area.

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
	Figure C
	Figure D

1. First, you need to determine where and what type of pattern you want to install the brick veneer. Drawing a layout of the bricked area will help to figure out what designs look best.

   Note: When you have several design choices, drawing them by hand may not be the best way to go. In cases like this, you may want to consider using one of the computer programs (figure A) on the market that can create multiple images quickly. This would make choosing a design much easier. This is a great tool in that it can give you a sense of how the finished project will look.

2. Begin by carefully removing the base molding (figure B) around the bottom of the walls.

3. Protect the stove by covering it with some newspapers.

4. To determine the starting point, measure the length of the brick tile (referred to as brick from this point forward) and transfer the distance to the wall (mark with a pencil). The outer row of brick for this particular project will actually overhang the corner approximately 1/2" -- and this extra 1/2" will give you the added space needed for a grout line.

5. With the mark on the wall, use a level to strike a vertical line 8" in from the outside edge of the wall.

6. Apply the mastic from the vertical line (figure C) toward the back wall.

   Expert Tip: When you're installing pre-cast brick or stone on a drywall surface in the interior of your home, use a specially made mastic for the strongest possible bond. If the application is for the exterior, it's best to install a metal lathe first and then apply the pre-cast brick or stone to the lathe using a type "S" portland cement.

7. Set the first row by placing three whole bricks across the bottom. Since this is the "first" course, it's the most important, and luckily in this particular project the stove can act as a guide (figure D).

8. To get the off-set pattern to continue up the wall, head to the wet saw and cut some bricks in half. The next row will begin with one of the half-bricks, followed by two whole bricks and completed with another half-brick. The trick is to be sure to place the cut side of the brick toward the back wall because when it's mortared you'll never see it.

   Note: Because pre-cast brick or stone is lightweight (approximately eight to 10 pounds per square foot), it's ideal to use for chimney boxes or anywhere else where you are unable to install additional structural support.

9. As you continue to set the brick veneer, be sure to leave about 1/2" of space between both the horizontal rows and the end of the bricks vertically. You can do this easily by using the end of your fingertip as a guide.

10. Repeat the pattern working you way up the wall.

    Alert: If you're trying to decide whether you should install tile or pre-cast brick or stone, be sure to consider that pre-cast materials are primarily for vertical surfaces. Even though the brick and stone look real, you don't want to walk on them.

In the next segment, Reveiz will be adding the brick veneer to the main wall.

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