How to Install Brick Veneer Inside an Alcove

Follow these instructions to install brick veneer on the inside of an alcove.

Highlights:

Step 1: Remove the Base Molding and Lay Down Newspaper
Step 2: Determine the Starting Point
Step 3: Apply Mastic
Step 4: Create Half-Bricks
Step 5: Set in the Bricks Starting From the Bottom

Step 1: Remove the Base Molding and Lay Down Newspaper

If necessary, begin by carefully removing the base molding around the bottom of the walls. Protect the floor with newspaper or plastic sheeting.

Step 2: Determine the Starting Point

To determine the starting point, determine the length of a brick veneer tile and mark the inside wall with a pencil at that distance going back from the edge of the opening. Then, with the mark on the wall, use a level to strike a vertical line in from the outside edge of the wall (8" in the case of this demonstration).

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. The outer row will be finished in the last step of this project.

Step 3: Apply Mastic

Apply the mastic from the vertical line toward the back wall.

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.

apply mastic from vertical line toward back wall

Step 4: Create Half-Bricks

Use the wet saw and cut some bricks in half.

Step 5: Set in the Bricks Starting From the Bottom

Set the first row by placing whole bricks across the bottom (Image 1) and a half-brick if necessary. Since this is the first course, it's the most important.

To create an offset pattern, 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.

As you continue, 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. Repeat the pattern working your way up the wall.

Finally, install the brick onto the unfinished inside edge beginning from the bottom, allowing it to extend past the edge of the alcove opening by 1/2". Use tile nippers in order to create a perfect fit (Image 2).