Install Brick Veneer using Construction Adhesives rather than Mortar

If you are installing brick veneer indoors, you do not need to use mortar. As long as your wall is relatively flat in spaces like fireplace surrounds and kitchen backsplashes, you can use a construction adhesive instead.  Adhesives are more consistent, plus you can eliminate the hassle of mixing and hauling around heavy bags of mortar mix. All you need is LIQUID NAILS  Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive (LN-903 — available in both a trowelable version and traditional cartridges) to get the job done. 

Here’s how:
Step 1.    

Remove any decorative trim such as crown molding, window and door trim, or mantel pieces, as well as any paneling from the wall.

Step 2.    

Starting at the bottom of your surface, use a measuring tape and a pencil to mark horizontal lines 2-7/8 inches apart. This width will accommodate the brick veneer plus 3/8- inch of grout, and the lines will help you place the brick veneer pieces in straight rows.

Step 3.    

Determine how many and what size edge pieces you will need, and cut them to size using a tile cutter or a wet saw.

Step 4.    

Spread a layer of wall adhesive on the wall between the floor and the first guideline you drew. Covering only a row at a time helps ensure you can lay the veneer before the wall adhesive skins over (drying on surface), which is usually around 10 minutes.

Step 5.    

Press the veneer pieces into the wall adhesive, starting at the bottom corner and leaving 3/8- inch between them. To increase initial tack, use the following venting method: after pressing each piece into place, pull it away and wait one to three minutes. Then press it back into place. If the pieces still slip, use tape to brace them.

Step 6.    

After finishing the bottom row, apply wall adhesive for the next row up and lay the veneer so that the midpoints of the pieces line up with the seams of the row below them. We recommend you use 3/8-inch spacers between the pieces. Continue this process until all the veneer pieces are used.

Step 7.    

Allow the wall adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours.

Step 8.    

Use a pointed trowel to apply grout between the veneer pieces. Sanded tile grout looks most like mortar. Smooth the grout and eliminate air pockets with a grout float. As you go, use a damp sponge to wipe off any grout that gets on the face of the veneer pieces. Allow the grout to dry completely.

A beautiful, long-lasting and durable brick veneer is all yours without any of the hassles from mortar.