Setting clay bricks on mortar bed
#1
07-14-20, 09:39 PM
Setting clay bricks on mortar bed
I have a small area I need to lay down about 12 chicago bricks on a mortar bed about 1" thick. The joints will be 3/4" wide.
Should I lay the mortar bed, set the bricks down first, wait a few days for the bed to cure, then fill in the joints, or should I fill in the joints at the same time?
Should I lay the mortar bed, set the bricks down first, wait a few days for the bed to cure, then fill in the joints, or should I fill in the joints at the same time?
#3
07-15-20, 04:43 AM
Group Moderator
Do all the mortaring at the same time as you set the bricks. I normally lay down several feet of mortar on the bottom. Then I butter the end of the brick and place it. Your mortar joints are large so it will be difficult to keep the bricks from moving but a stiffer mix should help.
#5
07-15-20, 10:26 AM
Group Moderator
If you are inexperienced doing masonry wear gloves. Many people find it irresistible and can't keep their hands off the mortar which is quite hard on your skin.
If this brick work will be visible work very carefully to not let the mortar touch the visible face of the brick. Even if you think you wiped or brushed it off it will leave a gray/white grout stain. It can be cleaned off later with a strong acid but it's easier not to mess it up in the first place.
If this brick work will be visible work very carefully to not let the mortar touch the visible face of the brick. Even if you think you wiped or brushed it off it will leave a gray/white grout stain. It can be cleaned off later with a strong acid but it's easier not to mess it up in the first place.
