Enhance your living space with the timeless charm of exposed brick using brick slips. These thin brick veneers offer the aesthetic appeal of traditional brickwork without the structural complexities. Whether you're aiming to revamp an interior wall or add character to your home's exterior, installing brick slips is a manageable DIY project. Follow this comprehensive guide to achieve a professional and durable finish.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Brick Slips: Choose from a variety of styles and finishes available at MyBrickSlips.co.uk.
- Adhesive: opt for a high-quality, cement-based adhesive suitable for brick slips.
- Notched Trowel: For even adhesive application.
- Spirit Level: Ensures your installation is perfectly horizontal.
- Spacers: Typically 10mm, to maintain consistent gaps between slips.
- Tile Cutter or Angle Grinder: For precise cuts, especially around edges and corners.
- Pointing Mortar: To fill the joints between the brick slips.
- Pointing Tool: For neat and accurate mortar application.
- Sponge and Bucket: To clean excess mortar and adhesive.
- Safety Gear: Gloves, goggles, and a dust mask to protect yourself during installation.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
1. Surface Preparation
- Clean the Wall: Ensure the surface is free from dust, grease, and loose particles.
- Check for Stability: The wall should be structurally sound and capable of supporting the weight of the brick slips and adhesive.
- Apply Primer: On absorbent surfaces, use a suitable primer to enhance adhesion.
2. Planning the Layout
- Measure the Area: Calculate the total surface area to determine the number of brick slips required.
- Dry Lay: Arrange the brick slips on the floor to visualize the pattern and minimize cuts.
- Mark Guidelines: Use a spirit level to draw horizontal lines on the wall as references for each row.
3. Applying Adhesive
- Mix Adhesive: Prepare the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Spread Adhesive: Using a notched trowel, apply a layer of adhesive to a small section of the wall, starting from the bottom center.
- Back Buttering: For better adhesion, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each brick slip before placing it on the wall.
4. Installing Brick Slips
- Start Laying: Press each brick slip firmly into the adhesive, starting from the bottom row.
- Use Spacers: Insert 10mm spacers between slips to maintain uniform joint gaps.
- Check Alignment: Regularly use a spirit level to ensure rows are straight.
- Cutting: Trim brick slips as needed using a tile cutter or angle grinder, especially around edges and corners.
5. Pointing the Joints
- Allow Adhesive to Set: Wait for the adhesive to cure, typically 24 hours.
- Mix Mortar: Prepare the pointing mortar to a workable consistency.
- Fill Joints: Using a pointing tool, apply mortar into the gaps between brick slips, ensuring full coverage.
- Smooth Joints: Once the mortar begins to set, tool the joints to achieve the desired finish.
- Clean Excess: Wipe away any mortar smears from the brick faces with a damp sponge before it hardens.
Post-Installation Tips
- Sealing (Optional): Applying a brick sealer can protect against stains and moisture, especially in kitchens or bathrooms. Ensure the surface is clean and dry before application.
- Regular Maintenance: Dust the brick surface periodically and clean any spills promptly to maintain its appearance.