Bob visits with Mike Bennet, who is floating mortar bed walls in a bathroom. Starting with 15# felt paper then expanded diamond metal lathe held on by galvanized nails. In one of the common occurrences in construction the entire shipment of the tile did not arrive at the same time.

It takes only a few tools and some mortar to make an old brick wall look like new.

Mix two parts masonry cement and one part sand, adding just enough water for a firm mortar mix. Apply the mortar to all sides of the block using the top of your trowel. Stagger the joints and place the open end of the block to the closed end of the next allowing 3/8 inch for mortar joint. Finally, check for level.

When laying new tile, here's an easy way to save some time before applying any mortar. Dry fit the tiles on the surface you are working with. Next, mark any pieces that will need to be cut. This will help determine how to get the best design and fit, and avoid the mess of pulling up tiles after the mortar is applied.

…tools and some mortar to make an old brick wall look like new. Step 1: Remove…
…mortar, place it up against the brick wall, and pack the mortar into the cracks…
…Step back and admire your repointed brick wall! Clean the bricks with a wire…