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Step 1. Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the proper way to lay out the wall. Make sure that the installation is centered on the wall, both vertically and horizontally, and that no perimeter tile is less than half a full-size tile. Spread adhesive on a small area with a notched trowel.

Step 2. Place several dabs of adhesive on the back of a brick (inset). Then press it against the wall, and give it a slight twist to embed it in the adhesive. Continue installing tiles, maintaining the proper spacing between tiles as you go.

Step 3. Before the adhesive sets, check all the joint spaces with a piece of 1/4 or 3/8-in-thick plywood. Make any small adjustments by pushing the tile with your fingers. If a tile moves back after being adjusted, hold it in place with a few small plywood spacers.

Step 4. Stop after installing three or four courses and check for straightness and level. Stretch a string horn one end of the wall to the other; make sure it’s level; then sight over the string to the top of each brick. Make sure the top of the brick is at the same height as the string.

Step 5. Let the adhesive set according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then remove all spacers and mix up a batch of grout. Fill a grout bag and use it to squeeze grout between the bricks. Work neatly to avoid spreading the grout on the face of the bricks.

Step 6. Before the grout hardens, smooth the joints with a steel jointing tool or a wood dowel. Most people prefer a concave grout joint. But you can form a square recessed grout joint using a flat jointing tool.

STONE FACING

Most face stones are synthetic but made with irregular shapes that must be roughly aligned.

Stagger joints from one course to the next string a line as a guide; and check every few courses with a level.