DIY Laying Brick Around Fireplace

Protect the surround floor area and the hearth by spreading tarps over it.

Hang builder's felt over the surface of the fireplace and secure it using a staple gun every six to eight inches. Extend the felt to all areas that you are installing brick on, overlapping rows by at least two inches. Cut out the opening for the firebox using a utility knife.

Unroll metal lathe and secure it to the top of the felt using 1-inch nails spaced at six to eight inches. Trim the lathe to fit around the firebox using tin snips.

Create a mortar mix in a 5-gallon bucket by adding in a mixture of half grout and half thinset. Don safety glasses and insert a paddle attachment onto a drill. Insert the paddle into the mixture and squeeze the trigger to mix the two materials together well.

Apply a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar to the entire surface of the lath until you cannot see it. Then run a notched towel over it to create 1/4-inch ridges and allow the material to dry.

Insert a trowel into the mixture and scoop up 1/4 to 1/2 cup. Spread it over the back of a brick veneer block until it is 1/2 inch thick. Press the brick onto the bottom surface of the fireplace where it meets the floor. Push it down far enough that the mortar mix oozes out the sides.

Apply additional mortar to another brick and apply it directly beside the first one approximately a quarter to a half inch away. Press it firmly against the wall as well so the mortar oozes up and fills the gap between the two bricks.

Continue laying the first row of brick across the bottom of the fireplace until you reach the other side. Skip the opening for the firebox and cut brick to fit the edges of the firebox opening using a grinder saw.

Walk back to the starting location and spread a 1/2-inch layer of mortar over the top edge of the first row. Apply mortar to the back of additional bricks and install the second row just as you did the first.

Continue stacking rows of brick until reaching the desired height or the ceiling.

Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of water and insert a sponge into it until it is damp. Squeeze out the excess water then wipe away any of the excess mortar from the face of the fireplace brick.