How to Make a Veneer Brick Wall Behind a Fire Stove

Hold the stud finder on the wall and depress the locate button. Slide the stud finder horizontally to locate the studs and mark them on the floor. Measure the width and height of the wall. The cement board must begin and end on a stud.

Transfer the wall measurements to the cement board. Place the square against the edge of the cement board, keeping the leg aligned with the marks. Draw the carbide scoring knife across the cement board four times using the square as a guide. Snap the cement board along the scored marks.

Hold the cement board on the wall and screw it to the studs with cement board screws. Place one screw every 6 inches along each stud behind the cement board.

Mix the mortar and the latex additive according to the manufacturer's instructions. A thick, spreadable consistency is desired. Fill the joints between the cement board with mortar using the flat side of the notched trowel. Cover the joints with fiberglass mesh tape.

Apply mortar to the cement board -- beginning at the bottom, in a 1-foot high by 3-foot long area -- using the notched side of the trowel. This leaves grooves and ridges in the mortar. Apply brick to the mortar within 10 minutes after applying it to the wall.

Butter the back side of a brick with mortar using the notched trowel. Press the first brick into place at the edge of the cement board and level it with the level. Butter another brick and place it next to the first brick with a spacer separating them. Align the top edge of the second brick to the first using the level. Add additional bricks to the end of the row.

Lay a brick on a work table outdoors. Measure and mark the center of the brick along its width. Hold the angle grinder firmly with both hands and turn it on. Cut the brick in half by lowering the blade through the brick on the halfway mark.

Butter the half brick and press it into place above the first brick to start the second row. Use spacers between the bricks and check often for level as you work across and up the cement board. Allow the mortar to cure overnight.

Mix the type N mortar according to the directions. Pack the joints between the bricks with mortar using the tuckpointing trowel. Let the mortar begin to firm up and tool it smooth with the trowel. Clean any mortar off the bricks immediately.