How to Assemble a Glass Block Wall

Measure the opening where you plan to lay the glass blocks, and use these measurements to determine how many blocks you will need to purchase. Add 1/2 inch to each block to account for the spaces between blocks when they are laid.

Cut several panel anchors into 12-inch-long sections, and bend their ends at a right angle. The panel anchors are metal strips you will install at each end of the walls every two rows of glass blocks. They are designed to hold the wall in place.

Prepare the glass block mortar by following the manufacturer's instructions. Every mortar may be mixed differently, but the process usually involves mixing water and mortar until it reaches the consistency of spreadable paste.

Lay down the initial layer of mortar over the bottom of the sill where you plan to build your glass block wall. The layer should be about 1/4 inch thick.

Place the first glass block into the corner of the sill, and press it into the mortar. Use a leveler to make sure it is straight. Slather some mortar on the vertical side of the block with the trowel, and place a spacer at its base, which will keep the size of the spaces between blocks uniform. Continue this process by adding blocks followed by a spacer until the entire first row is complete.

Put spacers in the gaps between the top of each block on the first row, and place a 1/4-inch layer of mortar over it. Build the second row of your glass block wall, except use the tops of the blocks from the first row as the bases instead of the sill.

Drill the panel anchors into the wall just above the top of the second row. The long side of the panel anchors should cross over the top of the glass blocks, while the short side should be drilled into the wall. Repeat this with the other side.

Continue laying blocks over blocks using the same process found in steps 6 and 7. Install panel anchors every two rows to ensure stability.

Clean the glass block wall, and remove any excess mortar when finished. Apply a sealant to the mortar that holds the block wall together to keep out bacteria or mildew.