A glass block wall is a great way to divide up a room without shutting out light.
Although it cannot be load bearing, it is a sturdy structure thanks to the metal rods that we are going to position in the mortar.
You can also use this method to use glass blocks to make a shower cubicle.
Remember - don't build more than six courses high without leaving the mortar to dry, as it may collapse.
Start off by building a timber frame - use timber the same width as the blocks you are using.
Fix the frame to the desired location checking for cables and pipes before you start.
Next, you need to nail white expansion foam to the frame - this allows for a small amount of movement to allow for temperature changes.
Next you need to position spacers inside the frame, on the floor of the wooden frame carefully measured out.
You can now start to butter your glass blocks with mortar, and press them into the gaps between the spacers.
Be careful not to get mortar on the surfaces, as it will not come off if it dries.
Wipe with a damp sponge straight away if you get it on the faces.
After doing each row, check it is level using a spirit level.
Now lay mortar across the top of the row, and fit the metal reinforcing rods along the top of the row, screwing into the wall plate.
Every two rows, you should cut a gap in the foam against the wall, and apply a wall tie.
Once all the blocks are in place, you can remove the spacers.
You should leave the mortar to dry, and then grout the joints, again being careful to remove any that gets on the block faces.
Use a grout shaper to smooth the grout, and use silicone sealant if the junctions need to be waterproof.
To finish off you can paint the wooden frame.
The alternative to this method is called the dry method.
It uses a timber frame, which is assembled at the same time as you lay the blocks.
The sections of the frame can be built up as you lay blocks, and each row sits on a rebated wooden strip with short vertical strips running up the sides of the block.
The rebates in the strip stop the blocks falling out, and the frame is held together by clips and brackets.
Although it cannot be load bearing, it is a sturdy structure thanks to the metal rods that we are going to position in the mortar.
You can also use this method to use glass blocks to make a shower cubicle.
Remember - don't build more than six courses high without leaving the mortar to dry, as it may collapse.
Start off by building a timber frame - use timber the same width as the blocks you are using.
Fix the frame to the desired location checking for cables and pipes before you start.
Next, you need to nail white expansion foam to the frame - this allows for a small amount of movement to allow for temperature changes.
Next you need to position spacers inside the frame, on the floor of the wooden frame carefully measured out.
You can now start to butter your glass blocks with mortar, and press them into the gaps between the spacers.
Be careful not to get mortar on the surfaces, as it will not come off if it dries.
Wipe with a damp sponge straight away if you get it on the faces.
After doing each row, check it is level using a spirit level.
Now lay mortar across the top of the row, and fit the metal reinforcing rods along the top of the row, screwing into the wall plate.
Every two rows, you should cut a gap in the foam against the wall, and apply a wall tie.
Once all the blocks are in place, you can remove the spacers.
You should leave the mortar to dry, and then grout the joints, again being careful to remove any that gets on the block faces.
Use a grout shaper to smooth the grout, and use silicone sealant if the junctions need to be waterproof.
To finish off you can paint the wooden frame.
The alternative to this method is called the dry method.
It uses a timber frame, which is assembled at the same time as you lay the blocks.
The sections of the frame can be built up as you lay blocks, and each row sits on a rebated wooden strip with short vertical strips running up the sides of the block.
The rebates in the strip stop the blocks falling out, and the frame is held together by clips and brackets.
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