Thick Set System

The type of contractor best suited for your project will depend on its scope and setting. The following professionals are commonly capable of installing thin brick panel systems:

• Stucco Contractors
• Masons
• Carpenters
• Tile Setters
• Exterior Cladding or Façade Specialists – Particularly for commercial or large-scale exterior applications
• Landscapers, Plumbers, Electricians, and Painters – Often take on small-scale or interior installations

Regardless of trade, it’s important that the installer is detail-oriented, follows our installation guidelines, and is comfortable working with panel systems and masonry materials.

Most thin brick installations require only basic masonry and tile tools, such as a trowel, mortar bag, level, jointing tool, and a saw or splitter for cutting bricks.

To make things even easier, our System Configurator displays the recommended tools for each specific step of your installation, based on your selected wall assembly and system components. We encourage you to use the configurator when quoting your project to ensure you have everything you need, including the correct tools and accessories.

We recommend using non-corrosive, preferably ribbed fasteners that provide sufficient penetration to securely anchor the metal grid panel to the substrate. The correct type of fastener will depend on the wall material (e.g., wood, steel, concrete, or masonry) and the specific system being installed.

Using the right fasteners is critical to ensure the long-term performance and stability of your thin brick installation.

You can view our recommended fasteners and purchase options by clicking here.

Follow these steps to properly mix and apply mortar for thin brick joints:

• Mixing the Mortar:
  • Empty the entire contents of the 40 lb Brick It mortar mix into a 5-gallon bucket.
  • If you've ordered a colored mortar, add the full contents of the accompanying 1.5 lb colorant pack to the same bucket.
  • Slowly add clean, cold water while mixing with a 1/2" drill and mortar paddle at low speed (450–550 RPM) until the mixture reaches a smooth, workable consistency.
  • The mortar is properly mixed when it flows easily from a mortar bag.

• Application:
  • Load the mortar into a mortar bag and apply it to the horizontal joints first, followed by the vertical joints.
  • Always overfill joints slightly to ensure there are no air pockets or voids.

• Tooling the Joints:
  • Begin checking mortar firmness every 3–5 minutes. Once it reaches a firm but workable consistency, it's ready for tooling.
  • Use the joint tool provided in your kit to strike the vertical joints first, then the horizontal ones.
  • Hold the tool at a 45° angle and strike the joint to compress and seal the mortar against the brick edges.
  • Maintain no more than 1/8” recess from the brick face for proper finish.
  • The result will be a concave joint finish. Fill any visible voids as needed.

• Temperature Warning:
  • Do not apply mortar when daytime or nighttime temperatures are expected to fall below 40°F, as this can compromise the curing process.

We do not recommend using a sponge-finish technique for brick joints, as it is commonly done with tile. Unlike glazed tile, most brick surfaces are porous and textured, making it difficult to clean mortar off the face without leaving permanent stains or residue.

That said, if a slightly smeared or weathered appearance is part of your intended aesthetic, this technique might help achieve that look. In any case, we strongly advise testing your method on a sample panel before applying it to the main wall.

The drainage mat plays a critical role in managing moisture behind thin brick veneer. Made from high-impact materials, it allows for the rapid exit of water that brick naturally absorbs, promoting continuous airflow between the veneer and the structural wall. This helps prevent moisture buildup, mold, and long-term damage to the building envelope.

Although we are not a manufacturer of moisture barriers and cannot recommend a specific brand, we can provide some general guidance based on industry standards. Most professionals now recommend using two layers of moisture protection behind thin brick veneer. This can include:

• Two layers of building paper.
• A combination of one roll-on applied membrane and one sheet-applied layer.
• Pre-bonded 2-ply papers, which unroll together for easier installation.

It’s important to note that brick and mortar are not waterproof—your moisture barrier is the critical line of defense against water intrusion. For this reason, we strongly advise consulting your project architect or building envelope consultant to select the appropriate system.

For moisture control accessories offered through Brick It, click here.