How to Lay Brick or Tile: A Step-by-Step Practical Guide

Choosing Whether To Lay Brick Or Tile Affects Durability, Cost, Aesthetics, And Installation Complexity For Indoor And Outdoor Projects.

Factor	Brick	Tile
Best Uses	Exterior Walkways, Fireplaces, Accent Walls	Bathrooms, Kitchens, Floors, Backsplashes
Durability	Very High, Weather-Resistant	High, Depends On Material
Cost Range	Moderate To High	Low To High (Ceramic To Natural Stone)
Installation Time	Slower, Requires Mortar Beds	Faster For Thinset Tile Installation
Maintenance	Repointing, Sealing Occasionally	Grout Cleaning, Resealing For Stone

Introduction To Laying Brick Or Tile

This Guide Covers Tools, Materials, Techniques, And Decision Factors For Those Who Want To Lay Brick Or Tile For Floors, Walls, Or Outdoor Surfaces.

Deciding Between Brick And Tile

Selecting Whether To Lay Brick Or Tile Starts With Assessing The Project Location, Load Requirements, Aesthetic Goals, Budget, And Local Climate.

Brick Excels For Exterior Applications And Rustic Interiors; It Provides Strong Thermal Mass And Weather Resistance.

Tile Offers Versatility In Color, Pattern, And Material; Porcelain Tile Is Ideal For High-Moisture Areas Because Of Its Low Water Absorption.

Consider Long-Term Maintenance: Brick May Need Repointing; Some Natural Stone Tiles Require Periodic Sealing.

Tools And Materials Needed To Lay Brick Or Tile

Common Tools For Both Include A Level, Tape Measure, Chalk Line, And A Quality Masonry Or Notched Trowel.

For Laying Brick, Essential Materials Are Mortar Mix, Brick Ties (For Walls), Joint Raker, And A Brick Hammer; A Mortar Mixer Or Mixing Hoe Helps Consistency.

For Tile, Materials Include Thinset Mortar, Grout, Backer Board Or Cement Board For Wet Areas, Tile Spacers, And A Tile Cutter Or Wet Saw; Tile Backer Board Prevents Movement And Moisture Damage.

Preparing The Substrate

Proper Substrate Preparation Is Critical Whether One Will Lay Brick Or Tile; The Surface Must Be Clean, Level, And Structurally Sound.

For Floors, Remove Old Flooring To Reveal A Strong Subfloor; Use Plywood Or Cement Board Where Required To Reduce Deflection.

For Exterior Brick Paving, Excavate To The Correct Depth, Install A Compacted Gravel Base, And Add A Sand Or Mortar Bedding Layer To Ensure Proper Drainage.

Mixing Mortar And Thinset Correctly

Mortar For Brick Typically Uses A Type N Or S Mix Depending On Structural Needs; Follow Manufacturer Ratios And Mix To A Smooth, Pliable Consistency.

Thinset For Tile Should Be Mixed To A Trowelable Consistency And Used Within Its Working Time; Some Tiles Require Modified Thinset For Improved Bond Strength.

How To Lay Brick: Step-By-Step

Begin With A Stable, Level Foundation; Snap A Guide Line Or Use A String Line For Accurate Courses.

Butter The End Of Each Brick With Mortar, Place It On The Bedding, And Tap Into Place With A Rubber Mallet; Maintain Consistent Joint Widths Using A Joint Profile Tool.

Stagger Joints Using A Running Bond Or Other Pattern; Check Level Frequently And Allow Mortar To Cure Before Repointing Or Cleaning.

For Outdoor Pavers, Compact After Installation And Apply Joint Sand Or Mortar Between Bricks; Ensure Surface Is Sloped For Drainage Away From Structures.

How To Lay Tile: Step-By-Step

Plan The Layout With A Dry Run To Avoid Small Cuts At Edges; Start From The Room Center Or A Dominant Wall For Visual Balance.

Apply Thinset With A Notched Trowel, Comb In One Direction, And Press Tile Firmly Using A Slight Twist Motion; Use Spacers For Uniform Grout Joints.

Use A Wet Saw For Accurate Cuts, Especially Around Fixtures; Allow Thinset To Cure Per Manufacturer Before Grouting.

Grout Joints Should Be Filled Completely, Toolled Smooth, And Sealed If Using Natural Stone Or Cement-Based Grout To Prevent Staining.

Common Patterns And Design Tips

Brick Patterns Include Running Bond, Herringbone, Basketweave, And Stack Bond; Each Pattern Impacts Strength And Visual Flow.

Tile Patterns Range From Straight Stack And Offset To Diagonal And Herringbone; Large Format Tiles Reduce Grout Lines For A Contemporary Look.

Mixing Different Textures—Such As Brick Accent Walls With Tile Flooring—Can Create Visual Contrast While Maintaining Durability In High-Traffic Areas.

Waterproofing And Moisture Considerations

For Wet Areas Like Showers Or Patios, Proper Waterproofing Is Essential; Use A Waterproof Membrane Under Tile Or A Sealant On Brick Where Needed.

Cement Board With A Waterproofing Membrane Provides A Reliable Tile Substrate; Brick Walls May Require A Breathable Seal To Allow Moisture Vapor Escape.

Grouting, Pointing, And Finishing

Use The Correct Grout Type For The Application—Sanded Grout For Wider Joints, Unsanded For Narrow Joints, And Epoxy Grout For Chemical Resistance.

Repointing Brick Requires Removing Damaged Mortar To A Proper Depth And Replacing With Matching Mortar Consistency To Preserve Structural Integrity.

Cost Comparison And Time Investment

Tile Installation Costs Vary Widely Based On Material; Ceramic Is Economical, Porcelain Higher, And Natural Stone Commands A Premium.

Brick Typically Has Higher Labor Costs Due To Slower Installation And Mortar Curing Times; Long-Term Durability Can Offset Initial Investment For Exterior Projects.

Maintenance Best Practices

Tile Maintenance Involves Regular Cleaning, Periodic Resealing For Stone, And Grout Cleaning; Use pH-Neutral Cleaners To Protect Finishes.

Brick Maintenance Includes Inspecting For Cracks, Repointing Where Mortar Has Deteriorated, And Applying Sealers Strategically To Reduce Efflorescence.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Failing To Properly Prepare The Substrate Is A Leading Cause Of Tile And Brick Failures; Movement Or Moisture Can Cause Cracking And Lifting.

Overly Thin Mortar Beds Or Inadequate Coverage In Tile Installations Lead To Hollow Spots; Use Full-Contact Application For Reliable Bonding.

Ignoring Expansion Joints In Large Brick Or Tile Areas Causes Stress Cracks; Include Flexible Joints Where Substrate Movement Is Likely To Absorb Thermal Expansion.

When To Hire A Professional

Complex Layouts, Structural Walls, Large Outdoor Paving, Or Projects Requiring Historic Matching Benefit From A Skilled Mason Or Tile Setter.

A Professional Ensures Proper Substrate Preparation, Correct Mortar Or Thinset Selection, And Code Compliance For Fireplaces Or Heavy Loads To Reduce Costly Mistakes.

Eco-Friendly Options And Sustainability

Reclaimed Brick Offers Character And Reduces New Material Demand; Porcelain Tile Made From Recycled Content Lowers Environmental Footprint.

Consider Permeable Brick Pavers For Driveways And Patios To Support Stormwater Management And Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies.

Safety Tips And Best Practices

Wear Eye Protection, Glove, And A Dust Mask When Cutting Brick Or Tile To Prevent Injury From Flying Debris And Silica Dust.

Use Knee Pads For Floor Work, Ensure Adequate Ventilation When Using Adhesives, And Follow Manufacturer Guidelines For Mixing And Application Safety.

Estimating Materials And Planning Workflow

Calculate Tile Or Brick Quantities By Area, Adding 10–15% For Cuts And Waste; For Pattern Layouts, Add Extra To Match Color Variation.

Schedule Work To Allow Proper Curing Times—Mortar And Thinset Often Require 24–72 Hours Before Grouting Or Light Use; Plan For Full Cure Before Heavy Traffic To Ensure Longevity.

Resources For Further Learning

Industry Associations, Manufacturer Installation Guides, And Local Building Codes Provide Authoritative Information On Standards, Warranty Requirements, And Best Practices.

Online Tutorials And Hands-On Workshops At Home Improvement Stores Offer Practical Experience For DIYers Before Attempting Larger Projects.

Practical Project Examples And Case Studies

A Backyard Patio Using Herringbone Brick Pavers Showcases Durability And Classic Styling With Proper Base Preparation And Edge Restraints.

A Bathroom Remodel Using Large-Format Porcelain Tile Reduced Grout Lines And Improved Cleanability, While Cement Board And Waterproof Membrane Prevented Moisture Damage, Demonstrating The Importance Of Correct Substrate Work.

Final Tips For Successfully Laying Brick Or Tile

Start With A Realistic Project Scope, Prioritize Substrate Preparation, Use The Right Adhesives, And Test Small Areas To Confirm Layout And Material Compatibility.

Whether Choosing To Lay Brick Or Tile, Attention To Detail During Planning And Installation Pays Off In A Long-Lasting, Attractive Finished Surface.