Thin Brick Question

[bmbuckeye]

Hey guys, I've got a question for you. I've got a couple columns and a breakfast bar in my house that are currently drywall finished, but I'm wanting to change and refinish in 1/2" thin brick. My question is, if I remove the drywall and replace it with 1/2" osb or ply, and cover that with 1/4" backer board, do you think that would be a sufficient base for the thin brick? Thanks for your feedback.

[kelownacobra]

I put this up over top of 7/16" OSB with PL400, no issues so far. They were full bricks that I sliced to 1" thick. Someday I'll finish the project.

Jim.

[AC Bill]

I used some of that thin brick for behind a wood stove, in a cabin I once owned. I was thinking they would retain heat, as well as be fire barrier.
I bought a special compound to attach them to the wall, (maybe epoxy or resin based), rather than a standard mortar mix, and they stuck fine to bare OSB for over 20 years.
You apply this compound quite thick, and then press the brick firmly into it. What squeezes out between the bricks acts to support them, as well, you don't have to grout between them later..Bonus!

Sorry, it's been so long since I did that I can't recall the product, but a little research might reward you..

[CapeCoralCobra]

No need for the added backer board if you use an adhesive like the PL400 mentioned above or a good tile mastik. Just don't use typical thinset/mortar on OSB or plywood - might hold for a while but changing temps/humidity would cause the bond to eventually fail. If you space the bricks, use a mortar bag, like a large cake decorating bag, to fill the joints.

[John / My427SC]

I always though you used wire mesh like in this video?

Interior Stone Veneer Installation - YouTube

[CapeCoralCobra]

Certainly can be done that way (was the standard for generations), but technology has changed, making things much easier for DIYers - and pros. The thin brick product the OP is asking about isn't much different from setting ceramic, porcelain, granite, or marble tile on a wall. Similarly, tile/stone floors used to be set on thick beds of mortar mix with wire mesh embedded in it. Durock and similar subfloor products changed that years ago, along with anti-crack materials such as Schluter Ditra and membranes.