How to Lay a Brick Wall Around a Wood Stove

Measure the distance from the outer edge of the stove to 36 inches in any direction. This is the area to protect with a brick wall.

Locate the studs on the wall with a stud finder and mark the wall with vertical lines in the area you want to cover with brick.

Mix a portion of mortar in a 5-gallon bucket with just enough water to make a thick but moist mixture. Make only enough to use within 30 minutes, or it will harden too quickly.

Lay the first layer of brick along the floor, leaving 1-inch gaps between every three bricks to allow for air circulation and keeping them 1 inch away from the wall. Coat the bottom of each brick with 1/2 inch of mortar and set them firmly on the floor.

Lay the second layer of bricks on top of the first row, continuing to add enough mortar on the tops and sides of the bricks to keep a 1/2-inch joint between the bricks.

Attach the brick wall to the outer wall by adding brick strap anchors on the third row, and then every four rows afterward. Place the strap on top of a mortared brick and mark the wall. Screw the strap into the wall. Add more mortar on top of the strap to anchor it in place.

Clean off any extra mortar as you work, scraping it off with a trowel. Check the bricks often with a level to make sure you are keeping them straight and even, tapping them lightly with a mallet to set them straight.

Allow the bricks at least one week to dry before using the wood stove.