Glass wall partitions and home decorating solutions - How to install glass block wall?

You'll save money by assembling the blocks yourself, as shown at right. An easier but more expensive way to install glass block is to order it ready-made. Measure your opening carefully, making allowances for out-of-square openings. Then order a preassembled unit from an outlet that specializes in glass block. The ready-made unit consists of blocks mortared together at the factory; the whole unit will be held together with a metal strap. It will be extremely heavy if the window is large. Lay a bed of mortar on the sill, set the entire unit in place, and fill in mortar all around it.

Install individual glass blocks

Measure the opening and choose a pleasing pattern of blocks; there are several sizes available. Dry-fit the blocks using panel anchors screwed to the side jambs every few courses and expansion strips over the anchors and along the header. (You can snap off parts of the spacers to make the various types shown.)

Disassemble your dry-fit. Lay a bed of mortar on the sill and begin laying blocks. Twist off the spacer face tabs as you set the blocks in position. Throw mortar on the top edge of each course and butter the blocks as you would for a brick wall (see Working with Mortar, Related Projects). Use spacers to maintain consistent joint lines.

About every third course, embed the panel anchors in mortar and press reinforcing wire into the mortar. Don't put mortar on top of the final course of blocks. Strike the joints (see Laying Single-Tier Brick Veneer, Related Projects), wipe the blocks clean, and caulk along the sides and header.