Laying Glass Block?

Any of you carpenters on the site ever laid glass block? I am planning on making a bar base from it. I am pretty handy with a saw in my own right, but I would like some input on the to do’s and don’ts. I will be topping it off with a 9′ piece of 1 1/2″ black granite. That’s where all my concern comes in, I would rather not ruin an expensive piece of granite to a bonehead move I have done some research on installing it, but like to hear first hand experience if at all possible! Any info is greatly appreciated

Thanks Brad

Brad——Ihave a glass block shower.Istarted to lay it up myself&found out the block doesn’t absorb the moisture out of the mortar like cement block.I ended up getting a friend of mine who is a mason to do it&he could only lat up 4-5 courses&had to let it set up.Then he came back the next day&finished.Good luck

Thanks Dan, every little bit helps…as to what to expect. I was reading on how they use a “glass mortar”, because glass is not as porus as concrete. Again I appreciate the reply and if you or anyone else knows anything….please, were not talking about your favorite honey hole here, it’s ok to talk

Unlike laying pipe, I have heard its best to leave it to the pro’s.

Been a bricklayer for over 30 years. I would strongly suggest you get somebody with exp. to help you with it. Glass block can be real tough if you don’t know what you are doing. Good luck.

Art your expertise is exactly what I was looking for, thank you. I definitely want this done right! Do you see any problems with glass block supporting this much weight (300-500 lbs)? Now to find someone that knows how to and not just says he knows how to do this.

Again thanks! Brad

No problem with glass block holding weight. My biggest concern is what you are putting it on. You have to remember that mortar and block have to be on a foundation that doesn’t move or it will crack. I know that there are builders out there that will tell you,you can beef up wood and put it on that but as far as I’m concerned thats a big no-no. Don’t care what you do to wood it is going to expand and contract. In the last 10 years I have repaired or completly replaced fireplace faceings that have cracked bad. You are absoulty right about getting a mason that knows what he is doing. There are a lot of good ones around and there are some that should’nt be allowed to have a trowel in there hand. If you have any more questions send me an e mail and I will try to help you all I can. Good luck.