Hi,

I have done some limited brickwork so I’m not a complete novice but I’m installing bullnose brick and split brick on an existing concrete patio step and I’d like to make sure it lasts. The bullnose is the typical 9″ cored and the facing is 1 1/4″ thick split brick.

My question is basically how best to apply these bullnose bricks to insure no failures. I think there is a sealer on the concrete. Should I wire brush it with a drill attachment or use muratic acid to clean the concrete or both?

The riser facing brick is 1 1/4″ thick plus about 1/2″ mortar will cause it to project about 1 3/4″ out from the existing concrete riser (I couldn’t find the 1/2″ thick thin brick). These will partially support the bullnose. Should I install these first such that the top mortar joint ends up about flush with the existing concrete patio or does the order of install (riser vs. bullnose) matter?

When installing the bullnose I assume that I would lay down about 1/2″ of mortar, then fill the core holes with mortar and place the bullnose and grout at the same time to insure a good bond throughout. Should I stick with a type N mortar or make up a custom mix?

What is the typical overhang on the bullnose? Seeing as how the face brick+mortar is 1 3/4″ thick plus overhang of about 2″ or so do you think a 9″ bullnose has enough support on the slab? I could go to a 12″ if necessary.

I’ll have to make some cuts on the bullnose for tight radius etc. I have done a few cuts on the brick pavers with circ saw + diamond blade and it works surprisngly well but it’s hard to secure the brick safely. Are these usually cut with gulliotine type saw or is a tile saw OK if it has enough cut depth?

Thanks a lot