Wendy Chao's CHAOHAUS Operation: Unexpose brick, how to install drywall over exposed brick, how to hang drywall on masonry

Exposed brick. It's dark, it smells, it looks dirty, and it crumbles in a 100-year old building. I don't know why Bostonians are crazy about it. Real estate columns hawk "exposed brick" like a valuable commodity. They should just call it what it is: a porous, crumbly wall with cracking mortar that harbors microorganisms. It will shed dust and brick chips all over your cozy (tiny), rustic (old), and charming (dilapidated) starter home (not for raising children).

I learned to hate exposed brick because of the wall in my bedroom. The crumbling mortar precluded putting anything against the wall, lest it become covered with brick-dust.

During the reflooring process, I decided to further exploit Dino's home improvement skills by asking him how to install drywall over masonry. He happily showed us how to hang drywall on the exposed brick. This involved gluing 1x2 inch furring strips to the brick with a LOT of Liquid Nails (my favorite tool of all time, I must say). We then screwed the drywall to the furring, taped the seams and applied joint compound. Vic and Dino had to leave before the sanding process, and I abandoned the project for two months. Vic flew to Boston again in July 2002 to help me finish the job.

I am forever indebted to everyone involved!


No, I am not protecting myself against SARS - I am sanding joint compound. It is a very dusty process.	No, Victor did not open an anthrax letter-bomb - he is also sanding. He looks like a panda bear.	A brand new wall!