Over 20 faux brick DIY projects to try! Incorporate the beauty of brick (without hiring a bricklayer!) through brick veneer, brick wall panels, faux brick tile, and brick stencils.
Would you like to add architectural character, warmth, and texture to your home? Try brick. Well, faux brick, that is! Faux brick is both DIY and budget-friendly, and available in a variety of styles.
Does faux brick look fake?
No. (and yes). Let me explain…
The faux brick backsplash in our kitchen is quite convincing. In fact, it regularly tricks our house quests. They’ll say something along the lines of:
“Oh, wow! Is the brick original to the home?”
We’ll reply to explain that, in fact, it is not real brick. Then, point out the hard-to-find seams between each brick wall panel.
As you’ll see from the 20+ examples below, there are many ways to disguise the fact that you are using faux brick. We’ll review tips such as how to:
- choose between various faux brick materials
- align faux bricks in authentic patterns
- hide seams between wall panels
- decide which painting technique to use (such as painting brick, applying a german schmear, etc.)
Types of Faux Brick
In this post, we’ll discuss four common types of faux bricks, and the pros and cons of each.
Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services.
Brick Veneer (or Thin Bricks)
What is brick veneer? Brick Veneer is bricks that aren’t part of the structural integrity of a wall, fireplace, etc. Rather, the bricks are only decorative and are attached to the face of the structure.
What are thin bricks? Thin bricks are commonly used as brick veneer. Thin bricks are made of the same material as real bricks but are approximately 1/2″ thick. Sometimes, thin brick is available on vinyl mesh sheets, similar to tile.
Often called thin brick veneer, this is the most realistic type of faux brick.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| looks authentic | more difficult to install |
| feels authentic | more expensive than other faux bricks |
| less expensive than real bricks |
Brick Tile
What is brick tile? Brick tile is brick-look floor or wall tile made from traditional tile materials, such as porcelain and ceramic. Brick tile is installed like an tile, with a combination of thinset, mortar, and grout.
Depending on the design of the brick tile, it may or may not feel authentic. Brick tile is similar to wood-look tile. Sometimes, wood-look tile feels similar to wood, but often the visual appearance is more realistic than to the touch.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| looks authentic | more difficult to install |
| may feel authentic | prices will vary widely by construction and brand |
Brick Paneling
What are brick panels? Brick wall paneling is decorative hardboard (high-density engineered wood) wall panels.
Brick wall panels come in lightweight 4’x’8 sheets with a brick pattern printed on one side. The brick pattern does not look realistic, but can be made to appear authentic with various painting techniques.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| can look authentic (depends on paint technique) | does not feel authentic |
| easy to install | |
| inexpensive |
You might also like: These high-end 3D Brick Wall Panels are more expensive but very realistic. The panels are already white (so, if you’re planning to paint the brick white – this would be a very easy install).
Brick Stencils
What is a brick stencil? A brick stencil is a paint stencil with a brick pattern. Use various paint colors and shading techniques to make the brick appear realistic. You can also choose from several patterns, such as herringbone.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| can look authentic (depends on paint technique) | does not feel authentic |
| inexpensive | shading paint to appear realistic is moderately difficult |
20+ Faux Brick DIY Projects
Now that you are familiar with each type of faux brick, let’s take a look at over 20 DIY projects that use faux brick. You’ll be so impressed – and inspired – to incorporate brick into your home!
Budget-Friendly Faux Brick Backsplash in a Kitchen
Remodeling your kitchen on a budget? Learn how to install a Faux Brick Backsplash. This budget-friendly DIY project will transform your kitchen without breaking the bank.
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Thin Brick Pavers in an Entryway
Kelly, of North Country Nest, used thin brick to create a rustic entryway. She also has tips on how to clean a brick floor, too!
Material: Thin Brick Veneer
Painted Faux Brick Wall in a Basement
Robin, of Frugal Family Times, loves the interest and historic feel that old brick give to spaces but doesn't have the nerve to paint real brick. So, she installs cheap brick paneling and paints it, instead!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
German Schmear Faux Brick Wall in a Laundry Room
Chelsea, of Making Manzanita, wanted to add an accent wall in her home. She chose to apply a german schmear to faux brick for a farmhouse style look.
P.S. Learn how to german schmear real brick, too!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Brick Veneer Flooring in an Entryway
Julie Blanner installed brick veneer flooring in her entryway. She provides all the details on brick veneer floors including installation, cleaning, and protecting.
Material: Thin Brick Veneer
Faux Brick Fireplace in a Corner
Robin, of Frugal Family Times, built an affordable corner fireplace with an electric insert and faux brick paneling. If you'd like a fireplace on a budget, you'll love this tutorial!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Thin Brick Wall in a Boy's Bedroom
Shanty 2 Chic created a brick wall with thin bricks. So similar to the real thing! If you're seeking an authentic brick wall look, this is a great option.
Material: Thin Brick Veneer
Faux Fireplace with Mantel and Brick Firebox
In lieu of an actual fireplace, Jennifer Rizzo added a mantel in her home. She used faux brick as the backdrop, to add texture and create a more authentic looking fireplace.
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Brick Veneer Wall in a Bathroom
Christina, of Christina Marie Blog, chose a brick veneer for her bathroom makeover. Such a smart alternative to tile!
Material: Thin Brick Veneer
Faux Brick Wall in a Home Gym
Tiffany, of Dream Design DIY, chose a faux brick wall to create an industrial look in their home gym.
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Update Concrete with a Brick Stencil
Sheli, of House on Wilshire, updated basic concrete with a gorgeous brick stencil and paint.
Material: Brick Stencils
Brick Porcelain Tile Flooring in a Bathroom
Amanda, of Sincerely Marie Designs, used a porcelain tile that looks like brick for their farmhouse-style bathroom makeover.
Material: Brick Tile
Stenciled Brick Fireplace Surround
Jordan Jean created her own stencil (yes, she made it!) to apply a brick pattern to her slate fireplace surround.
Material: Brick Stencil
Brick Veneer Wall with Authentic Details
Mandi, of Vintage Revivals, installed brick veneer in her living room. She provides tips on how to make it look original to the home (check out above the windows).
Material: Thin Brick Veneer
Brick Porcelain Tile for a Kitchen
Sadie, of Clover Lane, chose a porcelain tile in her kitchen that looks like brick. She describes it as the perfect mix of new and old!
Material: Brick Tile
Add Character with a Faux Brick Accent Wall
I love how Liz, of Naptime Decorator, chose to apply faux brick panels to a small accent wall. It adds so much interest in a subtle, understated way!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Stenciled Brick Archway
Isn't Jordan Jean incredible with paint? This gorgeous faux brick archway is stenciled and handpainted.
Material: Brick Stencil
How to Build a Faux Brick Wall
This faux brick wall from The Restoring House looks incredibly authentic. Check out the tutorial to see her trick for hiding seams.
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Faux Brick Wall in a Laundry Room
Heather, of Beauty for Ashes, chose faux brick paneling for her laundry room. Brick panels are a great option for laundry rooms because they are very budget-friendly!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Red Faux Brick Wall in a Bathroom
Tammy, of Sammy on State, let's plenty of brick red show through a light coat of german schmear... adding up to a warm, welcoming, bathroom!
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Faux Brick Sign for a Small Business
How clever is this small business sign by Sawdust 2 Stitches?! The 'aged' brick sign looks like it has been there for years.
Material: Brick Wall Panels
Textured Faux Brick Archway
You will not believe how House on 7th created this archway. It has texture but doesn't require brick tiles, veneer, or panels. How did she do it? Go find out!
Material: Brick Stencils
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