Choosing the Right Materials for Your Brick Backsplash

Brick backsplashes offer a unique and stylish touch to any kitchen. When selecting materials, homeowners have two main options: veneer brick and faux brick panels.

Veneer Brick:

• Thin and lightweight, making it easy to install
• Available in a variety of colors and styles
• Fireproof and impact-resistant

Faux Brick Panels:

• Made from polystyrene and feature the impressions of multiple bricks
• Easy to install with glue or peel-and-stick sheets
• Waterproof and fire-rated

Pros and Cons of Brick Backsplash Materials

Veneer Brick

• Pros:
  • Fireproof
  • Impact-resistant
  • Looks like genuine brick
• Cons:
  • Must be sealed for water resistance
  • Difficult to clean
  • Susceptible to chipping
  • Requires mortar and grout

Faux Brick Panels

• Pros:
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to install
  • Easy to clean
  • Waterproof
• Cons:
  • Easier to damage than veneer brick
  • May not look as authentic
  • Not fireproof

Installing a Brick Veneer Backsplash

Materials:

• Brick veneer
• Thinset mortar
• Grout
• Manual screwdriver
• Cordless drill
• Wet tile saw or hacksaw
• Tape measure
• Brick jointer
• Square-notch trowel
• Shop vacuum
• Paint brush

Steps:

1. Measure the backsplash area to determine the amount of brick veneer needed.
2. Prepare the substrate by lightly sanding the drywall and cleaning it with a shop vacuum.
3. Apply thinset mortar to the wall using the square-notch side of a trowel.
4. Press brick veneer into place and hold until it sticks, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between bricks.
5. Cut brick veneer using a wet tile saw or hacksaw to fit around obstacles or at the top of the backsplash.
6. Add grout to the joints and smooth with a jointing tool.
7. Caulk the gap between the bottom of the brick and the countertop.
8. Seal the surface with concrete sealer to protect the brick from moisture and stains.

Tips:

• Use a yardstick to create an even gap between the first row of brick and the countertop.
• Sprinkle water on the brick veneer to test if it is sealed enough. If the water beads up, it is sufficiently sealed.

Maintenance and Cleaning of a Brick Backsplash

Brick backsplashes are relatively easy to maintain, but proper cleaning and sealing are crucial.

• Regularly clean the backsplash using a mild detergent and warm water.
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges that could scratch the brick.
• Re-seal the brick and grout every few years to protect it from moisture and stains.

Additional Considerations

• Durability: Veneer brick is less durable than other hard surfaces, as chips or scratches can expose the gray cement-like body. However, extruded thin bricks do not have this issue.
• Size and Spacing: Brick veneer is available in sizes that match actual bricks, while faux brick panels are larger and perfectly sized for the gap between countertops and wall cabinets.
• Cost: A brick backsplash typically costs between $250 and $350 for 16 square feet of material. Faux brick veneer panels cost slightly more, but may reduce the need for additional materials and tools.