If you want the look of brick in your home without the high cost of installing real brick, faux brick panels can be a highly cost-effective solution. The process is typically very straightforward and requires minimal manual labor since one or two people can do it alone. However, it does help to know a little bit about what you’re doing.
Whether you want to install fake brick walls in your den, under countertops, or in other areas of your home, the steps outlined below will make sure your project is a success.
Tools & Materials For Installing Fake Brick Walls
To start, you’ll need some basic tools and materials. These include:
- Measuring tape
- A level
- Table saw
- Pencil
- Rags or a wire brush (for harder surfaces)
- Construction adhesive or caulk (one tube per three panels)
- Screws and a screwdriver (optional)
Safety glasses are also recommended when using power tools such as a table saw.
Installing Interior Faux Brick Panels
The process of installing faux brick panels inside your home is much simpler than putting in actual masonry. The steps below work for homeowners and commercial contractors alike.
1. Clean and prep all surfaces
First, clean up your surfaces. Drywall and other surfaces can be wiped down with a rag, while harder surfaces may require a wire brush. In addition to the wall itself, wipe down the backs of your panels. The point is to make sure the surface is clean enough for the adhesive to stick without any issues.
2. Take measurements
Next, you’ll need to take some measurements. The height and width of the surface you want to cover should be carefully measured to tell you exactly how much paneling you’ll need. It will also tell you how much cutting you may need to do on your first row of panels.
As you take measurements, mark lines for each row of panels, starting from the top and working your way down. Each line should match the height of your panels, with the possible exception of the top or bottom row, which may need to be cut to size.
Use your level to ensure each line is perfectly straight and level. These will act as your guides for your first row as well as each row above that.
3. Cut your first piece
When installing your panels, it’s generally best to start from the bottom and work your way up. As such, your bottom row may be shorter than the rest. Take some time to cut your first row to size using a table saw and make sure each cut is perfectly straight. The first panel may also be shorter widthwise.
4. Apply glue
Once your first piece is cut, apply glue to the back. It’s best to put a line of glue around the perimeter (about an inch away from the edge) and to fill in the inside with a few lines. The glue you use should be appropriate for high-density polyurethane, such as caulk or some other construction adhesive.
5. Apply and fasten
With glue applied to the first piece, apply it to the wall. It helps to use a bit of a twisting motion to spread out the glue and get good adherence, but you should also see that it matches up with your level lines.
If you’re installing on drywall or another surface that will take them, you may also want to fasten your panels down with screws along with the glue. Screws should be placed around the perimeter about a foot apart and in the center (one per square foot).
6. Apply adhesive to edges
With the first panel in place, apply adhesive to any edge that will be overlapped by the next piece. Doing so will make sure the two pieces stick together as well as to the wall itself. Apply it only where the next piece will be placed—you don’t want glue curing before you get to the next row.
7. Repeat
With your first piece in place, repeat these steps for each one after. Ensure each piece is placed tightly against the others since temperature changes could cause them to expand or contract, leaving gaps.
8. Caulk, texture, and finish
With all panels in place, you have the option of adding some extra texture with caulk and paint. This will hide any screws that may be visible. Afterward, make sure you wipe away any excess caulk.
Choosing the Right Faux Bricks for Your Interior Spaces
Faux brick walls are an attractive and affordable way to add some variety to your interior spaces. For homeowners, they can be placed virtually anywhere, including:
- Along walls in your den and other rooms
- Under countertops and cabinetry
- As a backsplash behind your sink
- Under mantels to create the look of a fireplace
- Anywhere you want to add a rustic look
Fake brick walls are also a great way for contractors to improve the appearance of a space at a minimal cost.
When choosing the texture and color for your faux brick panels, keep in mind the kind of effect you want to achieve. A rougher or more worn texture will add a stronger rustic appearance, while a crisper, cooler style can add a bit of class without drawing too much attention to itself.
Ready to install a fake brick wall?