How to DIY a Faux Brick Wall in Your Home
Have you ever wanted that rustic, industrial vibe of an exposed brick wall but don’t have the real deal? No problem! A faux brick wall is a great way to bring texture and warmth into your space without the major overhaul. In this DIY guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions for creating a faux brick wall that looks like the real thing. You’ll love how easy and affordable it is to transform a blank wall into a character-packed focal point.
Supply List
To get started on your faux brick wall, here’s what you’ll need:
4' x 8' faux brick panels (I used panels from Home Depot)
Circular saw
Nail gun (or hammer) and finishing nails
Shims (to help align panels)
Sanded grout (color of your choice)
Piping bag (or ziplock baggie)
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Step 1: Buy Faux Brick Panels
First, you’ll want to purchase 4' x 8' faux brick panels from your local home improvement store. These panels are easy to work with and come in a variety of finishes, from warmer red tones to more neutral browns, so choose the one that fits your design vision. I used Home Depot’s HDF Kingston panels.
Step 2: Cut to Size & Secure to Wall
Now comes the fun part—installation!
Start by cutting your panels to size using a circular saw. Measure carefully around any outlets, switches, or odd angles for a seamless fit.
Apply construction adhesive to the back of the panels (if mounting above the ground like ours), then use a nail gun or hammer and nails to secure them to the wall.
TIP: For a realistic look, it's important to align the bricks between the panels. Start from the bottom, securing with a few nails and working your way up, wedging the panels close together as you nail to avoid any gaps. We knew we’d be putting shelf support in front of the seams so we didn’t care as much about them. But trust me, this little extra effort will make the whole project look more authentic.
Step 3: Apply Sanded Grout
To really enhance the look of the faux brick’s, you’ll need to create the illusion of real mortar between the bricks.
I used Platinum-colored sanded grout for a light grey finish, but you can go darker with colors like Dolorean Gray, Natural Gray, or Pewter, depending on your preference.
Grouting is messy, so make sure to protect your surfaces with a drop cloth and wear gloves.
For an easy way to apply the grout, use a piping bag or even a ziplock baggie and squeeze it along the mortar lines.
Step 4: Smear the Grout for Your Desired Look
Here’s where you can get creative. Depending on whether you want a cleaner or more rustic look, you can manipulate the grout as much as you like.
For a rougher, industrial vibe, smear the grout a bit outside the mortar lines and leave some unevenness.
For a cleaner look, wipe away excess grout with a damp cloth before it dries, or sand away any imperfections afterward. Remember, grout is easy to fix—so don’t stress!
Step 5: Seal the Brick for a Wipeable Finish
Since our faux brick wall is in our Airbnb kitchen, I opted to seal the brick with a matte finish sealer for durability. This makes it easy to wipe off any cooking splatters and keeps the grout looking fresh. A Miracle Matte Finish Sealer works great for this. Just brush it on once the grout is dry, and you’re good to go!
And there you have it—an easy, DIY faux brick wall that brings charm and character to your space without breaking the bank. Whether you’re refreshing a kitchen, bedroom, or living room, this project is sure to elevate any room. Happy DIYing!
