Brick Backsplash: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Maintaining a Timeless Kitchen Feature
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:
- Measure the backsplash area to determine the amount of brick veneer needed.
- Prepare the substrate by lightly sanding the drywall and cleaning it with a shop vacuum.
- Apply thinset mortar to the wall using the square-notch side of a trowel.
- Press brick veneer into place and hold until it sticks, leaving a 1/4-inch gap between bricks.
- Cut brick veneer using a wet tile saw or hacksaw to fit around obstacles or at the top of the backsplash.
- Add grout to the joints and smooth with a jointing tool.
- Caulk the gap between the bottom of the brick and the countertop.
- 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.