Last Updated on March 10, 2025 by teamobn
Brick walls are nice but they are not cheap or easy to do. Now if you’ve always wanted to have this rustic industrial look in your room but don’t have the budget or the time to make it happen, then this project is definitely for you!
You don’t need to use real bricks to enjoy the feel of having a real brick wall. Faux brick panels are an excellent way to achieve the same look and feel as a real brick wall, without the hassle or expense of using real bricks. By choosing faux brick panels, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of a brick wall without having to worry about the weight or cost of real bricks.
Brick panels offer a simple and cost-effective means to achieve the desired rustic appearance for your industrial brick wall, without the expense or inconvenience associated with traditional brickwork. These faux brick panels are a wonderful way to add charm and warmth to any room in your house without spending a fortune on major repairs.
With their genuine appearance and lightweight structure, they resemble the appearance and texture of actual bricks while being easier to install. You can easily get the desired look by attaching them to your wall and adding a layer of whitewash paint. This DIY project is great for homeowners who want to improve their interior design without the difficulties involved with traditional brick construction.
Moreover, faux brick wall paneling offers a quick and convenient solution for updating your space without draining your wallet. Whether you’re updating a single accent wall or converting many sections, these panels are a versatile and cost-effective alternative. With careful design and attention to detail, you can build a professional-looking faux brick feature that
If you’re looking for a way to add some character to your home without going through the hassle of using actual bricks, this DIY faux brick wall project is a great option. It simply involves installing some wall panelling and then painting it with whitewash paint to give it that classic brick look.
Plus, it’s a lot less time-consuming and messy than using actual bricks. Just stick the panelling to your wall and paint it to add more character. You can find panelling at most home improvement stores, and it’s an easy way to give your home a fresh, new look.
The duration of the project will of course depend on the size of the wall or the number of walls you want to redesign. But usually, one whole wall in a regular-sized house can be completed quickly over a weekend.
This faux brick wall project can help to redesign any room in your home. It can bring the cozy ambience of a room that had its share of wonderful memories, or it can simply look good in any other room in the house. With a little bit of effort, this project can easily become a reality.
Have a look at some examples from our album. And if you want to DIY, you can head over to the step-by-step tutorial linked below for your guide!
Installing a Faux Brick Wall
Click on any image to start the lightbox display. Use your Esc key to close the lightbox. 
Materials:
- Brick Paneling
- Chalk Paint in Vintage White
- Water
- Damp Rag
Tools:
- Waxing Brush (long bristles)
- Nail Gun
Steps:
There are a few things to keep in mind when installing a faux brick wall.
First, it is important to make sure the wall is smooth and even. Any irregularities will show through the brick veneer. If the wall is not smooth, you can use a putty knife or sandpaper to even it out. Once the wall is smooth, you are ready to apply the brick veneer.
When choosing an adhesive for your faux brick veneer, be sure to select one that is specifically made for this purpose. This will ensure that the veneer adheres properly and does not come loose over time. If you use a general-purpose adhesive, it may not provide the same level of hold, which could lead to the veneer eventually coming off.
When installing your faux brick, it is important to take your time and align the bricks correctly so they fit together seamlessly. You can’t avoid seeing seams, but you can hide them using spackle. By taking your time to align the bricks and using spackle to hide the seams, you will create a professional-looking faux brick wall.
Check out this video tutorial for a visual guide.
Types of Faux Brick Panels and Their Benefits
A faux brick wall is an excellent way to achieve the rustic or industrial charm of real bricks without the cost or labor-intensive installation. Whether you want to create an accent wall, revamp a fireplace, or enhance a workspace, faux brick panels offer an affordable and versatile alternative. They come in various materials, each with unique advantages. Choosing the right type ensures your wall looks realistic, lasts longer, and fits your budget.
PVC Faux Brick Panels
PVC panels are among the most lightweight and budget-friendly options for achieving the look of a faux brick wall. Made from durable plastic, they resist moisture, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Their flexibility allows for easy installation, even on slightly curved surfaces. Since PVC is non-porous, these panels are easy to clean with just a damp cloth, making them a low-maintenance choice. However, they may lack the textured depth of real bricks, so proper lighting and painting techniques can enhance their appearance.
Foam Faux Brick Panels
Foam brick panels offer a cost-effective and highly customizable solution. These panels are lightweight and easy to cut, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts. They provide a soft, cushioned texture, which is useful in children’s rooms or areas where impact resistance is needed. Since foam absorbs sound, these panels also help with noise reduction, creating a quieter indoor environment. While they can be painted to mimic the depth of real bricks, they are less durable than other materials and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas.
MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) Faux Brick Panels
MDF panels offer a balance between affordability and realism. Made from compressed wood fibers, these panels have a solid, sturdy feel and a more authentic texture than PVC or foam. They can be painted or distressed to create different finishes, from vintage whitewashed brick to deep red rustic tones. MDF panels are best suited for dry indoor spaces, as they can swell when exposed to moisture. Proper sealing or placement in low-humidity areas will extend their lifespan.
Veneer Faux Brick Panels
Veneer brick panels provide the most realistic appearance, as they are made from thin slices of real brick attached to a lightweight backing. These panels capture the natural texture and variations of traditional brickwork, offering an authentic aesthetic. They work well in both modern and classic home designs, adding warmth and depth to any space. While veneer panels are more expensive than other faux options, they still cost significantly less than full brick walls and require less structural reinforcement.
Choosing the Right Faux Brick Wall for Your Home
Selecting the right faux brick material depends on your design goals, budget, and space. If you need a durable, moisture-resistant option, PVC is a practical choice. For a soft and DIY-friendly approach, foam panels work well. MDF provides a sturdy, paintable surface, while veneer panels offer the most lifelike brick appearance. Regardless of the type, a faux brick wall can transform any room, giving it a stylish and inviting look without the challenges of traditional brickwork.
How to Choose the Right Faux Brick Wall for Your Home
A faux brick wall adds character and depth to any space, but choosing the right type is key to achieving the best results. With various materials, colors, and textures available, it’s important to consider your home’s style, budget, and where the panels will be installed. A well-chosen faux brick finish can elevate a room, giving it a rustic, industrial, or even modern appeal. Here’s how to make the right choice for your space.
Consider the Room’s Purpose
The first step in selecting the right faux brick wall is deciding where you’ll install it. For high-moisture areas like bathrooms or kitchens, opt for PVC panels since they are water-resistant and easy to clean. MDF panels work well in living rooms and bedrooms where moisture isn’t a concern. If you want a statement wall in an entryway or a commercial space, veneer panels provide the most authentic look and durability.
Choose the Right Texture and Material
Texture plays a big role in making your faux brick wall look realistic. Foam panels offer a smooth and soft surface, great for DIY projects but less authentic in appearance. PVC panels have a sleek finish, which works well in contemporary designs but may require added paint techniques to enhance depth. MDF panels provide a sturdy and more textured look, while veneer panels closely replicate real bricks with a natural roughness and color variation.
Match the Color to Your Interior Style
Faux brick panels come in a range of colors, from classic red brick to whitewashed and even dark charcoal tones. Red brick panels create a warm, industrial feel, ideal for loft-style or vintage spaces. Whitewashed or light gray bricks work well in farmhouse or minimalist interiors, while darker bricks add drama to modern and contemporary designs. If you can’t find the exact shade you want, choose a paintable panel so you can customize the finish to match your décor.
Factor in Installation and Maintenance
Ease of installation is another important consideration. Foam and PVC panels are lightweight and simple to cut, making them great for DIY projects. MDF and veneer panels require more effort, as they are heavier and may need professional installation. Maintenance should also be factored in—PVC panels are the easiest to clean, while MDF requires occasional sealing to prevent damage from humidity. Veneer panels, although realistic, may need occasional dusting and sealing to maintain their authentic look.
Budget and Long-Term Value
Cost varies depending on the material and brand. Foam and PVC are the most budget-friendly options, perfect for renters or those looking for a quick transformation. MDF and veneer panels cost more but provide better longevity and a more natural appearance. If you plan to keep the faux brick wall for years, investing in a higher-quality material may be worthwhile.
Selecting the best faux brick panel involves balancing aesthetics, practicality, and budget. Whether you want a sleek and modern finish or a vintage industrial charm, there’s a faux brick option that suits your needs. With careful planning, you can create a stunning feature wall that transforms your space without the hassle of real bricks.
Faux Brick Wall vs. Real Brick: Pros and Cons
A faux brick wall is a popular alternative to real brick, offering the same visual appeal without the complexities of traditional masonry. Whether you’re updating a single accent wall or transforming an entire room, understanding the differences between faux brick and real brick can help you make the best decision for your space. Both options have unique benefits and drawbacks, so let’s compare them based on cost, installation, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
Cost Comparison
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose a faux brick wall is the cost savings. Real brick is expensive, not only in material but also in labor. Bricks require mortar, professional installation, and additional structural support, which can significantly increase the total cost. Faux brick panels, on the other hand, are budget-friendly. They are more affordable per square foot, and because they can be installed as a DIY project, you save on labor costs.
Installation Process
Installing real brick is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled masonry work. It involves laying bricks, applying mortar, and ensuring proper alignment, which takes time and expertise. Faux brick panels, by contrast, are lightweight and easy to install. Most panels can be attached directly to the wall with adhesive or nails, making them a convenient option for homeowners who want a quick transformation. No special tools or professional help is needed, which makes faux brick a great choice for DIY projects.
Durability and Longevity
Real brick is highly durable and can last for decades, withstanding wear and tear, moisture, and temperature changes. It provides excellent insulation and is fire-resistant, making it ideal for exterior and interior applications. Faux brick panels, while durable, are not as strong as real bricks. PVC and foam panels can be damaged by impact, while MDF panels may warp in high-humidity areas. However, veneer brick panels, which are made from thin layers of real brick, offer a middle-ground solution with added durability.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Real brick is porous, meaning it can absorb moisture, dirt, and stains over time. It requires sealing, periodic cleaning, and, in some cases, repointing (replacing old mortar). Faux brick panels, especially PVC and foam options, are easier to maintain. They can be wiped clean with a damp cloth, and they don’t require sealing or special care. However, veneer brick panels may need occasional sealing to preserve their look.
Aesthetic Appeal
The authenticity of real brick is hard to beat. It has natural imperfections, depth, and a tactile texture that adds character to any space. Faux brick panels have come a long way in replicating this look, with some high-quality options closely mimicking real bricks. Painting and distressing techniques can also enhance their realism. Real brick may be the better choice if achieving an authentic historical or rustic aesthetic is your goal. But for those looking for a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative, faux brick panels can provide a convincing brick-like finish.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between a faux brick wall and real brick depends on your budget, design goals, and willingness to invest in installation and maintenance. If you want a long-lasting, structurally sound feature, real brick is the way to go. But if you’re after a stylish, budget-friendly, and easy-to-install solution, faux brick panels offer an excellent alternative. With the right selection, you can enjoy the charm of brick walls without the extra hassle.
Conclusion
Installing a faux brick wall is an easy and affordable way to add character and warmth to any space without the hassle of real brick. With the right materials and careful installation, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances your home’s style. Whether you’re creating an accent wall or revamping an entire room, faux brick panels offer a durable, low-maintenance solution that transforms your space with minimal effort.
We have more ways to improve your bedroom or interior space. Check out our guide on peel and stick wallpapers.
