The Right Way to Install Brick Veneer on Drywall

Brick veneer is made from thin slices of real brick masonry that can be installed on interior and exterior walls to add an exposed-brick aesthetic to your living space. Not intended to replace structural walls, thin brick veneer is a decorative addition to existing load-bearing walls and other surfaces, including drywall. As one of the leading brick suppliers in Surrey, we’ll explain how best to install brick veneer on drywall for an affordable and attractive update that can increase your home’s curb appeal. But if you’re new to home renovation, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional first.

Where to install brick veneer

Suitable for interiors and exteriors, a brick veneer can be installed around fireplaces, windows and doors. It can also be added to columns or used to create a rustic accent wall. Thin brick veneer can even be installed on drywall. However, when a thin brick is applied to exteriors or high-humidity locations, a sealant is key to preventing staining and leaks.

Equipment required to install brick veneer on drywall

The first step to a successful installation of brick veneer on drywall is assembling your supplies:

• Personal protective gear (safety glasses, gloves, ear protection)
• Tarps/drop cloths
• Pencil/chalk
• Level
• Tape measure
• Mortar or adhesive (mastic or thinset)
• Grout
• Trowels
• Wet- or tile-saw
• Tile spacers
• Sponges
• Mixing bucket and clean water

Important considerations when installing brick veneer on drywall

Thin brick veneer can be installed on drywall just like regular ceramic tiles. A flat backer wall or substrate is preferable, but the brick veneer will help conceal any minor irregularities. Most importantly, the substrate must be strong enough to support the additional weight of the brick veneer, mortar/adhesive and grout. If the drywall is securely attached to wall studs, brick veneer can be installed directly on either unfinished or painted drywall. When working with drywall that isn’t securely attached, is in a high-traffic area, or might be exposed to rainfall and high humidity, you should first install cement backer boards for additional stability and waterproofing.

First, measure the surface area so you know how much brick veneer you’ll need. Then decide on the spacing between the brick veneer pieces: a 3/8″–1/2″ (1cm–1.25 cm) gap is standard.

Before installing the veneers, carefully measure and lay out the rows of bricks on the substrate, marking each one with a pencil or chalk as a guide. It can be helpful to pre-cut your veneers (e.g., for wall corners or door and window frames) to save time during installation.

A step-by-step guide to installing brick veneer on drywall

1. Protect flooring with a tarp. Beginning at the bottom of the wall, use a notched trowel to apply adhesive (mastic or thinset) to a small section, and then apply your veneers. The consistency of the adhesive needs to be firm, like that of creamy peanut butter. Because adhesive can set quickly, it’s best to work on one row at a time.
2. Push each piece of thin brick veneer into the adhesive with a slight sliding or twisting motion so it sticks well. You can also “back butter” each piece for additional adhesion. Affix each row across the full width of the wall before moving on to the next. (If using L-shaped corner pieces, start at an outside corner.) Ensure each row is level, using tile spacers to leave a gap between veneers for grout and a damp sponge to clean excess mortar before it sets.
3. After completing one row, do the row above, overlapping the long edges of each veneer so the midpoint sits above the seam between two tiles of the lower row. Continue until the drywall is covered.
4. Allow the mortar to dry completely (24–48 hours). Then fill the seams with grout/mortar, again using a damp sponge to clean any excess. A pointing trowel or grout bag will help with precise mortar application and minimize cleanup. For a rustic feel, leave some grout haze on the thin brick veneers. For a classic look, clean the excess grout and frequently replace your cleaning bucket with fresh water. Applying a masonry sealer to the face of the brick veneer before grouting gives a particularly crisp effect, which makes removing excess grout a breeze!
5. Once the grout has dried (24–48 hours), seal the entire drywall with a polyurethane sealant to protect against moisture, mildew or staining. This is essential in bathrooms and kitchens.

Where to buy brick veneer

When you’re ready for your next drywall home improvement project, we have what you need at Pacific Art Stone, your go-to brick veneer supplier in Surrey and Western Canada.

Call us at 604-590-5999 or visit our showroom to place your order. We’re here to help you make your vision a reality.