Real brick evokes nostalgia, warmth, and a depth of character like nothing else. This is a popular material to add texture to any space, those extended brick walls are amazing, and kitchens are no exceptions – you may see brick walls and brick backsplashes. Let’s take a look at some ideas and pros and cons of such backsplashes.
Real Brick Backsplashes
One option to consider is using regular bricks to create an exposed brick backsplash. The downside of using normal brick is that the backsplash will be quite thick (and heavy). You can definitely do it, especially if you are creating an entire brick wall for the room and you don’t mind losing a few inches of room space and your kitchen can support the extra weight. If you only want to use brick between your kitchen counter and upper kitchen cabinets, something thinner would be much more practical than building an entire brick wall and covering most of it with cabinets.
a black kitchen with lower cabinets and open shelves, brick walls as a backsplash, a white kitchen island and a pendant lamp
a blue farmhouse kitchen with butcherblock countertops, a red brick backsplash, a kitchen island with tiered shelves and lots of natural light
a blue shabby chic blue kitchen with dark countertops and a red faux brick backsplash for a texture
a bold blue kitchen with dark touches and a red brick kitchen backsplash plus shiny metal touches
a bright blue kitchen with white countertops and glass pendant lamps is made bolder with red brick walls
a chic farmhouse kitchen with a white brick statement wall that also acts as a kitchen backsplash
a dove grey kitchen with shaker cabinetry, white stone countertops, open shelves, a whitewashed red brick backsplash
a dove grey kitchen with shaker style cabinets, black countertops, a white brick wall and potted plants plus a black hood
a dove grey kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white countertops, open shelves, red brick walls as a backsplash and brass touches
a dusty blue farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, grey stone countertops, a brick wall and a large window with much natural light
a farmhouse kitchen with a yellow brick backsplash look cool and interesting and metal touches add a retro feel
Thin Brick Backsplashes
A thin brick backsplash (or brick veneer backsplash) gives you that authentic brick look you crave — because it is real brick — but it’s only ¾ inch thick. So it’s easier to work with in a backsplash zone or even on large walls in your kitchen. This gives you all the pros of real brick and the advantages of not having as much weight, expense, and bulk to deal with.
a grey shaker style kitchen with white stone countertops, open shelves, a stained kitchen island and a red brick wall as a backsplash
a modern white kitchen with a whitewashed red brick wall, not just a backsplash for a textural touch
a moody kitchen with black cabinets, light-colored butcherblock countertops with a red brick backsplash
a navy kitchen with white stone countertops, open shelves, greenery and pendant lamps plus a red brick wall as a backsplash
a neutral farmhouse kitchen with white cabinets, a red brick backsplash and some metal lanterns over the island
a pretty IKEA Metod kitchen in light grey, with black handles, butcherblock countertops, a whitewashed kitchen backsplash and black appliances
a red brick backsplash is a catchy idea for any kitchen, besides it's very budget-friendly and adds texture
a red brick wall adds texture and color to the space and contrasts the sleek cabinets
a red brick wall and rich stained wooden cabinets for a masculine feel in the kitchen and black pendant lamps over it
a Scandinavian kitchen done with white bricks that act as a backdrop and even a backsplash
a shabby red birck wall and a darkened metal hood add interest to the space and stone countertops match
a small farmhouse kitchen with beige cabinets with a red brick backsplash and marble countertops
a two-tone kitchen with white and graphite grey cabinets, a whitewashed brick backsplash, a stained kitchen island with a white countertop
Pros Of Brick Backsplashes
Brick has a rustic charm that is unsurpassed with any other material. Obviously, it’s very durable and strong. Brick can take a lot of wear and tear. You don’t have to worry about contact with heat. It’s also very unique and can give your home a one-of-a-kind feel.
You can have the brick laid in a variety of patterns like herringbone, basketweave, running bond (traditional pattern), or stack bond (with bricks in rows one stacked above the other).
Real brick speaks to luxury in modern kitchens today and shows that your kitchen has the highest quality materials. In many luxury markets, it may even add value to your home at resale (check with your builder or real estate agent about your market).
a vintage kitchen with white cabinets, copper hardware and a white faux brick wall that makes the hood stand out
a welcoming modern farmhouse kitchen with white cabinets, rich stained countertops and a red brick wall
a welcoming white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a metal hood, dark-stained wooden beams, a red brick backsplash
a white brick wall adds texture to the space and matches the neutral kitchen decor at the same time
a white brick wall perfectly matches the Nordic kitchen and adds texture and interest to it
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black stone countertops, white shelves, a whitewashed red brick backsplash
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a red brick backsplash, white stone countertops and a kitchen island with a stained countertop
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a white brick backsplash, glass cabinets and stainless steel appliances
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a whitewashed red brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and black handles
a white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a whitewashed red brick backsplash, a metal and wooden hood and some rustic decor
a whitewashed brick wall contrast the matte black cabinets and add texture to the space
an all-white kitchen with a white brick backsplash for a textural feel, black countertops and dark metal handles
an eclectic kitchen with sleek light and dark cabinets, a red brick wall and bright turquoise chairs
blue kitchen cabinets with white countertops and red brick walls is a bold contrasting idea with a touch of chic
midnight blue kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white countertops, a red brick backsplash and potted plants, stainless steel appliances
Cons Of Brick Backsplashes
Unfortunately, untreated brick is quite absorbent. It may soak in stains from liquids that splash against it. Because of this, a solid brick backsplash (or thin brick backsplash) may need to have a coating of clear polyurethane sealant (matte or satin finish). If the brick is not sealed and comes in contact with a lot of moisture, it can eventually crumble over time. Of course, sealing or painting can take care of a lot of these issues.
Because brick is so roughly textured and has many nooks and crannies, brick (and the mortar in between the bricks) can be difficult to clean. You may decide to have your stove and/or sink somewhere away from the brick to completely avoid any absorbency or cleaning issues. Or you may look into it and decide you are okay with cleaning the brick when needed and that it’s not a big deal.
Another issue with real brick backsplashes is that they can produce efflorescence. This is a chalky powder that is made up of white mineral deposits. Sometimes the water-soluble salts in brick migrate to the surface of the brick and become visible.
red brick walls match the rich stained wood and add texture and interest to the kitchen
vintage white cabinets and red bricks contrast with each other and add texture to the kitchen
whitewashed bricks contrast the black cabinets and highlight them at the same time
a whitewashed brick backsplash balances out a shiny gold hood and a green stone countertop and gives a historical feel to the space
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, with a glossy black brick backsplash that is extended on the second wall
a sleek grey Scandinavian kitchen with sleek butcherblock countertops, a rough red brick backsplash, frosted glass cabinets and lots of natural light incoming
a stylish black kitchen with elegant cabinets, a red brick backsplash and black appliances looks bold, contrasting and super chic
a clean white Scandinavian kitchen with sleek cabinets, concrete countertops and a rough red brick backsplash that adds interest and chic to the space
a vintage white kitchen with shaker style cabinets, built-in lights and a large hood with copper detailing, a red brick backsplash for a touch of color and more interest, pendant lamps and dark-stained stools
a modern white kitchen with white shaker style cabinets, grey stone countertops, open shelving and a red brick backsplash, black sconces and pendant lamps
a grey kitchen with shaker style cabinets, grey countertops, a red brick backsplash, a vintage metal hood, open shelves and lots of natural light
a white kitchen with shaker style cabinets, black countertops, a white brushed hood and a red brick backsplash for a touch of color
a chic kitchen with white cabinetry, grey countertops, a red brick backsplash, a vintage hood painted white is a welcoming space
a vintage dark-stained kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white countertops, a brick backsplash and built-in lights looks elegant, chic and stylish
a small and pretty Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a black hood, a built-in cooker and a red brick backsplash that adds interest and eye-catchiness to the space
a brick backsplash painted green is a catchy and bold idea for a modern kitchen, it adds color and interest to the space
a vintage rustic dark-stained kitchen with rough wooden cabinets, black countertops, open shelves, a red brick backsplash and vintage appliances is amazing
a black vintage kitchen with shaker style cabinets, stone countertops and a red brick backsplash create a bold and contrasting look
a pretty kitchen with white shaker style cabinets, grey countertops, a brick backsplash, a rough wooden kitchen island and a white countertop is a chic and stylish idea
a lovely Scandinavian kitchen with sleek white cabinets, wooden countertops, a red brick backsplash, built-in lights and open upper cabinets
a white kitchen with shaker style cabinets and black handles, with open shelves, a whitewashed brick backsplash and a small kitchen island with a concrete countertop
a neutral kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a red brick backsplash, a stained kitchen island with a stone countertop and vintage appliances
a vintage dove grey kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a vintage cooker, a vintage hood and open shelves plus a whitewashed brick backsplash
a white kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a large hood and a whitewashed red brick backsplash that adds interest, texture and color to the room
a white farmhouse kitchen with beadboard cabinets, black handles, a red brick backsplash and built-in lights is a very cozy space to be
Faux Brick Backsplashes
Brick-look backsplashes come in a variety of options including tiles, panels, and wallpaper. Each of these has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you may choose yourself what you like.
a neutral kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white stone countertops, a large vintage hood and a whitewashed brick backsplash is very cozy and welcoming
a white Scandinavian kitchen with open shelves, a whitewashed brick backsplash and grey stone countertops is a stylish space with plenty of texture
a farmhouse kitchen with grey beadboard cabinets, a brick backsplash and a white hood, white countertops, vintage pendant lamps
an elegant dove grey kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white countertops, a red brick backsplash, neutral curtains is a lovely idea for an eclectic home
a lovely white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a whitewashed brick backsplash, an aged metal hood is a beautiful and elegant space to be in
a white farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, black knobs, a whitewashed brick backsplash with a pattern and built-in lights and stainless steel appliances