How To Install Brick Veneer On Drywall [Step By Step Guide]

Installing a brick veneer wall over drywall may help reinforce the structure, providing additional benefits. Now, you’re wondering about the steps to complete that task. So we researched and consulted different industry experts for you, and here’s the information we found.

Brick veneer installation projects on drywall surfaces should start with the proper preparatory measures. Follow these steps after completing the preparations:

1. Apply thin-set
2. Place the brick veneer
3. Secure the installation

At first, it might look like a straightforward job. But failure to follow the details of this project may increase your risks of committing expensive errors. So continue reading as we talk about this procedure in greater detail.

Things To Prepare For A Brick Veneer Installation

Different elements should come to mind to help you prepare for this project. Some of the things that you need to think about are:

A Solid Plan

It’s safe to say that any home renovation plan, regardless of difficulty and size, should have a clear plan before starting it. Failure to draft an organized idea may lead to multiple costly mistakes.

Document your ideas on paper or a computer file. Make sure to add important details to that document, such as the rough steps to use and the project's timeline.

Safety Measures

Your safety and the well-being of nearby individuals should be a priority while working on home renovation projects, particularly when installing brick veneer on drywall.

For starters, place a sign outside the job site to warn other people about the possible dangers as they enter or go through that location.

Also, make sure to wear proper clothing for the installation task.

Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, and short-sleeved tops. Instead, wear long-sleeved shirts and overalls to prevent direct contact with certain materials, which may otherwise put you at risk of skin irritation.

Next, wear safety goggles and a respirator. These safety gear can also help significantly reduce the risks of irritation for the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat.

Repair The Drywall

Brick veneers may not adhere well to drywall if the surface has imperfections. So fix those problems first before installing the panels.

For instance, here are the general steps for patching drywall holes:

What You’ll Need

• Utility knife
• Joint knife
• Drywall compound or spackle

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Scrape loose debris in and around the drywall hole.
2. Apply drywall compound or spackle in the hole.
3. Allow the product to dry and cure before proceeding to the next step.
4. Sand the sealing solution to make the application flush.

Check out this drywall repair kit on Amazon.

You can also watch this video if you need a visual guide for the steps mentioned above:

DIY Instructions For Installing Brick Veneer On Drywall

Step #1: Apply Thinset

Mix your preferred thin-set in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the adhesive on the drywall with a masonry trowel. Make sure to produce an even spread.

Warning: Don’t apply thin-set mortar over sockets and other electrical obstructions. Doing so may result in electrical problems for your home.

Step #2: Place The Brick Veneer

Push the brick veneer pieces into the thin-set mortar. Ensure that you’re following the layout you planned.

Tip: Start from the top center of the drywall. Then, move your way down. Also, ensure that a space exists between each brick veneer piece.

Step #3: Secure The Installation

Fill a bag about halfway with grout. Next, hold the grout bag over a clean bucket. Shake the bag to help remove bubbles and other unwanted debris.

Close the bag by twisting its top, which should allow the grout to start escaping.

Then, place the bag's tip in the gap between two brick veneer panels. Squeeze the bag to allow grout to drain from the bag and into that space. Move through the distance between the panels as you continue to apply grout.

Allow the grout to dry for about 15 minutes before proceeding. Once the grout is sufficiently dry, use a brick jointer to wipe off the excess and smoothen the application.

Check out these brick veneers on Amazon.

At this point, you might also want to know how to fill the gap between brick and siding. If so, check out our post on that topic to know the procedure's steps.

How Do You Paint Brick Veneer?

After the installation, you may move forward with this home renovation task by painting the brick veneers. This procedure can be a good choice if the brick veneer design doesn’t follow the room’s theme.

So, follow these general steps if you want to proceed:

What You’ll Need

• Wire brush
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Primer
• Roller or paintbrush
• Acrylic paint

Step-By-Step Guide

1. Remove loose debris or old paint on the brick veneer with a wire brush.
2. Clean the brick veneer surfaces by spraying them with a multi-purpose cleaner.
3. Allow the brick veneer to dry overnight.
4. Apply primer on the brick veneers with your choice of painting tool (e.g., roller or paintbrush)
5. Let the primer dry according to the product manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Apply your preferred acrylic paint on the primed brick veneers.
7. Let the paint dry according to the product manufacturer’s instructions.

Note: Make sure to allow the first coat of paint to dry before adding another layer.

Check out this acrylic paint on Amazon.

How Much Does It Cost To Install Brick Veneer On An Interior Wall?

The average cost to install the typical brick veneer panels onto interior walls is around $12 per square foot. Note that this expense may exclude other material expenditures and professional labor costs.

Adding other factors may bring the installation project’s overhead to approximately $28.84 per square foot.

How Do I Choose Brick Veneers For My House?

If you’re still choosing the ideal brick veneers to place on your home’s drywall, select the appropriate products based on certain factors.

Some of the things to think about include the following:

Color

Picking random brick veneers on your drywall may not be a good idea unless you're going for a random color splash on the wall.

Instead, ensure that your brick veneer panels match or are compatible with your home’s interior.

For example, installing red brick veneers can be a good choice if you have a gray, green, or dark blue room. On the other hand, a white room can go well with gray, black, green, or even thin white brick panels.

Check out these thin brick veneers on Amazon.

Don’t forget to check out our post on the different colors that go well with red brick. That post may guide you in selecting the perfect color for your room if you choose thin red brick veneers.

Quality

A quality set of brick veneers may last for decades. These materials may last for about 50 to 100 years if cared for properly. But failing to maintain brick veneers optimally may lead to a shortening of their lifespans.

Some of the relatively common problems to watch out for with brick veneers are:

• Shifting because of improper installation
• Missing flashing
• Moisture damage
• Poor-quality material

Budget

Although brick veneers can be inexpensive, the overall expenses may skyrocket if you buy more than you need. So make sure to include your expected budget for the installation as part of the planning stage.

Can You Put Stacked Stone Veneer On Drywall?

Stacked stone veneer installation jobs on drywall might be possible. But the process may require more effort and time than installing brick veneer on the same surface material.

The reason for the additional steps often lies within the procedure itself. Stacked stone veneers often require more moisture to adhere to surfaces than brick veneers.

However, this extra moisture may lead to the drywall collapsing.

Instead, removing the drywall and installing a cement board might be better if you still want to install stacked stone veneers. If you don’t want to break down the drywall, you may install the cement board on top of that surface.

You can also read our post on the pros and cons of stone veneer if you need help with a home renovation project with this material.

To Wrap Things Up

Installing brick veneer on drywall is a reasonably DIY-friendly job. However, you still need to follow the steps correctly. Also, take the time to go through each step mentioned in this post to avoid making expensive mistakes.