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How Do I Choose the Best Faux Brick?
When choosing faux brick for a home or commercial project, you should decide how much you want to spend. Also be sure the faux brick you choose is suitable for the surface you wish to cover. You should ask advice from a professional before deciding which artificial brick to buy. Interior and exterior faux brick may vary in terms of style and color. If you're attempting a do-it-yourself project, choose artificial brick that is easy to install.
You can shop for faux brick from a manufacturer catalog, but it is best to see the material in person. If possible, feel the panel to determine if it is too rigid. It's important to choose artificial brick panels that are pliable enough to work with. Also notice the way the faux brick panels are adhered together. Panels that are cemented are generally more secure than those attached by screws.
Regardless of the style and color you select, your fake brick needs to be weather resistant. If the faux brick is not made with some type of ultraviolet protection from the sun, it could fade over time. Exterior fake brick should also be water proof for protection from rain or snow. If installed in a kitchen or bathroom, interior fake brick needs to withstand moisture and humidity, or your walls could become damaged.
For very realistic faux bricks, choose something lightweight and not overly thick. Thin faux bricks often look more genuine than thicker panels. For interior faux bricks, choose a color that matches your decor, or the brick may look fake. If your bedroom is decorated in warm earth colors, choose tan or beige for your faux brick paneling.
If you're installing artificial brick over a sandstone fireplace, choose shades of taupe for a natural appearance. You'll also need to choose a material that is heat resistant or it could easily become warped. In addition, consider how the fake brick will coordinate with your floor color. Whether you have carpeting, vinyl, tile, or wood, choose a faux brick color that complements the flooring.
It's important to read the instructions for installation before you decide which faux bricks to purchase. Some artificial bricks are easier to install than others, but paneled fake bricks typically take the least amount of time to set up. Also, determine which tools you'll need to apply the fake brick, and how many tubes of caulk you'll need per panel.
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![Regardless of the style and color, faux brick should be weather resistant.]()
By: Paul HillRegardless of the style and color, faux brick should be weather resistant.
Discussion Comments
Given the option, and all things being equal I would always choose brick over any type of fake brick. However, if you can find the right faux brick then this type of siding in a home can be a wise choice. The bottom line is that real brick is way more expensive.
In addition to being more expensive, working with real brick is more labor intensive and you will definitely need a professional to construct a real brick wall the right way. My husband and I like to tackle home projects and for us faux brick makes more sense.
@Feryll - There are some faux bricks out there that can fool you from a distance. The trick is to find a faux brick that looks like real brick and that is durable. I have a faux brick covering on one of my fireplaces and it has not held up well with wear. I chose it because it looked good, and I assumed it would be sturdy. I was wrong about the second part.
I am still looking for the perfect faux brick. I need something that looks like brick, holds up well, and whatever I buy needs to be something that doesn't cost a fortune.
When we were house hunting, we really wanted to get a house with a fireplace. I like the sound, smell, and look of a burning fire. One house we saw had a great fireplace. We noticed it as soon as we walked into the family room. The fireplace was the focal point of the room.
The bricks on the fireplace looked great. They were a good color and the fireplace looked to be in good condition. Then when I took a closer look at the fireplace I discovered the brick wasn't actually brick. Even up close, I couldn't be certain that the fake brick wasn't real brick. I had to touch the surface before I knew for certain.
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