DIY Faux Brick Wall - Easy, Budget Friendly Way to Add Character

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Inside: Install a DIY faux brick wall to any space. An easy budget-friendly option that makes a statement in a room and adds a classic timeless look.

So you’re looking to bring an easy WOW factor to a room? Brick is the answer!

Brick…it’s classy, modern and traditional. It warms up a space and brings a rustic feeling to the room. If you are wanting an accent wall or to add some character to your room then consider adding brick. I have brick stenciled a wall in my kitchen nook and in this post, I will show you how to install brick paneling that we did as part of our home gym makeover.

Here is a way before pic of our home gym.

Add character to a room by installing faux brick panels. Add an accent wall with this is easy, budget-friendly DIY. Brick is classy, timeless and fits many different styles such as modern, traditional, industrial and farmhouse. You can paint it, add a German Smear, or whitewash it to change the look. #fauxbrick #brickpanel #diy #accentwall

Then we got rid of the popcorn ceiling, wall paneling, painted the walls and doors, added can lights and built a ceiling mounted pull up bar.

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*Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles and ear protection.

Here is how you install the faux brick wall.

TOOLS FOR DIY FAUX BRICK WALL

SUPPLIES FOR DIY FAUX BRICK WALL

Pencil
Brick panel(s) 4′ x 8′ x 1/4″- purchase amount depends on space of wall
Shims
1 1/2 inch 18G Brad nails
Wood filler

CUTS FOR DIY FAUX BRICK WALL

Measure your wall to determine how many panels you need. I used a table saw to cut the brick panels to size and a jigsaw to make cutouts for outlets, windows, etc.

Related: How to Brick Stencil a Wall

If you can, I recommend laying your panels on the floor to get an idea of where your cuts will be and to get an idea of how it will be laid out on your wall.

STEPS FOR DIY FAUX BRICK WALL

Step 1) Find your wall studs. Once the brick wall is up you won’t be able to see your stud markings. A workaround is to mark the floor with tape to show where the wall studs are for nailing. I only used nails to attach the paneling. I didn’t use any glue as this can ruin the drywall.

Since this is in a basement I floated the brick paneling. To do this, I put a couple of scrap pieces of 1 x 3s under the paneling then I added shims to make the panels level. Keep in mind that floors, ceilings and walls are not perfect, so you probably will have gaps in places. Caulk and trim can help hide these imperfections.

Once it’s level, nail the first panel in place. Grab a buddy! It’s helpful to have another person to assist with holding up the panels.

You will repeat the same process for each panel you need to install. If you need to make a cut out for a window or an outlet then measure and mark for your cuts. Drill a hole in the middle of your cut out if needed, to insert the jigsaw blade then cut out the rest.

Step 2) Apply some wood filler to your edges where the two panels meet. I was planning on adding a whitewash so it didn’t matter what color my wood filler was. I think the wood filler did a good job of filling in the slight gap.

After I added an easy whitewash to the faux brick this is what the home gym looks like. I also made that large rustic sign to give the room some personality.