A white brick backsplash can bring a clean and fresh look to any kitchen while also adding interesting texture. The varied tones and rough, natural surfaces of brick create visual depth and dimension. Paired with crisp white color, a brick backsplash evokes casual elegance.
In this article, we’ll explore how a white brick backsplash can liven up your cooking space with its versatile appeal. We’ll look at:
Benefits of a White Brick Backsplash
A white brick backsplash offers many advantages:
Bright and Airy Ambiance
The light color of white brick keeps the backsplash and kitchen feeling open and airy. White reflects light, so it can make dark, small kitchens appear larger and better lit. The pale backdrop helps appliances and accessories pop.
Natural Texture
Brick’s imperfect surface brings natural detail. Small cracks, pits, and grooves add rustic personality. The bumpy texture provides the eye places to explore beyond a flat tile design. Whitewash also softens brick’s hard edges.
Style Flexibility
A white brick backsplash suits many aesthetic preferences. The neutral shade mixes into color schemes from vibrant to minimalist. From modern to farmhouse chic, white brick is versatile. Keep accents crisp for contemporary appeal or warm for a cozy cottage kitchen.
Effortless Upkeep
The solid white color hides grime and splatters that can stain lighter grout on tile backsplashes. A simple wipe down keeps the brick clean. No special maintenance is required beyond occasional resealing if you notice darkness around edges.
Budget Friendly
Brick is an affordable backsplash choice.due to its modular size and availability. Many home improvement stores stock white brick veneer panels or loose bricks. Brick looks great installed in a running bond pattern but also stacks nicely in more creative layouts.
Design Ideas for White Brick Backsplashes
From layout to borders, there are many ways to implement a white brick backsplash design:
Stacked Layout
Stacking bricks in offset rows has a classic, tidy look. Keep grout lines thin for more focus on the brick. Alternating direction and thickness of brick stacks adds subtle interest. Pair with marble countertops for an elegant contrast.
Herringbone Pattern
The herringbone pattern has bricks set in alternating directions to form a V shape. This dynamic layout pulls the eye across the backsplash. It works well behind a stove or sink. Use uniform brick sizes for cleaner lines.
Mixed Material Accents
Blend white brick with complementary textures. Add a row of stone or marble bricks. Frame with wood boards. A tile insert border breaks up the brick nicely. Mixing materials prevents the backsplash from looking too busy.
Creative Shapes
Get creative with circular insets, creative cutting, or special molded bricks. Geometric and custom shaped designs enhance brick’s straight modular lines. Accent with tiles matching cabinetry or room details.
Exposed Pipes or Beams
Leave mechanicals like pipes or beams visible against the brick backdrop. The unfinished industrial vibe pairs perfectly with brick’s rough surface. Keep things clean with all white.
Mosaic Patchwork
A mosaic patchwork backsplash combines brick with tile pieces. Use sparingly to create geometric focal points. Keep the same color palette to unify the look. Avoid going overboard with too many tiny details.
Choosing White Brick
With the right brick and grout selections, you can achieve a backsplash with character and charm:
Brick Finish and Color
Matte or tumbled bricks tend to give a more modern, grounded look. Select softer, mottled whites over stark bright white for a subtle effect. Avoid high-gloss bricks that appear too perfect and uniform. Aged, antique whites have more personality.
Mortar Color Options
White mortar or grout keeps the focus on the brick texture. Beige or gray mortar adds contrast between bricks with more defined lines. Choose a darker mortar with rougher bricks and a lighter one with smoother bricks.
Faux Brick
Faux bricks recreate the look without the weight. Many are lightweight plastics or resin formed and painted to imitate real bricks. Quality faux brick duplicates the rough texture well. Use in dry areas since moisture can damage it.
Salvaged Brick
For unique character, use reclaimed bricks. Older bricks tend to have more variation from chipping and wear. Try to find lighter ones to whitewash. Make sure used brick is structurally sound so it holds up.
Installing a White Brick Backsplash
Proper installation ensures your white brick backsplash looks and performs at its best:
Prepare the Surface
The surface must be flat, clean, and sturdy enough to bear the brick’s weight. Paint or spackle any cracks or holes. Remove any old backsplash. Clean off grease or residue so the mortar or adhesive adheres.
Pick Mortar/Adhesive
Mortar provides the strongest bond for real bricks but can require some tuckpointing maintenance. Construction adhesive leaves clean lines but follow weight limits. Pick resistant to moisture and heat.
Set the Base Layer
Spread a layer of mortar or adhesive on the back wall. Strike consistent joints between bricks. Keep them 1/16-1/8 inch. Wider joints read more modern than thin mortared lines. Let dry before grouting.
Apply Grout and Seal
Push grout into brick joints with a float, wiping away excess. Softer grouts are easier to work for beginners. Once dry, use a sealant formulated for porous brick and grout. Seal yearly to protect from moisture and staining.
Add Finishing Details
Finish by caulking perimeter edges and seams. Install outlet covers, sconces, or floating shelves to accessorize. Make cuts around fixtures or edges using a masonry saw. Take care to keep exposed brick edges intact.
FAQs About White Brick Backsplashes
Is a brick backsplash hard to install?
Installing brick requires more time and skill than tile. But using a quality construction adhesive and grout makes it doable. Patience and watching tutorial videos can help DIYers adapt. Pay attention to surface prep, level installation, and proper sealing.
Do white brick backsplashes need special care?
Beyond yearly sealing, a white brick backsplash just needs basic maintenance. Use pH neutral cleaners to avoid discoloration. Blot spills quickly to avoid staining grout. Re-caulk worn areas as needed. Have any repointing or repairs done promptly by a mason.
How do you update an existing brick backsplash?
Painting existing brick white is the easiest update. Use proper primer and paint formulated for masonry. Another option is to install a new surface over it like tile or shiplap panels. For exposed brick, apply a whitewash treatment using a paint sprayer for full coverage in hard to reach spots.
What kind of countertop goes with a white brick backsplash?
White brick backsplashes pair well with light countertops like white marble or quartz for a seamless look. Butcher block or wood countertops also complement brick’s texture. Grey tones like soapstone or concrete have an earthy contrast. Avoid busy granites that might compete.
Can you paint brick backsplash another color?
Yes, brick can be painted any color besides white. Make sure to use exterior masonry paint. Primer helps the paint adhere. Expect to do some touch ups as paint can chip off textured brick. If you don’t want to see any brick texture, skim coat first with mortar to create a smooth surface.
Get the Whitewashed Brick Look You Want
A white brick backsplash ushers in cottage charm or modern flair. With the right brick, mortar, and grout selections plus quality installation, you can achieve the warm, rustic ambiance you want from this durable, classic material. The weathered imperfections and artisanal appeal of brick create a clean yet cozy look. Let white brick bring its understated versatility and texture to invigorate your kitchen today.