The Brick Veneer vs Brick Guide: Pros & Cons
- srcustommasonry
- Feb 10
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 24
If you love the look of masonry but are looking for a more affordable option, you may be considering brick veneer vs brick. Brick homes have been the standard of durability and attractiveness for hundreds of years. Brick veneer gives you the look of brick at a lower cost. Is it worth it?
In this guide, we’ll compare brick veneer vs solid brick, helping you weigh both the pros and cons of each. We're located in Salt Lake City, Utah and can help you with all of your brick and brick veneer needs. Click the button below to get your free quote!
What Is Brick Veneer?
Brick veneer is a layer of brick used as a decorative facing on a home or building, rather than as a structural component. So, how do brick veneer vs brick compare? In order to understand the differences, we’ll have to explain how solid brick homes are built.
With brick masonry, also called solid masonry or double brick, the bricks bear the weight of a building. The home is built with two layers of brick, called wythes. The inner wythe is often made of concrete or cinder blocks, as they are cheaper. The outer wythe, on the other hand, is always made of brick. Header bricks–bricks turned sideways–connect the outer layer to the inner layer. Brick homes are durable and stable, but this kind of building is expensive.
Brick veneer differs from solid brick masonry in that it only uses one wythe of bricks on the outside. The inside layer is typically made from backing material like wood, metal, or concrete. The bricks are installed with a small air gap between the backing and the bricks for moisture drainage. It provides the classic look of brick while being more affordable and lightweight.
Pros of Brick Veneer
In the past 50 years, brick veneer has become more popular than solid masonry. It’s a construction method that offers several benefits, including:
Aesthetic appeal: Brick veneer provides the classic look of brick without the cost. In fact, in most cases, only experts can tell the difference between brick veneer vs brick.
Cost-effective: Brick veneer uses less brick than solid masonry, which saves you on material costs. Additionally, it’s faster to install, which reduces the costs of labor.
Insulation: Brick veneer homes are generally more insulated than solid masonry. The space between the brick wythe and the inside wall acts as natural insulation but can also be filled with an insulating material. Additionally, insulation is usually added to the wall sheathing to keep your home comfortable.
Moisture management: Because bricks are porous, they have a tendency to allow moisture in. With brick veneer, the air gap and drainage features help prevent moisture building and related issues.
Flexible designs: Brick veneer can be used for both exterior cladding and interior wall accents, giving you flexible options to achieve a brick look.
Cons of Brick Veneer
Although brick veneer is a great choice, it also has some drawbacks, including:
Moisture concerns: If not properly installed, brick veneer can trap moisture, leading to issues like mold, rot, or deterioration of the underlying structure.
Maintenance: Brick veneer requires regular maintenance. Over time, mortar joints can deteriorate, which requires repointing or sealing to prevent water ingress. Regular inspections are important to make sure that the veneer and drainage systems are effective.
Cracking: Because it only has one wythe of brick, brick veneer is less durable and more susceptible to cracking than double brick.
Not resistant to fire, pests, or rots: Unlike double brick construction, brick veneer is still susceptible to fire, pests, and rot because of the underlying structure of the home.
Pros of Brick
For hundreds of years, traditional, solid brick construction has been the standard for building houses. Brick comes with a number of advantages, including:
Sturdiness: Brick homes are sturdy, able to withstand harsh conditions, including earthquakes. When done correctly, brick masonry can last for hundreds of years.
Low maintenance: Once constructed, brick buildings generally require minimal maintenance. All you need to do is regularly check on the mortar and wash the brick to keep it clean.
Fire, rot, and pest resistance: Brick is naturally resistant to pests, rot, and fire, making it one of the most durable and low-maintenance building materials available. Unlike wood, it does not attract termites and other pests, and it won’t decay or warp due to moisture exposure. Additionally, because it’s non-combustible, it provides excellent fire resistance, helping slow the spread of flames.
Noise reduction: The density of brick helps dampen sound to keep loud outside noises from disrupting your day-to-day life.
Aesthetic appeal: Brick construction has a timeless look that is always in style.
Sustainability: Bricks are made from natural materials and can be recycled. They also have a long life, reducing the need for frequent rebuilds.
Cons of Brick
While brick construction has tons of benefits, there are also some disadvantages, including:
Cost: Brick construction is more expensive than other methods like wood framing or brick veneer. The cost comes from both the amount of materials needed and the labor-intensive process.
Construction time: When comparing brick veneer vs brick construction, the process of laying two layers of bricks by hand takes much longer.
Difficult to repair: Although brick is durable, if there is a crack in the foundation or a bowing wall, it’s difficult and expensive to repair. Walls made of brick have to be demolished in order to make any changes or repairs.
Insulation: Compared to brick veneer which uses modern insulation, brick homes are poorly insulated. Bricks are very porous, which allows moisture to seep in, which can make your home both cold and dank.
Uses of Brick Veneer
Brick veneer is a versatile building material that can be used in a variety of projects, including:
Exterior cladding: Brick veneer is often used on the exterior of single-family homes and commercial buildings. It provides the timeless look of brick construction without the expense.
Interior accents: Brick veneer can be used to create an eye-catching accent wall, backsplash, or fireplace inside the home. It creates texture and warmth without the demands of solid brick.
Historical renovation: In renovation projects, brick veneer can replicate the look of original brickwork while updating the building’s performance with modern insulation.
Uses of Brick
Bricks are one of the oldest and most versatile building materials. They’ve been used in a variety of ways, including:
Load-bearing walls: In traditional construction, bricks are used to build entire exterior walls. These walls are load-bearing, meaning they support the weight of the building and provide excellent strength and durability.
Fireplaces, chimneys, and fire pits: Because bricks are so resistant to fire, they make a great material for building fireplaces, chimneys, and firepits. They contain and manage heat while also offering aesthetic appeal.
Garden walls: Bricks are used in garden design to create low walls, borders, or raised flower beds to add beautiful details in your outdoor spaces.
Brick Veneer Exterior
Whether you’re building a new home or looking to update your exterior, a brick veneer exterior is a popular way to benefit from the timeless look of brick without the cost. Installed over a structural wall with an intervening air gap, brick veneer looks attractive while being very practical. While red brick may be the first color that comes to mind, you can choose between a variety of colors, including browns, pinks, grays, tans, and more. Additionally, brick veneers allow you to use custom patterns that might not be possible for solid brick construction.
Interior Brick Veneer
Brick veneer isn’t just for your home’s outside. It can be used inside to add texture, warmth, and character without the structural demands of full brick walls. Often used as accent walls in living rooms, fireplaces, kitchens, and even bathrooms, brick veneer can add a timeless appeal to any interior space. Plus, interior brick veneer is easier to install and easier to maintain than exterior brick veneer.
Brick Veneer Backsplash
A brick veneer backsplash offers a striking blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication in both kitchen and bathroom designs. Installed as a single layer on the wall behind countertops or sinks, brick veneer backsplashes are both timeless and durable. Plus, moisture-resistant insulation can be added behind the brick veneer to keep indoor heat in and moisture out.
Brick Veneer Fireplace
Looking to update your fireplace? Brick veneer can bring the timeless warmth of a traditional hearth without the added weight and expense of full brick construction. This gives you more customization options, from classic brick patterns to more unique designs. In addition to creating a beautiful focal point in your home, brick veneer fireplaces also provide better heat retention, keeping your home welcoming and cozy.
Can You Install It Yourself?
Yes, you can technically install brick veneer by yourself. Comparing brick veneer vs brick, brick veneer is the easier project. However, it’s important to realize that even brick veneer is a technical project that requires precision and expertise. If you’re comfortable handling tools like trowels, levels, and possibly scaffolding, and you understand how to mix and apply mortar, you may be able to handle DIYing it.
If you’re applying brick veneer to your exterior, you’ll also need to ensure proper air gaps for moisture drainage. Check local building codes and safety regulations before you start. Improper installation can lead to moisture problems or even structural issues. If you’d rather not take that risk, consulting and hiring a professional like S&R Custom Masonry might be a wise decision.
Costs in Utah
When choosing between brick veneer vs brick, you’re probably interested in the differences in cost. In Utah, you can expect to pay somewhere between $14 to $22 per square foot for brick veneer installation. On the other hand, you’ll pay between $22 to $37 per square foot for solid brick.
Brick Veneer vs Brick Conclusion
When comparing brick veneer vs brick, it’s clear why brick veneer has become the more popular choice. Brick veneer allows for use of modern insulation while costing less than double brick construction. Solid brick construction, on the other hand, is highly durable and can last for hundreds of years.
If you’re looking to add the warmth and charm of brick to your home, you can count on S&R Custom Masonry. We serve the Wasatch Front with our team of experienced masons and offer every type of custom masonry you might need. Contact us today for a free estimate!
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