How to Create an Aged Faux Brick Wall Covering for a Comfy Home

Written by Milan Jara on 17th Mar 2022

Faux Brick Wall Panel

You can create an aged faux brick wall covering on any wall in only a few simple steps. Read our post to see the materials you need and the steps to follow.

You can create an aged faux brick wall covering on any wall in the living room, bedroom, or dining room using two methods: faux brick wall panels or single-piece faux bricks.

The installation method you choose will depend on your preferences, but installing faux brick panels is much easier and faster than installing single-piece faux bricks.

Single bricks are challenging to install since you have to do them one piece at a time, unlike the paneling method, where one wall panel covers a larger area.

The good thing with single faux bricks or imitative brick wall panels is that they go over an existing wall. You don't have to worry about structural integrity since they are meant for decorative purposes. That said, ensure that you are placing them on a structurally sound wall, such as one made of real brick, brick veneer/thin brick, stable drywall, real stone, concrete/plaster, or stone veneer.

Aged Faux Brick Wall Covering Using Brick Panels

Here's what you'll need to install an aged brick wall covering using faux brick paneling.

Tools You'll Need

Table saw/wet saw
Tape measure
Nail gun/screwdriver
Level
Gloves

Materials You'll Need

Faux brick wall panels
Construction adhesive
Screws/nails
Concrete patching caulk
Grout sponge
Paint colors, such as white, glazed pears, very mist, canyon dusk, or wright brown

Steps for Creating an Aged Faux Brick Wall Covering Using Decorative Panels

Faux brick panels come pre-assembled as large blocks of brick material, which makes them easier to install than single bricks.

The following steps will help you install your own aged faux brick wall panels.

Measuring and Cutting the Panels

Measuring helps you determine how many decorative panels you need for the project.

First, measure the entire wall surface you want to cover. Calculate the total area to make it easier to do the math. Next, measure elements like the fireplace, windows, doors, and power outlets that you will not cover with the paneling.

Determine the total area for the parts you are not going to cover and subtract the sum from the total area. To get the estimated number of panels needed, divide the result by the size of one panel. Add some extra pieces, just in case.

Use the measurements obtained above to cut the wall panels to size using a table saw. Cut all the required panels at the start to avoid wasting time going back and forth between cutting and installing.

At this stage, you can label the wall and the back of the panels where each piece will fit.

Clean the Wall

Whether you are installing the panels on an entire wall or sections of it, ensure the wall is clean and free of grease, debris, or dust.

Attach the Panels

It's easy to attach the wall panels once you have cut them to the correct size and labeled them accordingly. Apply enough construction adhesive on the back of the panels or the wall and begin placing the panels from right to left.

The installation process should be systematic. Start from the bottom right side and move toward the left. Before embarking on a new row, always ensure the one below it is complete. Use the level to check each panel against its neighbor along the row.

For each wall panel you install, use a nail gun or screwdriver to drive in nails or screws that will hold the panel in place. Avoid overusing the nails - eight to ten nails is enough for each full panel.

The nails should be distributed evenly along the edges and in the middle and corners of the panel.

Paint the Panels

Pour the paint colors (apart from white) into a large shallow container without worrying about them mixing up since you'll still want them to mix slightly to achieve the desired aged look.

Cut the grout sponge into two and use one part to draw some paint from the container, making sure to get a good mix of the various colors. Dab the sponge randomly on the bricks and lightly blot on the colors. Repeat the process each time the sponge runs out of paint.

Apply Whitewash

Old bricks get that aged look because they fade over time and start turning white. The white paint comes in handy for this look. Pour the paint into a container and dip the edges of the other half of the grout sponge in it.

Lightly dab random spots of the bricks with the white paint without over-applying it.

Apply the Caulk

Apply the concrete patching caulk to complete the finishing and make the panels look more like real old bricks. Wear your gloves and apply thin beads of caulk along the outlines of the bricks. You can spread out the caulk evenly using your fingers.

Enjoy your creation!