11 Brick Backsplash Ideas And The Essential Sealing Guide

Tired of your kitchen feeling a little too clean, a little too sterile? You crave warmth, texture, and a touch of timeless character.

That’s where a brick backsplash comes in. This classic building material, typically used for exterior walls, can bring unmatched warmth and authenticity to your kitchen. But you’re right to hesitate—isn’t it a nightmare to clean?

A properly sealed brick backsplash is surprisingly easy to maintain and adds timeless texture that no other material can replicate. This guide will show you 11 stunning ideas, from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern, and give you the essential, expert-verified sealing protocol to protect your investment for years to come.

Tired of Boring Backsplash? Why Brick is the Timeless Kitchen Trend

A brick backsplash introduces an element of architectural history and texture that standard tile simply can’t match. It moves beyond a simple, wipeable surface and becomes a true kitchen accent wall, adding visual weight and a sense of permanence. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic farmhouse style with bright, whitewashed brick or a moody, modern industrial look with dark reclaimed veneer, the material adapts to your vision.

The primary concern for homeowners is entirely valid: brick is naturally porous. This is why the conversation must always start with thin brick veneer and mandatory sealing. Thin brick veneer is real, kiln-fired clay sliced thin, making it lightweight enough for interior walls without requiring structural support. According to masonry experts, pairing this authentic material with a professional sealing protocol, which we’ll detail in our Essential Guide, is the key to enjoying both the beauty and durability of brick without the cleaning anxiety.

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:

• Pros: Unmatched texture, a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style, and high heat resistance perfect for behind a stove.
• Cons: Requires mandatory sealing to prevent stains, the textured surface complicates cleaning compared to smooth tile, and it has a higher installation difficulty.

11 Brick Backsplash Ideas To Transform Your Kitchen 2025

Ready for some inspiration? This curated gallery showcases the most popular and emerging brick backsplash kitchen ideas for 2025. Each concept is chosen based on professional interior design principles like contrast and balance and is achievable using high-quality thin brick veneer.

1. Whitewashed Thin Brick Veneer for Farmhouse Appeal

Pin this genius tips to your ‘Dream Kitchen’ board!

The whitewashed brick backsplash is the cornerstone of modern farmhouse style. This technique softens the deep red of traditional brick, creating a bright, textured surface that feels both rustic and clean. The key is to apply the whitewash thinly, allowing some of the original brick color to peek through for an authentic, aged look. This style pairs beautifully with white shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, and matte black hardware.

Materials Needed:

• Thin Brick Veneer (Red, non-tumbled edge)
• White Latex Paint (low-VOC, matte finish)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
• Sanded Grout (Light Tan or White)
• Masonry Paint Brush and Spray Bottle
• Crucial: Penetrating, oleophobic food-safe sealer

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Install the thin brick veneer following a running bond pattern.
2. Once the grout is fully cured (48-72 hours), mix one part white paint with three parts water in a bucket.
3. Lightly spray the installed brick and grout surface with clean water to dampen it, which helps the paint blend naturally.
4. Dip the masonry brush into the paint mixture and apply it sparingly, working quickly in small sections.
5. Immediately use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away excess paint, revealing the desired amount of underlying red brick.
6. Allow the whitewash to dry completely (24 hours) before applying the mandatory sealer coat as detailed in our Sealing Guide below.

Pro-Tip: If you apply too much paint, use the spray bottle and a scrub brush immediately before it cures to remove the excess and prevent a thick, opaque coat.

2. Glazed Thin Brick for Texture without Porosity

Save this clever organization idea!

For those who love the shape and texture of brick but fear the maintenance, glazed thin brick is the perfect solution. This emerging trend features genuine clay thin brick with a hard, ceramic glaze fired onto the surface, just like traditional tile. This makes the brick face non-porous and incredibly easy to wipe clean, eliminating the need for sealing the brick itself. It offers the best of both worlds: the dimensional texture of brick and the low-maintenance benefit of a subway tile.

Materials Needed:

• Glazed Thin Brick Veneer (color of choice, usually pre-meshed)
• Non-Sanded Grout (required for tight joints, avoid epoxy for easy cleaning)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
• Trowel and Rubber Grout Float
• Note: Sealer is generally not required for glazed surfaces, only the grout lines.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Prepare the wall surface, ensuring it is flat and free of grease.
2. Apply a thin layer of thin-set mortar to the wall using a small-notched V-trowel, covering only a 3 ft x 3 ft section at a time.
3. Press the glazed thin brick pieces (or sheets) firmly into the mortar, ensuring the joints are consistent. Use small spacers if necessary.
4. Once set, apply non-sanded grout into the joints, wiping off the excess quickly using a damp sponge, as the glaze makes cleanup relatively easy.
5. If the joints are tight (under 1/8”), use non-sanded grout; if wider, use sanded.
6. After curing, apply a specific grout line sealer to protect only the porous grout, leaving the glazed brick untouched.

Pro-Tip: Glazed brick is easier to clean, but the glaze makes it harder to cut. Use a diamond blade on your wet saw for clean, chip-free cuts.

3. Classic Red Running Bond for Traditional Warmth

Get inspired by this classic kitchen remodel!

Nothing says classic, warm, and inviting like a traditional red brick backsplash. Laid in a running bond pattern (the standard staggered layout), this style evokes a sense of history and comfort. Far from being outdated, this look can be modernized by pairing it with cream or dark green cabinets, sleek quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The high visual weight of red brick makes it a powerful focal point in any kitchen.

Materials Needed:

• Genuine Fired Red Clay Thin Brick Veneer
• Light Gray Sanded Grout (to soften the red)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar (White)
• Grout Joint Tool (3/8″ wide)
• Mandatory: Penetrating Sealer

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Establish your center point and use a laser level to ensure the first row is perfectly straight.
2. Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer’s directions until it is the consistency of peanut butter.
3. Back-butter the brick pieces, or use a notched trowel to apply mortar to the wall, ensuring 95%+ coverage.
4. Lay the brick in the standard running bond (staggered half-brick offset) pattern, pressing each piece firmly.
5. Use a small spacer or piece of wood to maintain consistent 3/8″ grout lines throughout the installation.

Lesson Learned: Red brick, especially if unsealed, can visually absorb light, making the kitchen darker. Compensate with bright under-cabinet lighting.

4. Dark Gray Reclaimed Veneer for Industrial Edge

Pin this industrial kitchen masterpiece!

For a moody, high-character aesthetic, look no further than dark gray or charcoal reclaimed thin brick. This style embraces imperfections—chipped edges, heavy distressing, and color variations are celebrated. Paired with dark grout, open metal shelving, and concrete countertops, it creates the quintessential modern industrial look. The deep texture and shadow lines become a major design element.

Materials Needed:

• Genuine Reclaimed Thin Brick Veneer (darkest available shades)
• Black or Charcoal Sanded Grout (Polymer-modified for strength)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar (Gray or standard)
• Heavy-Duty Diamond Wet Saw Blade
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer with oleophobic protection.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Layout Strategy: Mix pieces from several boxes to ensure maximum color and texture variation; avoid placing similar pieces next to each other.
2. Use the wet saw to make clean cuts for edges and outlets. Due to the thickness and density of reclaimed brick, measure twice and cut slowly.
3. Install using the gray mortar, then let it fully cure for at least 48 hours.
4. Apply black grout using a grout bag (highly recommended for rough, reclaimed brick) to minimize smearing on the highly textured surface.
5. Use a small wooden dowel or specialized joint tool to recess the dark grout, creating deep shadow lines that emphasize the industrial aesthetic.

Pro-Tip: When using dark grout, always pre-seal the brick face before grouting to make cleanup easier and prevent permanent dark haze on the rough surfaces.

5. White Brick Paired with Matching White Grout (Scandinavian Vibe)

This is how to get the clean, modern brick look!

If you want the texture of brick without the rustic feel, pairing white thin brick with matching white grout is the answer. This creates a monolithic, bright, and clean surface where the texture is subtle rather than dominant. It’s a perfect fit for Scandinavian or minimalist kitchen designs, pairing beautifully with light wood tones and simple, clean-lined cabinetry. The high light reflection keeps the space feeling open and airy.

Materials Needed:

• Pre-Finished White Thin Brick Veneer (matte or low-sheen)
• White Sanded Grout (polymer-modified for durability)
• White Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
• Leveling Compound (if wall requires flattening)
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer (non-color enhancing, natural look)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Ensure the wall substrate is as flat as possible, using leveling compound if needed, as white grout highlights surface imperfections.
2. Use white mortar for installation. Be extremely careful not to smear mortar onto the face of the pre-finished white brick.
3. Mix the white grout and apply, being careful to maintain consistent 3/8″ joints.
4. Critical: Tool the grout joints only slightly to keep them near flush with the brick face; this reduces shadow lines and enhances the monolithic, clean look.
5. Clean up any haze immediately with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to cure before applying two liberal coats of penetrating sealer to the entire surface.

Lesson Learned: If using white grout, the brick must be meticulously cleaned and sealed, as white shows stains and grease splatters far more visibly than gray or dark grout.

6. Black Painted Brick for Maximum Drama

Save this dramatic high-contrast idea!

For a bold, high-contrast kitchen, a matte black painted brick backsplash is a showstopper. Painting the brick creates a uniform color while preserving the underlying texture. This look is incredibly versatile, pairing well with white cabinets for a dramatic contrast or with dark wood tones for a sophisticated, moody feel. Adding brushed gold or brass hardware completes the luxurious look.

Materials Needed:

• Clean, Installed Thin Brick Veneer (any base color)
• High-Quality Masonry Primer (essential for adhesion)
• Matte Black Masonry Paint (latex-based, low-VOC)
• Small Roller and High-Quality Angled Brush
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer (optional, but highly recommended for protection over paint)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Ensure the brick and grout are fully cured, clean, and completely dry. Use a wire brush to remove any loose debris or efflorescence.
2. Apply one coat of masonry primer, working the brush into all the textured areas and grout lines. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
3. Apply the first coat of matte black masonry paint using the small roller for the main surfaces and the angled brush to cut into the grout lines.
4. Apply a second coat as needed to achieve a fully opaque, uniform color.
5. Once dry, apply a coat of a high-quality matte finish penetrating sealer to protect the paint layer from grease and scrubbing damage.

Pro-Tip: Painting the brick closes some of the porosity but does not make the surface smooth. Focus on routine cleaning to prevent dust buildup on the textured surface.

7. Modern Vertical Stacked Bond Layout

Try this contemporary brick layout design!

The traditional running bond pattern isn’t the only option. A vertical stacked bond, where bricks are laid vertically with aligned joints, creates a clean, geometric, and distinctly modern look. This layout emphasizes height and symmetry, making it a great choice for contemporary kitchens with flat-panel cabinets and minimalist hardware. Using a light gray brick with thin, matching grout lines enhances the sleek, architectural feel.

Materials Needed:

• Light Gray Thin Brick Veneer (ensure uniform sizing is available)
• Non-Sanded Grout (color matched to brick, or slightly lighter)
• Laser Level and Straight Edge
• Fine-Notch Trowel (for thin mortar layer)
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Layout Strategy: Use the laser level to mark both vertical and horizontal lines across the entire installation area. The success of the stacked bond relies on perfectly straight lines.
2. Apply a thin layer of mortar to the wall. This pattern requires precise placement, so work in very small, manageable sections.
3. Begin placing the brick, ensuring vertical joints stack exactly on top of the previous row’s joint. Use thin tile spacers (1/8″ or less) to maintain uniformity.
4. Once set, apply non-sanded grout and clean carefully.
5. Tool the joints flush with the brick surface to reduce shadow lines and emphasize the sleek, modern aesthetic.

Lesson Learned: Small dimensional inaccuracies in the thin brick pieces are highly visible in a stacked bond. Purchase high-quality veneer or use a slightly wider grout joint to absorb inconsistencies.

8. Full Height Brick Accent Wall (Ceiling to Counter)

Create kitchen drama with a full accent wall!

For maximum impact, extend the brick backsplash from the countertop all the way to the ceiling. This creates a powerful kitchen accent wall that serves as the room’s focal point. It’s an excellent backdrop for floating open shelving and a statement kitchen hood. This design choice adds a sense of grandeur and architectural integrity, making the kitchen feel more established and custom.

Materials Needed:

• Thin Brick Veneer (Color and texture chosen for visual impact)
• Extra Mortar and Grout (Factor in the increased square footage)
• Heavy-Duty Ledger Board (to hold the first row level)
• Scaffolding or Tall Step Ladder (for safe installation above cabinets)
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Calculate the total square footage from the counter to the ceiling and add a 15% waste allowance.
2. Securely fasten a ledger board to the wall studs at countertop height to ensure the first row is perfectly level and supported.
3. Work from the bottom up, maintaining a consistent stagger and joint width.
4. Critical: For installing brick behind a heavy kitchen hood or mounting open shelves, use a masonry drill bit to drill through the veneer and screw directly into the wall studs or specialized toggle bolts. Never rely on the veneer itself for support.
5. Once cured, apply grout and then the final sealing coats, paying special attention to areas behind the stove and hood.

Pro-Tip: If using open shelving, install the brick first, and then drill through the completed veneer. Mark the shelf bracket placement precisely before drilling.

9. Tumbled Edge Brick for Highly Rustic Character

Get the aged, authentic look with tumbled brick!

To achieve the most authentic, aged character, choose a tumbled edge thin brick. These bricks are literally tumbled in a drum to soften and chip their edges, creating a non-uniform, highly rustic appearance. The irregular edges result in slightly varied grout lines, which adds to the old-world charm. This material is perfect for rustic, Mediterranean, or Tuscan-style kitchens.

Materials Needed:

• Tumbled Edge Thin Brick Veneer (high-quality, non-uniform edges)
• Light Tan Sanded Grout (to match the aged aesthetic)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
• Wedges and Spacers of varying thicknesses
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Installation Challenge: Tumbled brick is deliberately non-uniform. Do not rely on spacers alone; visually gauge the spacing to achieve a natural, aged look.
2. Ensure all brick pieces are level horizontally, even if the vertical joints are uneven due to the chipped edges.
3. Grout application should be done using a grout bag for maximum control. Because the edges are rough, smearing grout across the surface is highly discouraged.
4. Tool the grout slightly below the surface plane to emphasize the dimension and rough texture of the tumbled edges.
5. Clean up excess grout immediately and apply a pre-grout sealer coat before finishing with the final coats.

Lesson Learned: Tumbled brick requires more visual inspection and less reliance on uniform tools, making it a slower, more artistic installation process than clean-cut veneer.

10. Herringbone Pattern Brick for Visual Movement

Pin this elegant, high-impact brick layout!

A herringbone pattern instantly elevates the brick backsplash from a rustic element to a sophisticated design feature. The complex diagonal layout creates a sense of visual movement and elegance. While it’s a more challenging DIY project due to the numerous 45-degree cuts required, the result is a high-impact, dynamic backsplash that feels custom and luxurious. This pattern works especially well with uniform, clean-cut bricks.

Materials Needed:

• Thin Brick Veneer (Uniform, clean-cut pieces are essential)
• Sanded Grout (Medium Gray recommended for definition)
• Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar
• Wet Saw and Measuring Square (for precise 45-degree cuts)
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Layout Strategy: Find the center point of your backsplash area and mark a 45-degree guide line from that point.
2. Start laying the brick at the center point, creating the first ‘V’ shape, and work outward. This ensures symmetry and hides cuts at the edges.
3. Use a high-quality wet saw to precisely cut the 45-degree ends needed for the herringbone pattern.
4. Continue the pattern, frequently stepping back to check that the points of the ‘V’s are aligned and straight.
5. Grout and clean as normal, ensuring the joints are fully packed, as the diagonal cuts create more opportunities for voids.

Pro-Tip: Because of the numerous cuts and high waste factor (up to 25%), order significantly more brick than the square footage calculation suggests.

11. High-Contrast Dark Grout with Light Brick

Emphasize texture with dark grout lines!

One of the most effective ways to emphasize the texture and pattern of your brick is to use high-contrast dark grout. Pairing a light gray or off-white brick with dark charcoal or black grout makes each individual brick stand out. This technique creates strong definition and visual separation, perfect for industrial or modern rustic designs where the brick pattern itself is a key feature.

Materials Needed:

• Light Gray or Off-White Thin Brick Veneer
• Dark Charcoal or Black Sanded Grout (polymer-modified recommended)
• Grout Bag and Joint Tool
• Clean Microfiber Cloths
• Crucial: Penetrating Sealer (Pre-grout and final coats)

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Install the brick veneer and allow the mortar to cure.
2. Pre-Sealing Step: Apply one light coat of penetrating sealer to the brick faces only and allow it to cure. This is essential to prevent the dark grout pigment from staining the light brick.
3. Apply the dark grout using a grout bag, carefully squeezing the mixture directly into the joints.
4. Immediately tool the joint to the desired depth (a recessed depth creates the most shadows and contrast).
5. After 15-20 minutes, use a damp, clean sponge to carefully wipe the surface, ensuring no dark residue is left on the light brick face.

Lesson Learned: The visual difference between light and dark grout is immense; dark grout makes the space feel more rustic and the light brick pop, while light grout offers a cleaner, more monolithic surface.

Longevity and Durability: The Essential Sealing Guide

This is the most critical section for ensuring your brick backsplash lasts a lifetime. The material science is simple: brick is porous. Without protection, it will absorb stains. Following this expert-backed protocol is not optional; it’s mandatory for a successful kitchen installation.

Why Sealing is Mandatory for Kitchen Brick Veneer

Brick is a highly porous material, absorbing oil, grease, steam, and food splatters like a sponge. In a kitchen environment, unsealed brick will quickly accumulate permanent stains that are impossible to remove without damaging the material. Sealing introduces a chemical barrier that protects against absorption, making cleaning routine and effective. The sealant must be a high-quality, penetrating, oleophobic (oil-repelling) type specifically designed for porous stone and masonry surfaces and rated food-safe.

5 Steps to Professional-Grade Brick Backsplash Sealing

Materials Needed:

• High-quality Penetrating Sealer (Silane/Siloxane based, non-yellowing, oleophobic)
• Clean, soft rags or low-nap paint roller
• Small paint tray
• Safety goggles and gloves
• As of December 2025, always check product labels for the latest application instructions.

Sealing Protocol:

1. Wait for Full Cure: Wait at least 48 hours after grouting (or per product instructions) to ensure both mortar and grout are completely dry and cured. Any moisture trapped underneath can cause efflorescence (a white, powdery residue) later.
2. Surface Cleaning: Use a vacuum brush attachment or a dry cloth to gently remove all dust and debris from the surface. Do NOT wet the surface immediately before sealing.
3. First Coat (Saturation): Apply a generous, even coat of the penetrating sealer using a clean cloth or roller, ensuring the brick and grout lines are fully saturated. Do not allow the sealer to pool.
4. Wipe Excess: After the manufacturer’s specified dwelling time (usually 5-15 minutes), immediately wipe off ALL excess sealer from the surface. Failure to wipe can lead to a sticky residue or hazy film.
5. Second/Third Coat: Wait the recommended time (usually 2-4 hours) and repeat the process for a second coat, again ensuring all excess is wiped away. High-splash areas (behind the stove/sink) may benefit from a third coat for maximum protection.

Expert Insight: Penetrating sealers work by sinking into the brick’s pores, creating a barrier beneath the surface without changing the natural, matte finish. Avoid topical sealers which create a plastic, glossy film that peels and yellows over time.

Thin Brick Veneer vs. Faux: Material Comparison and Cost

When planning your project, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the available materials. While they may look similar from a distance, their performance, authenticity, and cost vary significantly.

Defining Thin Brick Veneer (The Preferred Material)

Thin Brick Veneer is a specialized, genuine clay product sliced thin (typically 3/8″ to 3/4″ thick) specifically for non-structural interior wall applications like backsplashes. It carries the full authenticity and durability of traditional brick but without the prohibitive weight (4-6 lbs per sq ft) and depth, making it safe and feasible to install directly onto standard drywall using mortar.

Material Comparison Matrix

Criteria	Thin Brick Veneer (Fired Clay)	Faux Brick Panel (Polyurethane/Vinyl)	Full Brick (Structural)
Authenticity	Excellent (Real Fired Clay)	Poor (Repetitive Pattern, Plastic Feel)	Excellent (Structural Masonry)
Thickness/Depth	Low (3/8″ – 3/4″)	Very Low (1/8″ – 1/4″)	High (3.5″ + Counter Space Loss)
Weight	Low (4-6 lbs/sq ft)	Very Low (Under 1 lb/sq ft)	Very High (35-45 lbs/sq ft)
Cost	Moderate ($7 – $15 per sq ft)	Low ($4 – $10 per sq ft)	High (Requires professional footer/support)
Fire Resistance	Excellent (Non-Combustible)	Poor (Combustible Material)	Excellent
Longevity	Excellent (Lifetime of Kitchen)	Fair (Prone to peeling/cracking)	Excellent
Installation	Intermediate DIY (Mortar/Grout)	Easy DIY (Adhesive/Peel-and-Stick)	Professional Masonry Required

People Also Ask About Brick Backsplash Maintenance

Is a Brick Backsplash Difficult to Keep Clean?

If properly sealed with an oleophobic penetrating sealer, the difficulty is reduced to that of routine tile cleaning, but requires diligence. While the texture prevents a single, smooth wipe like glass or ceramic tile, immediate cleaning of splatters and weekly wiping with a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner will maintain its appearance. Unsealed brick, however, is extremely difficult to clean and prone to permanent staining.

What is Efflorescence and How Do I Prevent It?

Efflorescence is the white, powdery, salt-based residue that appears on masonry when water or moisture migrates through the brick and evaporates on the surface, pulling salts with it. In kitchen backsplashes, this is usually caused by trapped moisture. Prevention relies on ensuring the wall substrate is completely dry before installation and applying two robust coats of a penetrating sealer to minimize external moisture absorption.

What Kind of Grout is Best for Brick Near the Stove?

While standard sanded grout is typically used for the wide joints (3/8″), an Epoxy Grout or a high-quality Polymer-Modified Sanded Grout is superior for high-splash zones like behind the stove and sink. Epoxy and polymer formulas resist moisture, oil, and harsh chemicals significantly better than traditional cementitious grout, drastically minimizing staining and mold growth in the grout lines.

Final Thoughts

A brick backsplash can completely transform the feel of your kitchen, adding a layer of warmth, texture, and character that is both timeless and on-trend. The key to a successful and long-lasting installation lies in making informed choices from the start.

• Always use Thin Brick Veneer for its authenticity, durability, and manageable weight for interior walls.
• Sealing is Non-Negotiable. This is the most crucial step. You must use a quality penetrating, oleophobic sealer to protect against kitchen grease and stains.
• Grout Color dictates the final aesthetic. Choose carefully to either define the brick pattern with high contrast or create a subtle, monolithic texture.

What brick color and grout pairing are you planning for your kitchen update this 2025? Let us know in the comments

Last update on 2025-12-03 at 08:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API