For homeowners and designers who love the classic, authentic look of brick but need a lighter, more versatile option, Thin Brick is the answer. Also known as brick veneer, this incredible material delivers the gorgeous texture and appeal of a traditional, kiln-fired clay brick—because it is real brick, just sliced thin. It’s the ideal way to bring that timeless aesthetic to any project, big or small, indoors or out, without requiring the structural support or specialized foundation work of full-sized masonry. If you’ve ever wanted to add brick to an accent wall, a kitchen backsplash, or a fireplace, but thought it was too much hassle, this essential guide to thin brick is for you.
Thin Brick vs. Full Brick: What’s the Real Difference?
While they look nearly identical, the key difference between thin brick and complete brick lies in their structure and installation. Full bricks are thick (around 3 5/8 inches) and are designed to be load-bearing, requiring a specialized foundation and extensive, skilled labor to lay them using traditional mortar. Thin brick, however, is typically only ½ to 1 inch thick. Made from the same materials—clay, shale, and concrete—it offers the same durability and aesthetic appeal, but its lightweight nature means it is non-structural. This difference in weight and thickness is why thin brick can be easily installed over existing walls, saving you significant time, money, and structural headaches.
Top 10 Things To Know About Thin Brick
If your goal is to add the authentic look and texture of brick without rebuilding a wall or pouring a new foundation, thin brick is the clear choice. To help you tackle your project, we’ve broken down the Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Thin Brick.
#1: Durability: Built to Last for Decades
Just because it’s “thin” doesn’t mean it’s fragile. Thin brick shares the same incredible durability as its full-sized counterpart. Made from the same clay and fired in extreme heat, it is inherently resistant to fire, rot, fading, and pests. It holds up exceptionally well against weather exposure and heavy daily wear, making it a reliable choice for both interior projects and exterior façades. Once properly adhered with the correct mortar or adhesive, thin brick will maintain its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity for decades. When you choose thin brick, you are investing in a look that truly lasts.
#2: Thin Brick Installation is Easier Than You Think
One of the biggest advantages of thin brick is its simplified installation method. Unlike full brick, which requires extensive, skilled masonry work and often a new foundation, thin brick is applied using a Type S mortar or a specialized thin-set adhesive, similar to setting tile. Because the material itself is lightweight, the installation is much quicker and doesn’t demand structural changes to your existing wall. This ease makes thin brick a fantastic material for DIY enthusiasts and significantly lowers your overall project costs and labor time compared to traditional bricklaying.
#3: How to Cut and Proper Preparation of Thin Brick
When you encounter obstacles like outlets, windows, or corners, cutting thin brick is surprisingly simple compared to full-sized masonry. You can easily achieve precise, clean cuts using a wet saw equipped with a diamond blade, which is the best way to ensure a tight, professional fit. Just as important as a good cut is proper surface preparation. Before you begin setting bricks, the substrate (such as cement board or existing drywall) must be perfectly clean, dry, and flat. This attention to detail in the prep work ensures a powerful, lasting bond, guaranteeing the long-term success and durability of your entire project.
#4: Sealing: When (and Why) to Use an Invisible Shield
Just like full-sized masonry, thin brick can benefit from sealing in areas that see harsh conditions. We highly recommend applying a quality, breathable masonry sealer for any surface that will endure heavy moisture, grease, or high traffic. This is standard practice for features such as kitchen backsplashes, flooring, and all exterior applications. The sealer acts like an invisible shield, helping to repel water, resist staining, and making your future cleaning much easier. It’s an important step to ensure your beautiful brickwork stays pristine for years to come.
#5: Installation Areas: Versatility from Walls to Floors
Thin brick’s lightweight nature and beautiful finish make it incredibly versatile for almost any surface. It’s an ideal choice for stunning interior features like accent walls, kitchen backsplashes, and fireplace surrounds, as well as exterior façades and foundations. When it comes to flooring, thin brick is durable enough for residential use. However, for a lasting installation, it requires a high-quality, flexible thin-set mortar and a perfectly stable subfloor. While suitable for areas like residential entryways or mudrooms, we generally advise caution against using it in extremely high-traffic commercial areas unless you have a robust sealing and maintenance plan specifically for that environment.
#6: Installation Pitfalls: What to Avoid for a Perfect Finish
While thin brick installation is simple, avoiding a few common mistakes is key to a professional result. What to avoid: Never install thin brick over compromised surfaces, such as peeling paint, glossy finishes, or unstable walls, as the adhesive bond will fail. Always use mortar or adhesive specifically rated for thin brick and follow the mixing instructions exactly—improper ratios can affect strength and curing. Finally, avoid installing your brick in extreme cold or heat, as this can affect how the adhesive sets, increasing the risk of future separation or failure.
#7: Cleaning and Maintenance: Easy Upkeep
Thin brick is wonderfully low-maintenance, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space. For interior applications, basic upkeep is simple: regular dusting or a quick run with a vacuum’s brush attachment will do the trick. If you need a deeper clean, occasional scrubbing with a soft brush and a solution of mild soap and water is usually all that’s required. To protect your investment, avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or high-pressure washers, as they can damage the brick surface or compromise any existing sealant.
#8: The Value Proposition: The Look of Brick for Less
For many homeowners, the most compelling factor of thin brick is the overall cost-efficiency. Because this material is so much quicker and easier to install, and doesn’t require the heavy structural support of full brick, your total project costs—including labor—are significantly lower. Thin brick delivers the same authentic, long-lasting beauty and curb appeal as traditional masonry, but for a fraction of the cost, making it one of the best value-adds for any renovation.
#9: Design Versatility: From Modern to Rustic
Thin brick is a designer’s dream because it adapts to virtually any style. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek modern aesthetic using crisp white or dark gray bricks, or a warm, rustic farmhouse feel with classic red blends, thin brick delivers the authentic texture that defines the look. Its tile-like installation also allows for creative patterns beyond the traditional running bond. We see thin brick used to create intricate designs like sophisticated herringbone patterns on floors, backsplashes, or feature walls, instantly elevating the space and adding high-end visual interest.
#10: Instant Curb Appeal: A Major Value Booster
For exterior projects, thin brick is one of the quickest and most effective ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Because it looks exactly like full brick, applying it to your façade, foundation skirt, or porch provides that sought-after, timeless masonry look without the expense and hassle of a complete structural change. An attractive brick exterior suggests permanence, quality, and warmth, qualities that are highly desirable to potential buyers. By upgrading with thin brick, you gain a powerful aesthetic advantage that adds measurable value to your home.
Design Inspiration for your Thin Brick Project with North Georgia Brick
Thin brick truly gives you the best of both worlds: the timeless durability of traditional brickwork with the flexibility and affordability of a veneer. Whether you’re dreaming of a sophisticated herringbone floor or transforming your exterior for maximum curb appeal, thin brick is the innovative, authentic solution. Explore a wide array of thin brick styles and colors on our Pinterest board for all the design inspiration you need! You can also meet with our North Georgia Brick experts at any of our locations in Cartersville, Cumming, Doraville, Lovejoy, or Newnan. Contact us today!