Stylishly Refresh Your Kitchen With a White Brick Backsplash

Is your kitchen looking a bit dated and dreary? Do you crave a vintage farmhouse vibe but have a limited budget? Installing a white brick backsplash could be the perfect stylish and affordable solution to refresh your cooking space.

A white brick backsplash adds instant charm and character to both traditional and contemporary kitchens. The nostalgic look of exposed brick gives your kitchen a cozy, rustic feel, while the crisp white color keeps the aesthetic light and airy.

A White Brick Backsplash Provides Vintage Farmhouse Appeal

Exposed original brick walls can give homes unique vintage character. While demolishing walls for full brick exposure may not be feasible for many homeowners, a backsplash offers a simpler way to incorporate the rustic material into your kitchen design.

Whitewashed original brick arranged in a classic brick pattern makes for an authentic farmhouse-chic backsplash. But clever faux options using brick veneer tiles or even brick-pattern wallpaper can capture the aesthetic at a fraction of the price.

Works in Any Kitchen Aesthetic

From cozy cottage spaces to industrial loft-style kitchens, white brick backsplashes complement both ends of the design spectrum. The neutral white color plays well with other kitchen finishes. It also pairs nicely with a variety of cabinetry from crisp white to warm wood tones.

While it evokes a sense of comforting nostalgia, a white brick backsplash still has a fresh, clean look. This allows it to suit transitional kitchens that straddle the line between traditional and contemporary.

Provides Texture and Visual Interest

A flat backsplash like a single tile color lacks dimension and depth. White brick backsplashes add appealing texture, playing off the bumps and grooves that make brick so tactile and interesting.

The variegated pattern of brick backsplashes also draws the eye, breaking up potentially monotonous stretches of wall. Herringbone and other creative layouts provide even more visual appeal.

A Budget-Friendly Backsplash Option

Genuine brick and stone backsplashes can get quite pricey. Fortunately, white brick backsplashes offer a versatile and stylish upgrade at a more affordable cost than many other natural stone and tile options.

Real Whitewashed Brick on a Budget

Salvaged brick from architectural salvage shops can provide an authentic reclaimed appearance for less. Or, purchasing new brick and whitewashing it yourself with paint or limewash helps control costs. Though professional installation is ideal, DIY projects make this style achievable.

Faux Brick Backsplashes Are Very Economical

Brick veneer tiles, peel-and-stick panels, and brick pattern wallpaper offer clever shortcut alternatives. These faux brick options deliver the visual effect of real brick for a fraction of the price. Even opts that mimic aged, distressed brick finishes are available.

An Easy-to-Maintain Backsplash Choice

Maintaining your backsplash means keeping grout lines clean and sealing surfaces to avoid stains. The subtle texture and porous nature of some backsplash materials like natural stone can allow grime to get trapped.

Brick's durability and non-porous glazing make a white brick backsplash easy to keep clean. The mortar lines tend to be a bit wider than other tiles, giving grout room to breathe and permitting simpler scrubbing.

Sealing is Recommended

Unsealed brick can be prone to staining from cooking splatters. So applying a penetrating sealer is wise to protect whitewashed or lighter grout lines. Reapplying every 1-2 years will maintain performance.

With proper sealing, white brick backsplashes shrug off messes and keep your kitchen looking fresher longer with minimal hassle.

Key Design Choices for White Brick Backsplashes

With the right design choices, a white brick backsplash elevates any kitchen. Keep these considerations in mind for the most eye-catching and functional result.

Selecting Brick Materials and Style

Genuine reclaimed bricks deliver an authentically aged look. New whitewashed bricks also provide a timeworn character. For a cleaner finish, brick veneer tiles emulate a classic brick pattern.

Subway tile laid in an offset brick pattern offers a more modern white brick aesthetic. And peel-and-stick faux panels create a lightweight, affordable distressed brick effect.

Complementary Color Pairings

Avoid pairing a white brick backsplash with cabinets that are either too dark or too light. Deep cabinets like black can look harsh and high-contrast. But very light finishes like white-on-white can lack definition.

Instead, opt for light to medium wood cabinets for a coordinating farmhouse feel. Or choose darker shades like navy blue for pleasing contrast.

Layout Possibilities

Running bond is the standard brick pattern. But a herringbone layout brings visual intrigue. Combining large and small bricks also adds interest. White brick can even just accent the backsplash as a focal strip behind the stove.

Achieving a Flawless White Brick Backsplash Installation

With proper planning and preparation, achieving a top-notch white brick backsplash is within reach. Use these essential installation tips for success.

Prep the Wall Surface

Start by thoroughly cleaning the backsplash area and filling any imperfections in the wall such as holes, cracks, or uneven spots. Also remove any outlets, soap dispensers, or other obstacles.

Apply Thinset and Set the Bricks

Spread thinset adhesive on the wall using a notched trowel to evenly comb it on. Then carefully press the bricks into the thinset, using spacers to achieve consistent grout line gaps.

Grout and Seal the Backsplash

Let the thinset cure fully over 24 hours before applying grout between the brick joints. Avoid wiping off too much grout. Wait 72 hours before sealing the grout lines for optimal performance.

FAQs

What's the difference between whitewashed brick and white brick tiles?

Whitewashed brick involves applying a whitewash coating to real reclaimed or new bricks. This provides an aged, natural look. White brick tiles are faux bricks made from porcelain or ceramic, giving a simulated brick appearance.

What color grout should I use?

White and light gray grout are best for white brick backsplashes to support the clean look. Avoid using dark grout colors that could make the space feel messy or busy.

How do I clean and maintain a brick backsplash?

Use a soft cloth and mild detergent to regularly wipe down the backsplash. For grout lines, use a whitening toothpaste. Reapply sealant every 1-2 years. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch the brick face.

What should I seal a brick backsplash with?

Use a penetrating brick and masonry sealer. Apply a water-based silicone sealer for easy cleanup. Solvent-based acrylic versions provide greater stain protection.

A white brick backsplash offers budget-friendly vintage character that enlivens any kitchen aesthetic. With the right materials and proper installation, you can craft a stunning, low-maintenance focal point perfect for whipping up family feasts.

Let this stylish yet timeless backsplash material refresh your cooking space with cozy rustic elegance. Your inner interior designer will love the limitless design possibilities a white brick backsplash provides.