If you like the appearance of brick but do not have the budget to remodel or build your house with this material, then you may want to consider veneer. This is a thin layer of brick — or entire panels designed to look like a portion of brick wall — that you can attach to your walls so it looks like they are made of this material. The first thing to consider when choosing brick veneer is the color you want. You also should make sure the material is durable enough to withstand the outdoors, if that is where you plan to use it. You also may want to think about whether you will have it installed by a professional or do the job on your own, because this will likely determine whether you need to consider ease of installation when buying the product.
You have several options when it comes to choosing the color of brick veneer for your project. While the most typical veneers tend to be red, you also can choose from white, yellow or black materials, to name a few options. You may decide to keep the entire wall one color, but you also typically have the option of mixing a few colors to add variety, which may be especially helpful if you cannot decide on one shade. Either way, you should consider your personal preferences and the current decor of the rest of your home so you can ensure it all matches. You also may want to keep in mind that any unusual colors you choose may not be appreciated by any future owners of the home, so neutral colors may be best if you eventually intend to sell the house without major changes to the walls being required.
Another to detail to think about is the durability of the brick veneer you choose. Though any high-quality brick facing should last for years, outdoor brick veneer usually needs to be tougher than the indoor kind. This is why you should typically make sure any veneer you buy for the exterior of your home has been approved to withstand extreme weather. It otherwise may begin to fall apart or fade after a few severe storms or sunny days. Indoor brick veneer, on the other hand, does not usually need to be as durable, which may save you a little money when buying this material for the interior of your house.
Additionally, you should consider whether you will install the brick veneer on your own or hire a professional to do the job. If you decide to do it yourself, then you should look for a product with particularly clear instructions so it is simple to perform the installation. Some brick veneers are divided into panels to make it easy to install the surface. If you cannot find a product that seems easy to install or you do not have the time to do it right, then you may need to hire a professional. In that case, he or she may be able to help you choose the right brick veneer for your home.