Brick veneer walls and back splashes seem to have been a popular feature in 1960 and 1970s kitchens — when the movement to earthy decor took hold. Today, we take a look at a company that sells thin versions of real interior brick veneer, which sounds relatively easy to DIY install — and certainly looks great.
There are many places in a mid century home where interior brick veneer can typically be found in vintage houses — in built-in planters, on fireplaces, flooring, in kitchens, and on entire walls maybe especially in basement rec rooms. Brick can add incredible character, dimension and warmth to a home.
If you love the look of brick but don’t want to have to hire a mason to get the job done — Brickweb Thin Brick (also sold under the name Old Mill Brick) might be just what you’ve been searching for. Thin Brick is actual brick — cut into thin pieces — that can be applied indoors or out on nearly any surface. Because it is installed in a manner similar to tile — it is easy for the homeowner to install. Available in 12 colorways, the possibilities for use in mid century home decor seems to be limited only by your imagination.
Linda, my contact at Old Mill Brick — sent a little more information about the company’s history:
The Old Mill Brick Company was established in 2008 by Garrick Hunsaker. Mr. Hunsaker has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He is the creator of Old Mill Brick’s patented thin brick installation systems. He is a licensed general contractor and has owned and operated several building contractor and sub-contractor companies specializing in sales and installation of interior and exterior masonry in the commercial and residential markets. Mr. Hunsaker serves as Old Mill Brick’s President and CEO overseeing all company operations with the emphasis on strategic planning, manufacturing, and sales.
Old Mill has developed several patented, easy to install panel systems so that they can be used with any thin brick, including tumbled and cast. The Old Mill Brick system allows customers to explore and design many installation options. In 2009 our line of patented Do-It-Your Self thin brick systems were finalized and have proven to be the most effective way to install thin brick on the market today. We have the ability to customize our panel to meet any brick size. The end product is maintenance free for both exterior and interior design.
From the website:
What is Brickweb® Thin Brick?
Brickweb is an award winning – patented thin brick product made from the highest quality real, cut, kiln-fired clay brick. A full piece of brick is cut to approximately ½ inch thick. Several thin bricks are pre-mounted on a durable, fire resistant, fiberglass mesh with the brick already laid out and aligned for quick and easy installation. Brickweb is the easiest and fastest method available to install thin brick for interiors or exteriors.Brickweb is available in pre-assembled flat sheets and corner sheets, with 12 color blends to choose from. The primary 8 color blends are made from “tumbled brick”, having a classic old world, aged, or weathered look and feel. The 4 other color blends are commonly known as “straight brick”, and are made from the same brick but are not tumbled and provide a more uniform (flat and straight) appearance with less color and texture variation.
Where Can I Install Brickweb Thin Brick??
Places to use thin brick are virtually endless both interior and exterior. Some ideas where to use Brickweb include: fireplace or stove surrounds, accent walls, columns, kitchen or bath back-splash, flooring (on a solid surface such as concrete, backer board, etc.), chimney, exterior siding, kitchen islands, bed headboards, wine cellars, man caves, porch or stairs, table tops, outdoor BBQ or kitchen, home exteriors, accent walls, and more.
According to the website — Thin Brick can be applied around fireplaces or stoves, can be used inside and out, and can be painted, stained or sealed to achieve your desired look. It is available for purchase through the BrickWeb website or through Home Depot or Lowes — and costs about $7 per square foot.
Pam says: Using brick in kitchens seems to have been particularly popular in the 1970s. Above: Pam’s photo of her television, showing the movie “Dick” starring Michelle Williams (shown) and Kirsten Dunst. Best. 1970s. Kitchen. Ever. House. Too.
Interior brick veneer colors from Brick Web:
Above: Columbia Street Thin Brick
Above: Little Cottonwood Thin Brick
Above: Pony Express Thin Brick
Above: Alamo Sunrise Thin Brick
Above: Independence Thin Brick
The variety of available colors plus the possible ways to further treat the bricks with stains, sealers or paints assures that most everyone could find the right brick for their home improvement project. We sure like the look of Brick Web’s thin brick!
Cheap and cheerful brick veneer alternative: Paneling
Yes, if you just wanna go cheap and cheerful, Pam has featured paneling that looks like brick.
Diane Snyder says
We own a flooring store in Jackson, GA and have been in business for 16 years. My best friend is building a restaurant and would like to use your product and has asked us if we can get it for them. Would it be possible to set up and account with you so that we can purchase and install the brickweb product for her? Our business is called Sunrise Flooring, Inc.
Pam Kueber says
Please refer to the companies in the story…. I don’t sell anything personally.
Brite bold blue text = hotlinks.
Don says
Recommended reliable contractor in Detroit- metro area to apply brick veneer on fireplace surround? Would like to find someone with expertise with this product.
pam kueber says
Don, I suggest you head to sites that focus on recommendations like this, such as Angie’s List.
Denise says
I want to thin brick my kitchen ceiling. Is there a special mastic to be used in this installation, and can it be applied over my drywall ceiling?
pam kueber says
Denise, you should contact the manufacturer of the brick you are using to get their installation recommendations. Good luck.
Andrea says
What is the best insulation for a brick house that is environment friendly, superior insulation, rodent resistant, insect resistant, water and flood resistant, etc,.
pam kueber says
Andrea, we do not have this expertise.
Irene K. says
I have always wanted a Soho/NYC loft style brick wall behind my bed. This product makes it possible, and I will be crunching the numbers to see if it’s possible. I also saw this same type of brick behind a dining room curio cabinet and it was gorgeous! Since I intend to stay in my house till body bag time, I will renovate away!
pat beck says
To me, thin slices of brick aren’t much different from thin slices of ceramic tile…stone is stone. If it were plastic or foam I would hate it, but the application seems almost identical to installing ceramic or porcelain tile, or even a tile back-splash on a web backing.
Our recent reconstruction (kitchen, dining room, living room) became very rustic with exposed beams held together with black iron joins and a coffered plaster ceiling. The exposed, free-standing brick chimney between the kitchen and dining room is a nice accent with all the wood and black iron. I want to do one wall in Brickweb in my bedroom and on one wall in the adjoining bathroom to continue the rustic/industrial look and tie the rooms .
Linda Hunsaker says
Pat,
I agree!
That would look amazing and easy to install.
Thank you,
Linda
Brian says
Z-Brick was the wall-covering of choice in the kitchen and woodburning stove surroound in the house I grew up in. I remember driving to K-Mart in Indianapolis to stock up on the latest Z-Brick and perforated masonite panels for room dividers.