How to Create an Accent Wall with Brick

A brick accent wall adds incredible warmth, texture, and industrial character to any room. Once only achievable by exposing existing brick or hiring a mason, today's faux brick veneer tiles and peel-and-stick panels make a realistic brick accent wall completely achievable as a DIY weekend project. Here's how.

What You'll Need

• Faux brick veneer tiles: 100 Vintage Brown/Red Faux Brick Wall Tiles, 3D Thin Brick Veneers (14.2 sq ft)
• Construction adhesive: Loctite PL Premium Construction Adhesive
• Caulk gun kit: Professional Caulk Gun Kit 5-in-1
• Tile grout: Red Devil Pre-Mixed Tile Grout, White
• Double-sided tape: ZMUAXUAN Nano Double Sided Tape Heavy Duty
• Laser level: Laser Level Line Tool by AikTryee
• Stud finder: Stud Finder Wall Scanner 5-in-1
• Miter saw: SKIL 10" Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
• Drywall repair kit: Drywall Repair Kit, Wall Spackle with Scraper
• Painter's tape: ScotchBlue Original Painter's Tape
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set

Option 1: Faux Brick Veneer Tiles (Most Realistic)

The 100-piece faux brick veneer tile set uses real thin-cut brick veneers that look and feel like actual brick. Each tile is applied individually with adhesive, just like real tile work, creating an authentic brick texture that's indistinguishable from the real thing at normal viewing distance.

Step 1: Prep the Wall

Repair any holes with the drywall repair kit. Sand smooth. The wall must be clean, dry, and flat. Apply painter's tape along the ceiling, floor, and adjacent walls.

Step 2: Plan the Layout

Use the laser level to mark a perfectly level starting line at the bottom of the wall. Plan the brick pattern — standard running bond (each row offset by half a brick) is the most classic look. Dry-lay a few rows on the floor first to plan your spacing and cuts.

Step 3: Apply the First Row

Apply Loctite PL construction adhesive to the back of each brick tile and press firmly onto the wall along your level line. Use tile spacers (or cardboard strips) to maintain consistent mortar joint spacing — typically 3/8" to 1/2". Press each tile firmly and hold for 30 seconds.

Step 4: Continue Row by Row

Work row by row up the wall, offsetting each row by half a brick (running bond pattern). Cut tiles to fit at the ends of rows and around outlets using the SKIL miter saw with a masonry blade, or score and snap with a tile cutter. Let the adhesive cure per manufacturer instructions before grouting.

Step 5: Apply Grout

Apply Red Devil Pre-Mixed Tile Grout into the joints between bricks using a grout float or gloved finger. Work in small sections. Wipe away excess grout from the brick faces with a damp sponge before it dries. Let cure fully (24–48 hours).

Option 2: 3D Peel-and-Stick Stone/Brick Panels

For an even faster installation, use 3D peel-and-stick faux stone wall panels. These foam panels peel and stick directly to the wall with no adhesive or grout needed. Simply peel, press, and trim. The result is a textured, dimensional look that works well for accent walls.

Pro Tips

• Start from the bottom and work up — gravity helps keep tiles in place while the adhesive cures.
• Use a level every few rows to ensure the pattern stays straight.
• Seal the finished brick wall with a clear masonry sealer to protect against moisture and make it easier to clean.
• A brick accent wall looks stunning behind a fireplace, in a kitchen, or as a bedroom headboard wall.
• For a whitewashed brick look, dilute white paint 1:1 with water and brush over the finished brick, then wipe back.