exposed brick walls
Laid bare
F Qrom modern industrial to rustic country, a brick feature wall adds texture and warmth. and achieving the look could cost nothing more than a bit of hard graft. which wall should i expose? Stick to one wall or a section with natural start and finish points, such as a chimney breast or alcoves. A wall without doors, windows or radiators will be easiest. Any electric cables will also be exposed – galvanised trunking works well with brick’s industrial vibe.
Qcan i do the work myself? Absolutely. Drill a test hole in the plaster to check the brickwork is worth stripping. If it’s damaged or the colour isn’t your bag, refill the hole. If not, prepare for serious dirt and dust. Cover every surface and seal doors. Work methodically across the wall from left to right, hammering then gently lifting off plasterwork with a trowel or putty knife.
QHow can i tidy them up? Remove loose cement or brickwork with a stiff brush (not wire), then vacuum the wall. ‘If that leaves exposed cavities it’s best to re-point any gaps, to avoid draughts or creepy-crawlies,’ says DIY interiors vlogger Georgina Burnett, of Thehomegenie.com. ‘Stop new cement sticking out like a sore thumb by dabbing on watered-down chalk paint to dull it.’
Qwill they need to be sealed? Sealing will alter the colour and look of the brickwork, which can ruin the look. ‘Once done, it’s impossible to reverse,’ says period property expert Roger Hunt. Sealing can also trap moisture inside the brick, which could be problematic. In moisture-prone kitchens and bathrooms, PVA or terracotta sealant is sensible. On floors, Retrouvius recommends Lithofin’s MN Stain Stop to protect against spills.
Qwhat if i have no original brickwork? Consider brick slips, or veneer bricks, which mimic solid brick but are much thinner; try Eurobrick Systems or Matclad. Once pointed, they’re incredibly realistic. Another option is to hire a bricklayer to build a new wall with reclaimed bricks. In upstairs rooms, consult a structural surveyor regarding load-bearing.
‘Original texture is key, so Be careful not to lose this By Overzealous cleaning Or repair. avoid wire Brushes as they will remove the “skin” Of the Brick’ roger Hunt, co-author of New Design for Old Buildings (RIBA Publishing)