"Outdoors though... honestly, I'd lean toward solid brick or stone if budget allows. Veneer can save money upfront, but the headaches down the road aren't always worth it."
Fair points overall, but I wouldn't completely write off veneer just yet. I've done a fair share of builds in some pretty unforgiving climates, and yes, veneer can be a pain if it's not done right—but honestly, so can solid brick. Seen plenty of solid brick walls with moisture issues and cracking too.
A few things I've noticed over the years:
- Proper installation is absolutely critical, no argument there. But that's true for just about any exterior material, brick included. I've seen veneer walls last decades without a hitch when installed by skilled masons who really know their stuff.
- Maintenance matters. Solid brick isn't exactly maintenance-free either—repointing mortar joints, sealing bricks occasionally, dealing with efflorescence... it all adds up over time.
- Budget considerations aren't trivial. Sure, solid brick or stone is ideal if you've got the cash to spare, but realistically that's not always the case. I've had clients who chose veneer and never regretted it because they put the savings into other areas of their home (better insulation, higher-quality windows, etc.).
- Also worth mentioning: veneer technology has improved quite a bit lately. Better moisture barriers and drainage systems are making a difference. Not saying it's foolproof yet (far from it), but it's definitely better than it was 10 or 15 years ago.
Bottom line—solid brick is great if you can comfortably afford it and want that peace of mind. But veneer isn't automatically a headache waiting to happen. Just gotta be realistic about expectations and make sure whoever installs it knows exactly what they're doing.
Good points all around. I've seen veneer hold up surprisingly well when done right. Like you said:
"Proper installation is absolutely critical, no argument there."
Honestly, I've had fewer callbacks on properly installed veneer than some solid brick jobs—especially older homes with neglected mortar joints. Solid brick's great, but it's not bulletproof either. At the end of the day, it's about quality workmanship and realistic expectations...and maybe a little luck with the weather.
True, veneer can hold up well...but personally, I've seen issues crop up with moisture getting trapped behind improperly flashed veneer walls. Solid brick seems more forgiving there. Still, you're right—workmanship is key, whichever route you go.
Yeah, totally agree workmanship makes or breaks it. But honestly, solid brick just feels more reliable long-term—especially in climates with heavy rain or humidity. I've had clients regret veneer after a few rough seasons...real brick seems worth the extra upfront hassle.
Went with solid brick myself after seeing my brother's veneer siding warp and loosen after just two rainy seasons. Sure, upfront was a pain, but now I sleep easy during storms...worth every penny for peace of mind.
