We've had reclaimed brick walls in our kitchen for about 7 years now, and honestly, maintenance hasn't been too bad. We sealed them initially, and I think that made a noticeable difference—no moisture issues so far. Sure, there's occasional dusting and the odd crumb getting stuck in the mortar grooves (especially near the stove), but nothing I'd call a nightmare. I'd say if you love the look, it's definitely manageable long-term.
"sometimes practicality wins out."
True, but in this case, practicality hasn't really been compromised much...at least for us.
Glad it's working out for you...but honestly, I've seen some clients regret real brick in kitchens over time. Even sealed, grease and cooking splatters can be stubborn. A good veneer might save headaches without sacrificing much charm. Just something to think about.
"Even sealed, grease and cooking splatters can be stubborn."
Exactly. Real brick looks fantastic, but the maintenance isn't trivial. A couple things to consider:
- Veneer is way easier to clean—just wipe and done.
- Real brick can absorb odors over time, especially in a busy kitchen.
- From a sustainability angle, veneer often has a smaller environmental footprint (less material, lighter transport).
I get the appeal of authenticity, but practicality matters too. Just my two cents...
"Real brick can absorb odors over time, especially in a busy kitchen."
Good point—I've seen this happen firsthand. Had a client who insisted on real brick behind their stove, and after a year or two, they mentioned it was tough keeping cooking smells from lingering. Veneer definitely simplifies things maintenance-wise, and honestly, most people can't even tell the difference visually. Practicality usually wins out in the long run, especially in high-use areas like kitchens.
Veneer definitely simplifies things maintenance-wise, and honestly, most people can't even tell the difference visually. Practicality usually wins out in the long run, especially in high-use areas ...
I get the practicality angle, but honestly, there's something about real brick that veneer just can't replicate. Yeah, it might absorb some odors, but isn't that part of the charm? My grandma had a brick wall behind her stove for decades, and sure, it smelled faintly of garlic and herbs—but stepping into her kitchen always felt warm and inviting. Maybe it's not for everyone, but sometimes a little imperfection adds character...
