"Looks almost identical, less hassle with moisture, and repairs are way simpler..."
Agree on the moisture issue—had to redo drainage around a real brick wall once, nightmare job. Veneer would've saved me days and headaches. Real brick looks great, but practicality wins out for me lately.
"Veneer would've saved me days and headaches."
Yeah, that moisture thing is no joke. But I'm curious—anyone consider long-term value differences between veneer and real brick? Veneer's definitely easier to manage short-term, but does real brick hold its value better over time, especially in resale? Just thinking out loud here... practicality matters, but investment-wise, could real brick still edge out veneer despite the headaches?
Good points there. From what I've seen, real brick does tend to hold its value better in the long run—buyers often perceive it as higher quality or more "authentic." But honestly, I've also had clients who regretted going full brick because of ongoing maintenance headaches (think repointing mortar every decade or so...). Veneer might be a compromise, but it's still pretty durable and way easier on upkeep. Guess it depends how much you value your weekends!
Have you considered the interior implications too? Real brick can limit your decor options down the line—harder to paint or change up. Veneer gives you more flexibility...maybe worth factoring into your decision?
Real brick doesn't have to limit your decor as much as you'd think... I've seen some beautiful interiors where people whitewashed or lightly painted real brick walls. It adds character without losing flexibility. Veneer's great, but real brick can surprise you with its versatility.
