Totally agree with you on veneer being surprisingly durable indoors. One thing I've found helpful is to remind clients that real brick can still be manageable if you prep it right from the start. For example, sealing the brick properly during installation can drastically reduce moisture issues down the line. Plus, adding a subtle lighting setup can really highlight the texture and depth of real brick, making the extra maintenance feel worthwhile... just something to consider if they're leaning toward authenticity.
Good points about sealing and lighting. A couple years back, I worked on a renovation where the homeowner insisted on real brick indoors. We sealed it thoroughly during install, and honestly, moisture hasn't been an issue at all. One thing though—dust buildup was more noticeable than expected, especially with textured bricks. Veneer might win there for ease of cleaning... but if authenticity matters most, real brick definitely holds up if you're proactive from day one.
Interesting perspective on dust buildup... but have you considered how veneer ages over time compared to real brick? I went with veneer in my home office thinking it'd be easier upkeep, and yeah, cleaning's a breeze—but after a few years, it just doesn't have the same charm. Real brick seems to develop character as it ages, imperfections and all. Wonder if anyone else has noticed veneer losing its appeal quicker than anticipated?
Totally agree about veneer losing its charm quicker. One thing I've noticed is that veneer colors tend to fade unevenly, especially if sunlight hits the wall regularly. Real brick, on the other hand, seems to handle sunlight better—actually looks better with some weathering over time.
"Real brick, on the other hand, seems to handle sunlight better—actually looks better with some weathering over time."
That's an interesting point about real brick aging gracefully. Makes me wonder, though... has anyone looked into how veneer vs. real brick compares in terms of insulation and energy efficiency? I've heard mixed things about veneer walls and heat retention, especially in colder climates. Curious if the aesthetic advantages of real brick also come with better thermal performance or if it's mostly visual preference.
