We went with brick veneer about 6 years ago, and honestly, it's held up really well. But we were super careful about moisture barriers and flashing—after hearing horror stories from friends who cut corners. I think veneer can definitely perform just as well as solid brick if you get the details right. Solid brick walls do have that extra sturdiness and thermal mass, which can help with insulation and noise reduction, but I'm not convinced it's always worth the premium price tag.
One thing I'd say is don't underestimate regular maintenance checks. Even with good installation, little issues can pop up over time—like tiny cracks or sealant wearing off. Catching those early makes a huge difference. If budget's tight, I'd personally lean toward veneer again, but I'd be picky about who installs it...lesson learned from your experience too!
"Solid brick walls do have that extra sturdiness and thermal mass, which can help with insulation and noise reduction, but I'm not convinced it's always worth the premium price tag."
Totally get where you're coming from, but I'd argue the thermal mass of solid brick can really pay off in the long run—especially if you're aiming for energy efficiency. I've seen homes with solid brick walls stay noticeably cooler in summer and warmer in winter without cranking up the HVAC. Veneer is great if budget's tight, but if you can swing it, solid brick might save you more down the road...just my two cents.
I can vouch for the thermal mass advantage. When we renovated our old place, we debated veneer vs solid brick and ended up going solid. Energy bills dropped noticeably and the house just felt cozier year-round... definitely worth it in our case.
