Interesting points, but now I'm wondering—does veneer hold up well over time indoors? We're just finishing up our first custom build, and honestly, the thought of dealing with acoustic panels everywhere sounds exhausting (and pricey...). But veneer durability is something I'm still unsure about. Anyone had issues with chips or peeling after a few years? Would hate to trade acoustic headaches for maintenance ones, haha.
We've had veneer indoors for about six years now, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. No peeling or major chips yet, though we did have a minor issue when moving furniture—totally our fault, not the veneer's. I think durability really depends on the quality of installation and materials used. Have you looked into different veneer finishes or sealants that might boost longevity? Might be worth exploring before making a final call.
"I think durability really depends on the quality of installation and materials used."
Totally agree with this. When we were building our place, I spent ages researching veneer vs real brick. Ended up going with veneer indoors mainly because of cost and ease of installation, but honestly, it's been solid so far. One thing I'd add is that moisture control matters a lot too—especially if you're in a humid area. Proper sealing and ventilation can make a huge difference in how well veneer holds up over time... learned that one the hard way with our bathroom reno.
We went through something similar when renovating our kitchen. Initially, I was leaning heavily toward real brick because I love the texture and authenticity it brings. But after weighing the costs and the structural adjustments we'd need to support the extra weight, veneer ended up being the practical choice.
One thing I'd emphasize from experience is prep work—it's everything. We spent extra time making sure the surface was perfectly clean and primed, and we chose a high-quality adhesive specifically recommended for brick veneer. Also, spacing and alignment matter a lot if you want it to look authentic. We laid ours out on the floor first to get the pattern right, then transferred it piece by piece onto the wall. It took patience, but the end result was worth it.
It's been about four years now, and honestly, no regrets. Still looks great, and we've had zero issues with durability or moisture—even near the sink area. Like you said, proper sealing and ventilation are key... learned that lesson from a friend's basement project that didn't go so well.
