Can You Have Exposed Brick in a Bathroom?


This article discusses if you can have exposed brick in a bathroom. Are you are redesigning your bathroom and are thinking about either repainting your walls or exposing the bricks under the plaster or drywall for a unique and cozy ambiance? Exposed brick walls provide a touch of texture, warmth, and contrast that are suitable for a modern interior. But are exposed bricks good for the bathroom? We will find out the answer below.

Can you have exposed brick in a bathroom? Exposed brick walls are suitable for any room which includes the bathroom. Combining exposed brick walls with a glass shower cubicle results in a fusion of contemporary and rustic ambiance. On the other hand, there are a few factors that you need to consider like water seepage and steam that can damage the exposed bricks. Make sure that you use multiple layers of sealant and always keep the bathroom properly ventilated to avoid damages and mold that can come from the moist and humid bathroom environment.

Are exposed bricks waterproof? Can exposed bricks be used in a shower? What are the common exposed brick wall bathroom ideas? Are there any disadvantages of using exposed bricks in a bathroom? These are some of the questions that we will discuss in this article. There are many ways wherein you can incorporate exposed brick walls in the bathroom. To help you get started, below are some tips and information that you can refer to.

Exposed Brick Wall Bathroom Ideas

You can use exposed brick walls as a backsplash for your bathroom sink. You can also paint it to highlight the different areas of your bathroom. Exposed brick walls are also ideal for layered lighting. Let us learn more about the different exposed brick wall bathroom ideas below.

Backsplash

A lot of people are hesitant to use exposed brick walls in their bathrooms because of maintenance issues. The humid and moist environment of the bathroom can easily cause mold and mildew. The good thing is that this problem can be easily solved with the use of a sealant. Applying the right sealant and finish to the exposed bricks can prevent mildew and brick decay. The sealant also provides a glossy or matte sheen that will complement the polished surfaces of your bathroom. You can use exposed bricks as a unique backsplash for your bathroom sink.

Use it to Highlight

If you have a single exposed brick wall in your bathroom, you can use it to draw attention. You can decorate the wall by placing items and furniture that you would like to highlight. For instance, you can place your claw-foot tub against the wall so that its design and elegance will be showcased. Moreover, you can also use the exposed brick wall to place your vanity or a large mirror. For a stunning and elegant backdrop, hang a piece of artwork or a chandelier against the wall. We have also shared this article that discusses if exposed brick looks good. Check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Go for a Modern Look

If you think that your bathroom is old-fashioned, you can modernize it along with the exposed brick wall. To start with, choose a color palette that you like. For a modern look, gray, black, and white are the ideal colors to choose from. When it comes to choosing furniture and fixture, opt for those that feature clean lines to achieve a modern look. You can also opt for industrial materials such as concrete and stainless steel that complement the exposed brick and help provide a modern feel to the bathroom. You can also check out this article titled, do orchids like bathrooms? We have sjared tips and information that you can refer to.

Paint the Bricks

If you have a small bathroom, having an exposed brick wall can be a bit overwhelming. To brighten up space, you can paint the exposed bricks in light colors such as white or ivory. On the other hand, take note that brick is a porous material and you need to be careful when painting it. You first need to clean the bricks with the use of a wire brush. Scrub any dirt and debris that sticks to the bricks with a paste mixture that is made of soap, salt, and water. Make sure that the bricks are dry before you start painting. Protect the bricks by applying a polyvinyl acetate primer and sealer. After the primer has dried, apply paint to the wall with the use of a roller and brush.

✅ Video – Most Amazing Stylish Bathrooms with Brick Walls and Ceilings Bring Life into Your Home

Diy Home Decor Ideas shared the video below on YouTube. It shows different design ideas for exposed brick walls in bathrooms. You can watch the video below for more information.

Disadvantages of Exposed Brick Walls on Bathrooms

Among the disadvantages of having exposed brick walls, in the bathroom is that it can retain dust and water. Bricks are a porous material and moisture can easily seep inside the bricks which can cause them to decay faster. Find out more about the disadvantages of exposed brick walls in bathrooms below.

Dust and Water Exposure

One of the disadvantages of an exposed brick wall in a bathroom is that it holds dust and can absorb water easily. Because of this, the wall requires constant maintenance and inspection. Bear in mind that rough surfaces are a magnet for dirt and dust. Aside from that, exposed brick walls can be difficult to clean. Exposed brick walls that are not sealed can absorb soap residue and other airborne contaminants. They may also be exposed to stains that require special cleaning supplies to prevent damaging the mortar and the surface of the bricks.

Porous Material

Bricks are porous materials that can cause mold and moisture problems. Moisture is a major drawback because it can make the exposed bricks and the mortar between the bricks brittle. As a result, the bricks can slowly decay, crack, flake, and crumble. Make sure that you seal exposed brick walls with sealant. Before applying a sealant, you need to replace missing or crumbling bricks and mortar on the wall.

Many Flaws

If your home is constructed many years ago, the bricks on the inside of the walls may not be as high quality as the bricks that are found on the exterior of the home. Bear in mind that most house plans include plaster interior walls. Because the inside bricks are concealed with plaster, they are often uneven, chipped, bumpy, and flawed.

How to Waterproof Exposed Bathroom Bricks

There are a few steps that you need to follow to waterproof exposed bathroom bricks. The first thing that you need to do is to inspect the bricks for any damages. Clean the bricks, and replace those that are damaged or chipped. Once the brick is cleaned and dried, you need to apply a sealant to waterproof them. Take note that unsealed brick is porous and can easily absorb water which can weaken the brick masonry and mortar.

By sealing and waterproofing exposed bricks in your bathroom, it will improve the value of your home and also extend the life and beauty of the masonry work. On the other hand, bear in mind that not all sealers provide waterproofing. Make sure to read the label carefully so that you can guarantee that the sealant that you choose provides moisture protection. You can also check out this article that we have shared that talks about why exposed brick is good. We have shared the benefits that you can get from exposed bricks.

Step 1: Remove dust and dirt from the exposed bricks before sealing. Make sure to check the corners where dust tends to collect.

Step 2: Thoroughly scrub the brick using soap, warm water, and a rug. Remove excess moisture from the bricks with the use of a towel. Make sure that it is completely dry before sealing.

Step 3: In a paint tray, pour a liberal amount of brick sealer. A standard masonry sealer can be used on most brick surfaces.

Step 4: With the use of a paint roller, apply the sealer on the surface of the bricks. You can use an angled brush to apply a sealer to the mortar lines. Let it dry completely before applying the second coat.

Step 3: Apply the second coat of sealer and leave it to dry completely.

Can Exposed Brick be Used in a Shower?

Exposed brick can be used in a shower. They make a good design for walls and floors. On the other hand, make sure that exposed bricks are properly installed. If you are planning to install brick slips in a shower. See to it that the slips are properly sealed and the bathroom is well ventilated. We have also shared this article that discusses if you can add exposed brick to a wall. You can check out the article for an in-depth discussion about the topic.

Are Exposed Bricks Waterproof?

Exposed bricks are not 100% waterproof. Bricks are porous materials that can easily absorb moisture and water. Water and moisture within a brick can result in internal damage and molding. It can also cause the bricks to decay faster.

Is Brick Sealer Any Good?

Brick sealers are effective in keeping exposed brick walls dry. The sealers will prevent the spread of moisture on brick walls. There is a wide array of sealers that you can choose from. On the other hand, some sealers are not waterproof. Hence, make sure to check the sealer that you choose so that you can guarantee that it also provides waterproofing. We have also shared this article titled, how do you fake exposed brick? We have shared the different alternatives that you can use if you do not have real bricks at home.

Conclusion

You have reached the end of this article that discussed if you can have exposed brick in a bathroom. We have found out that it is possible to have exposed brick walls in your bathroom provided that you apply sealer into it to prevent moisture and water from damaging the bricks. There are many ways to decorate around an exposed brick wall in the bathroom. You can find an option that suits your decorating style and provides your bathroom with added character and charm.

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