White Brick Backsplash Tile in Kitchen

A white brick backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of a kitchen. The bright, clean aesthetic lends an airy, spacious quality to the room while adding warm texture and visual interest. From modern and minimalist to cozy and rustic, a white brick backsplash pairs effortlessly with virtually any kitchen design style.

But beyond just looking fantastic, a white brick backsplash tile comes with some great practical benefits too. The pale color reflects light, making the space seem larger and brighter. The brick material is also naturally strong and durable - perfect for a high-traffic area prone to messes and spills. Read on to discover why more and more homeowners are incorporating this timeless material into their kitchen backsplashes.

Brightens Up the Space

There's no denying it - white brick simply looks fresh, clean and bright. The pale color reflects light rather than absorbing it, instantly making the kitchen appear larger and more open. This effect is only amplified when white grout is used. Combined with abundant natural light or strategic task lighting, a white brick backsplash can help even the darkest, most dated kitchen feel airy and refreshed.

While an all-white palette risks looking clinical, the texture and variation in the brick keeps the aesthetic cozy and welcoming. The white brick backsplash plays well with materials like wood, black metal, or concrete in countertops and islands. This allows you to brighten up the space while still retaining warmth through material contrast.

Works with Any Color Scheme

While white brick tile beautifully lightens a dark space, it also pairs elegantly with an all-white kitchen scheme. Crisp white cabinetry, floors, walls and countertops allow the subtle texture and variation in the brick tile to shine. Consider a classic white-on-white look for a seamless, sophisticated aesthetic.

A white brick backsplash can also provide balance in a colorful kitchen. Bright accent colors like glossy red or sunshine yellow benefit from a neutral backdrop. Allow your funky color blocked cabinets or hand-painted tiles to pop against a simple white brick wall.

Reflects More Light

Unlike dark grout or tile materials that absorb light, white brick backsplash tile bounces light around the kitchen. This makes the space feel more open and airy while cutting down on the need for artificial light during daylight hours. Strategically placed task lighting over appliances and countertops supplement the ambient light.

The light balancing effect of a white backsplash applies to both natural and artificial light. So even if the space lacks abundant windows or skylights, strategic downlighting and under-cabinet lighting combined with the pale tile still lend a feeling of brightness.

Design Considerations

White brick backsplash tile lends vintage charm and timeless appeal to any kitchen. But installing a quality backsplash requires some design consideration regarding the size, texture, layout options and grout color.

Brick Size and Shape

Brick backsplash tiles come in different sizes and shapes. A standard full-sized brick tile measures about 2 1/4" x 7 5/8", with a half-sized brick measuring 1 1/4" x 7 5/8. Mini brick tiles around 1" square are also popular for added visual interest.

Elongated bricks create a more traditional brickwork pattern. Smaller tiles make for easier cutting and fitting between cabinets or around outlets. Mixing up the scale and orientation of square and rectangular brick mosaic tiles adds texture and dimension.

Glazed vs Natural Finish

Unglazed natural brick has an organic, slightly rough texture and appearance. This lends well to Old World, Tuscan and rustic kitchen designs. However, unglazed brick is also more porous and prone to staining.

A glazed finish offers sheen and acts as a sealant. Bright white or softly mottled glazed bricks pair beautifully with contemporary kitchen aesthetics. The subtle variation between bricks create depth without detracting from the crisp white backdrop.

Layout Patterns

Beyond the standard stacked bond pattern, laying brick tiles in other intricate arrangements add visual punch. Consider a herringbone pattern for dimension and movement or an offset brick layout for an artistic effect.

Shape the tiles around focal points like a stove backsplash or sink area, allowing them to frame or highlight special features. This helps draw the eye while breaking up the uniformity.

Grout Considerations

Grout serves the practical purpose of sealing the cracks between tiles. For white brick, the most common grout options are either white or light gray. However, take care not to choose a gray grout that clashes with cool-toned tiles.

A tight grout width of 1/16" thick is barely visible, maintaining the clean brick aesthetic. A wider grout line adds more contrast and definition. Mix it up between varied thicknesses like 1/8" and 1/4" for subtle ornamental detail.

Installation Tips

Installing a kitchen backsplash brick tile project is an intermediate DIY task, but has high impact. With proper planning, tools and technique, you can save on installation labor costs by tiling your own white brick backsplash.

Professional vs DIY Install

Novice DIY-ers can achieve professional-looking results with some studious research beforehand. Focus on proper prep, precise layout plotting, and having the right tile-cutting tools. Thin brick veneer backsplash tiles are lightweight and easy to handle during amateur installations.

However, intricate herringbone patterns or designs requiring special edge treatments may fare better with an experienced tile setter. Outsource labor on structural changes like moving electrical or plumbing before your tiling begins.

Necessary Prep Work

Plan your layout for minimal tile cuts, symmetry and proper scaling. Measure twice and map it out. Clean the target wall area thoroughly, repair imperfections, and prime with tile primer adhesive.

Gather all tools and materials including tiles, spacers, grout float, mixing paddles and buckets. Have a tile cutter, wet saw or snapper tool ready with safety gear. Ensure a clean, dust-free environment before spreading thinset mortar adhesive.

Grouting Considerations

Grouting brick tile backsplashes seals and future-proofs your design. White thin-set mortar works for most white grout applications. Wait 48-72 hours, letting it cure completely before grouting.

Use a rubber grout float to spread grout over the surface, pushing it deeply into joints. Let it set slightly before wiping any excess grout off the brick face. Once dry, avoid abrasive scrubbing and use pH-neutral cleaners.

Maintenance

The beauty of natural clay brick tiles lies in their slightly imperfect, worn-in and aged appearance. However, white glazed brick maintains a crisper, cleaner look long-term. Follow proper care to retain the backsplash's like-new appearance.

Sealing

Sealing provides an impervious protective barrier, preventing stains from absorbed into the porous brick. Re-apply sealer every 1-2 years on natural brick, less for glazed. Clean thoroughly and let dry completely before sealing.

Avoid using acidic cleaners which degrade sealers more quickly. Use mild pH neutral options instead. Rinse thoroughly to prevent soapy residue build-up. Consider durable epoxy-based sealants for maximum stain protection in a busy kitchen.

Cleaning Caution

General debris, dust and grease accumulation hampers the bright white aesthetic. Use soft microfiber cloths with warm water and mild detergent for regular wipe-downs.

Brace for cooking splatter such as wine, coffee and oil to prevent stubborn staining. Never use abrasive scouring pads or powders which scratch surfaces. Vinegar, ammonia and other acids strip away protective sealants.

The joints between brick tiles may chip or crack. Checking for damaged sections annually allows for quick repairs.