How Much Does Brick Siding Cost? With Real Homeowner Examples

Brick siding, with its unique combination of beauty, strength, and durability, is in a class of its own. The only downside to brick siding is price, which, due to the high level of skill required for proper installation, is considerably higher than other materials. But thanks to the advent of brick veneer siding, it's possible for homeowners to get the look and feel of real brick without the high installation costs. To learn more about brick siding and how much it costs to install, continue reading.

Cost to Install Brick Siding #

Installing brick siding on a home exterior is a significant investment, but can greatly enhance the beauty, value and durability of the home.

Some key factors that influence the overall installation cost include:

• Brick Type - Brick can range from $0.50 to $3.50 per brick, with more expensive options like stone bricks or customized shapes. The typical cost is $1 to $2 per brick.

• Square Footage - Brick is priced and calculated by the square foot. Expect to pay $10 - $25 per square foot for materials and professional brick installation.

• Labor - For professional installation, labor will account for about 50% of the total project cost. Simple DIY projects may cost at least $5 per square foot just for materials.

• Wall Prep - Existing siding will need to be removed and the wall may need repairs or waterproofing materials to support the brick. This adds $2 to $6 per square foot.

• Scaffolding Rental - Proper scaffolding will be required for safety and access, which can cost $300 to $1000 or more depending on the height/scope of work.

• Mortar & Supplies - Mortar, grout, sealant and tools will be additional costs, averaging $1 to $3 per square foot.

For a typical 1500-2000 sq ft home, a new brick siding installation done professionally will likely cost between $15,000 and $40,000 total. Going with a basic economical brick and doing prep work yourself can reduce costs.

Top Brick Siding Brands and Pricing #

Pricing can vary based on the type of brick, size, and quantity ordered. Many brands offer bricks ranging from $1 - $3 per brick on average. Choosing a top quality brand is important for durability and aesthetics when installing brick siding.

Real Life Brick Siding Installation Prices Paid #

Question: How much did you pay in total for brick siding installation on your home?

"For my 2,000 square foot 2-story colonial house in Richmond, Virginia, the total cost to install brick siding was $35,000. This included the cost of the bricks at $2 each, mortar, rental of the scaffolding, and professional labor charges. It came out to around $17 per square foot." - Michael from Richmond, VA

"I spent $18,000 to have brick siding installed on my single-story ranch-style house in Portland, Oregon which is about 1,500 square feet. I opted for a less expensive brick at $1 per brick, but it still cost around $12 per square foot including labor and materials." - Jessica from Portland, OR

"It was around $10,000 total for me to install the brick siding myself on my small 1,100 square foot bungalow here in Nashville, Tennessee. I saved a lot doing it myself. The bricks cost me $800, mortar and supplies were $1,500, and scaffolding rental was $500." - Chris from Nashville, TN

"The full cost for me to install brick siding on my large 2-story, 3,500 square foot house in Los Angeles, California was $68,000. I went with a premium brick at $3 each which drove up the material costs. With labor, it came out to around $19 per square foot." - Emily from Los Angeles, CA

"I paid $22,500 to have an exterior brick siding renovation done on my modest single-story 1,600 square foot home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It included removing the old wood siding, prepping the walls, and installing traditional red clay bricks." - Andrew from Minneapolis, MN

Brick Siding Installer Q&A #

How long does it take to install brick siding?

"For an average sized house of around 2,000 sq ft, it usually takes my crew 2-3 weeks to fully install new brick siding." - Tim, Boston Masonry

What is the installation process like?

"First we prep the walls and install any necessary flashing. Then we apply mortar and start laying the bricks row by row from the bottom up while scaffolding is moved alongside the house." - Juan, Texas Brick Company

How do you ensure quality work?

"We use only highly trained and experienced bricklayers who know how to properly apply mortar and lay even, consistent courses. Attention to detail is key." - Mike, Chicago Brickworks

What are some common issues you encounter?

"Poor wall prep and amateur DIY jobs that ignored flashing and weep holes. We often have to redo sections if waterproofing wasn't done right." - James, Coastal Masonry

How can homeowners save on brick siding costs?

"Ask about specials on leftover or discontinued bricks from past jobs. Get quotes from several companies. Do prep work like removing old siding yourself." - Steve, Mountain Brick Inc.

What maintenance is required after installation?

"Very little - just occasional inspection for damage or re-application of sealant. Properly installed brick siding will last for decades." - David, Brick Specialists LLC

The Benefits of Brick Siding #

As any child who has read the Three Little Pigs can attest to, brick is a superior home siding material. Made from fired clay and held together by mortar, a mixture of cement, water, and lime, and sand, brick siding is head and shoulders above not only straw and wood, but also other siding materials, for reasons that include the following.

• Strength: While you may not have to worry about the Big Bad Wolf trying to blow down your house, Mother Nature dishes out plenty of punishment through wind, hail, precipitation, fire, extreme temperatures, and other weather events. No matter how much huffing and puffing, or raining and snowing and freezing, goes on outside, your home will be protected by brick siding.
• Durability: It's not uncommon for brick siding to last 100 years or more and in many cases; brick endures for the life of the building. As far as maintaining brick, very little upkeep is required for the first 25 years beyond exterior washing. After that, it's important to ensure that the mortar between bricks is maintained to prevent moisture penetration.
• Insulation: Although it's not one of the primary reasons why homeowners choose brick, the insulating properties of the material are not to be overlooked. Installing a layer of brick on the exterior of your home protects it against extreme temperatures as well as outside noise.
• Value: Despite having high installation costs, brick delivers long-term value to homeowners in the form of lower energy bills, improved curb appeal, and a five to ten percent increase in home value. And don't forget that if you want to reduce your initial investment, brick veneer siding, usually made from a thin layer of real brick or composite concrete, is a lower cost option. With brick veneer, however, there is a tradeoff, as you will lose out on some of the strength and insulation of real brick.

Brick Veneer vs Real Brick Siding Comparison #

Brick Veneer

• Consists of a thin layer of bricks applied to a backing surface
• Typically uses manufactured or cultured bricks
• Weighs 30-50 lbs per square foot
• Easier and faster installation
• Lower cost at $5-$15 per square foot installed
• Less durable with an expected lifespan of 30-50 years
• Provides minor insulation value
• Mimics look of real brick well when installed properly

Real Brick Siding

• Constructed from a wall of standard-sized clay or concrete bricks
• Uses mortar to adhere each brick together
• Weighs 120-150 lbs per square foot
• More complex installation requiring skilled masons
• Higher cost at $10-$25 per square foot installed
• Very durable and long lasting, can stand for centuries
• Excellent insulating properties
• Highest value add for home resale
• Most authentic brick look and feel

In summary, brick veneer is lighter, faster to install, and less expensive, while real brick delivers superior durability, insulation, and aesthetics. Brick veneer gives a good imitation of real brick for less. Choose based on your budget, needs, and goals.

Sources:

• Common Brick or Brick Veneer?
• Benefits of Brick and Stone Veneer

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