How Much Does It Cost To Install Brick Veneer Siding?

Cost factors of brick veneer siding

As with any home renovation project, many separate pieces come together to create an overall expense. Brick veneer siding - also referred to as faux or fake brick - is available across the country in a wide range of colors and blends, similar to standard full bricks. Your location and many other economic factors determine what you’ll need to budget for.

Whether you’re looking to fit a brick veneer project into your existing budget or determining how much to save, here are a few factors to help you discern the cost:

Type of brick veneer

There are many different choices for veneer bricks, creating a wide range of pricing. Brick veneer panels are sheets of brick veneer attached to a mesh back. They cover larger areas and usually range between $6 to $10 per square foot. Thin brick veneer has a lower average price point than a thicker design. Traditional four-inch individual bricks tend to cost less per square foot at about $4 to $8, but they take longer to install. 

Size of home

The size of your home is a huge piece of the puzzle to figuring out your total brick veneer cost. The more square footage you’d like covered, the higher your final cost. If you’re not covering your entire exterior with brick veneer, measure the square footage of the area you intend to cover. Full house coverage is more expensive than mixing the brick veneer with other siding styles. Cut back costs by covering your home's front exterior in brick veneer and leaving your existing siding on the sides and rear.

Brick veneer installation for a 2,500-square-foot home ranges between $10,000 and $75,000, with an average total cost of $18,000.

Supplies 

The installation method used for your brick siding is also a major factor in determining the total cost. A thick-set application method requires different supplies than a thin-set method. Standard supplies like mortar cost around $0.50 per square foot. Specialty tools, lumber, water-resistant sealant, wire lath, and cement backer board also contribute to the project budget in their own unique ways.

Labor cost of installing brick veneer siding

As with many financial aspects of a brick siding project, the labor cost depends on the brick type, installation area, and the job's complexity. Labor to install brick siding and veneer typically ranges between $3 and $20 per square foot. While a bricklayer may charge between $40 and $100 per hour instead of by square foot for smaller jobs, most exterior home installations charge per square foot with predetermined labor costs factored in.

Brick veneer siding costs by type

A few key factors determine where your final brick veneer cost will land. Deciding on your preferred design attributes ahead of time allows you to start honing in on the cost range of your brick veneer project. Considering the style of brick you choose, the cost of removing old siding, and additional specialty supplies, each small decision leads to a different final price. 

• Face brick siding: With an average cost between $4 and $8 per square foot, face brick siding is made from real brick. Most often featuring a thickness of four inches, face brick siding takes longer to install than other options.
• Thin brick veneer strips: Made from real brick, thin brick veneer has an authentic look with a thickness of one inch or less. These strips are installed similarly to standard tiles and cost between $3 and $10 per square foot.
• Faux brick panel siding: Faux brick panels are typically made from epoxy or polyurethane and tend to be the most expensive brick siding option. Faux brick panels run between $6 and $10 per square foot.
• Faux brick veneer: Constructed from manufactured stone strips, faux brick veneer usually looks and feels like a standard brick. Faux brick veneers range between $4 and $10 per square foot.

DIY or hire a pro

Unless you have an extensive background in siding installation or bricklaying, installing brick siding isn’t a DIY-friendly project. The skills and training required for a job that both looks nice and protects your home long-term require education and experience. If the brick siding is installed incorrectly, it can lead to structural weakness and may not have the final outcome you’re hoping for.

For a job you can rely on and the end result you’re looking for, hire a contractor near you to get a quote using the information in this guide as a starting point.