Brick Siding: Cost & Guide
Independent research · Last reviewed August 2026 · Costs are 2026 planning estimates, not quotes
The short answer
Brick siding costs about $9 to $28 per square foot installed in 2026 (averaging ~$13), or roughly $26,000 for an average home. It lasts a century or more with almost no maintenance — the highest upfront cost here, but the lowest lifetime upkeep. Thin brick veneer is the budget route; full brick veneer is the classic look.
What brick siding is today
When people say “brick house” today, they almost always mean brick veneer — a single layer of real brick anchored to a wood-framed wall, with a small air gap behind it for drainage, not the solid load-bearing brick of a century ago. It gives the full-brick look and durability at lower cost and weight. Thin brick veneergoes a step further, bonding brick slices to a backer board — lighter and cheaper still.
Brick siding cost by type and size
By type
| Type | Installed / sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thin brick veneer | $8–$18 | Brick slices bonded to a backer — lightest, no shelf angle needed. |
| Full brick veneer | $12–$18 | A single wythe of real brick over a framed wall — the modern standard. |
| Structural / double-wythe brick | $20–$30+ | Load-bearing brick; rare in new residential work. |
Total by home size (full brick veneer)
| 1,000 sq ft | $9,000 – $28,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft (avg) | $14,000 – $40,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $23,000 – $60,000+ |
Brick and labor split roughly half and half; skilled masonry is the reason brick costs more than most cladding.
The shelf-angle cost most quotes forget
Here's the gotcha that catches people re-cladding an existing home in full brick veneer: the brick's weight needs a structural steel shelf angle at the base of the wall to carry it. New brick homes build the foundation to support this from the start. But if you're adding full brick veneer to a house that wasn't designed for it, and the foundation doesn't extend far enough, installing a shelf angle can tack on $5 to $15 per square foot — a large, easy-to-miss line item that can add five figures to the job.
Thin brick veneer sidesteps this entirely because it's light enough to bond directly to the wall — one reason it's the practical choice for many retrofits. Always ask whether a full-brick quote includes the shelf angle and any foundation work.
Maintenance: repointing, not painting
Brick is the lowest-maintenance cladding you can buy, but “low” isn't “none.” The mortar joints wear before the brick does, so brick needs repointing — grinding out and replacing failing mortar — roughly every 25 to 50 years, plus an occasional wash. There's no painting, no rot, and no pest damage. The color is fired into the brick and essentially permanent, which is a feature and a warning: choose it carefully, because you're choosing it for decades.
Pros and cons
Where it's strong
- 75–100+ year lifespan; effectively permanent
- Near-zero maintenance beyond occasional repointing
- Fireproof and pest-proof
- Excellent thermal mass; good sound insulation
- Timeless look and strong resale value
Where it falls short
- Highest upfront cost of common claddings
- Full brick veneer may need a foundation shelf angle
- Skilled masonry labor; not DIY
- Color is permanent — no changing your mind
- Repairs must match existing brick and mortar
When brick is more than you need
- Short holds — you won't own the home long enough to recoup the premium.
- Tight budgets — thin brick veneer or a brick accent gets much of the look for less.
- Homes needing foundation work to carry full brick — the shelf-angle cost can tip the math toward thin veneer or another material.
How to sanity-check a quote
- Thin veneer or full brick veneer, and the specific brick
- Whether a shelf angle / foundation modification is included
- Flashing, weep holes, and the air gap behind the brick
- Mortar type and joint tooling
Check whether a quote is fair and vet the mason with the contractor checklist.
Keep going
Frequently asked questions
- How much does brick siding cost?
- About $9–$28/sq ft installed (avg ~$13), roughly $26,000 for an average home. Thin veneer is cheapest; full brick veneer costs more.
- What is the difference between brick veneer and full brick?
- Brick veneer is a single layer of real brick over a framed wall (the modern standard); thin veneer is brick slices on a backer — lighter, cheaper, no shelf angle.
- Does brick siding need a shelf angle?
- Full brick veneer needs one; if the foundation can't support it, adding it costs $5–$15/sq ft. Thin veneer avoids it.
- Does brick siding require maintenance?
- Almost none — repointing worn mortar every 25–50 years and occasional cleaning. No painting, rot, or pests.
- Is brick siding worth the cost?
- For a long-term home, often — 75–100+ years, near-zero upkeep, fireproof, strong resale. The catch is high upfront cost.
Cost figures are independent 2026 planning estimates and vary by brick, region, foundation, and installer. SidingWise is not a contractor or manufacturer.