Cost to expose a brick wall

Make a modern industrial style statement in your home with exposed brickwork. It’s an extremely on-trend look, especially when used as a feature wall. The brickwork can add atmosphere, texture and a touch of edgy chic to your living space, and it needs little maintenance.

In this guide, we’ll look at the average cost to expose a brick wall, including how to get the best results.

How much does it cost to expose a brick wall?

The average exposed brick cost depends on a few key factors, such as:

• The condition of your wall
• How much of your wall you’re having exposed
• Where you are geographically (as it can be more expensive in London and the South than in other parts of the UK).

There will be a decent amount of preparation work to do, and you’ll need to hire a builder to expose the brick wall beneath. We spoke to Checkatrade member, Damien Lewis of Nationwide Construction who said you can expect to pay between £55 – £80 per metre to clean and seal exposed brick work. The cost will depend on the amount of cleaning off it needs.

Please note that these are ballpark costs to act as a guide to help you plan your project. To get an accurate cost for your job, please use our handy search tool to get multiple quotes from tradespeople near you.

How to choose which wall to expose

Remember that any expanse of exposed brick in an otherwise plastered and painted room will make a dramatic statement. It’ll become the focus of the room, so choosing the right wall is very important.

You’ll also need to think about the practicalities. Which is the easiest wall to strip? Ideally, this will be one with no doors or windows, as working around the edges of such fittings can be tricky and time-consuming. It’s also a good idea to consider radiators, plug sockets and other potential obstructions.

Pros and cons of an exposed brick wall

Pros

• Exposed brickwork can create a stylish modern statement in your home.
• Once the job is properly finished, your brick wall shouldn’t require much in the way of maintenance or cleaning.
• You can also paint the exposed brick if you wish to. But only do it if you’re sure, as paint on brick can be difficult to remove.
• Exposing brickwork can help you uncover and recapture a sense of your home’s history – which can be fascinating.
• An exposed brick wall can be highly durable.

Cons

• Not everyone likes the rustic or industrial look of exposed brickwork. Some people may consider it messy, and prefer a cleaner finish, so if you’re looking to sell your property soon, it’s worth having a think about it.
• If the job isn’t done properly or the wall isn’t finished carefully enough, it can make a room appear ‘unfinished’ – this is why it is so important to get a professional in, rather than a DIY job.
• Your bricks may not be of the best quality, or have the appearance you want – and you’ll only find out when you remove the plaster.
• The brickwork must be treated once exposed, and this can take time – and it may need doing again at some point in the future.

Tips to remember before you get started

• Expose a small amount of the brickwork in a tucked-away corner, so you can check out the colour and quality of the bricks.
• Avoid falling into the trap of doing too much. One exposed brick wall could look amazing, but a whole room could be overkill.
• It’s always a good idea to use a professional for this kind of job, as they have the equipment, skill and experience to get a high-quality finish.
• Think about how you’ll dress the room afterwards, as you might want to use textiles and colour to ‘soften’ the look of the exposed brick surface.

FAQs

How do I know if my walls are suitable for stripping back to the brickwork?

It often depends on the age of your property, as older homes can have more attractive brickwork than newer ones. If your home was built before the 1950s, it could be a good candidate. Consider doing a test patch in a discreet corner, so you can take a look at the quality and appearance of the bricks before exposing the whole wall. You can also consult an expert to get their professional advice.

Can I get the look without the messy process?

Exposing brickwork can be a messy business, but you can get a similar look with other techniques. For example, patterned wallpaper, faux brick panelling, brick tiles and brick veneers. For the very best finish, bring in a professional Checkatrade decorator or brick tiler to complete the job.