---
title: How to Create a Real-Looking Faux Brick Accent Wall for Under $100
siteUrl: https://logzly.com/brickmortardiy
author: brickmortardiy (Brick & Mortar DIY)
date: 2026-06-18T13:02:12.389886
tags: [fauxbrick, budgetdiy, homeimprovement]
url: https://logzly.com/brickmortardiy/how-to-create-a-real-looking-faux-brick-accent-wall-for-under-100
---


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You’ve walked into a [coffee shop](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coffee+shop&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a boutique and thought, “That [brick wall](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brick+wall&tag=organizationtip101-20) gives the place instant character.” The good news? You can get the same vibe at home without breaking the bank or hiring a mason. Below is my step‑by‑step plan to build a convincing [faux brick wall](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=faux+brick+wall&tag=organizationtip101-20) for less than a hundred bucks.

## What You Need

### Materials List

- **[Foam board](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=foam+board&tag=organizationtip101-20) or thin [plywood panels](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=plywood+panels&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – 4 × 8‑foot sheets are cheap and give you a solid base.  
- **Brick texture wallpaper** – Look for a peel‑and‑stick style with a realistic brick pattern.  
- **[Construction adhesive](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=construction+adhesive&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – A tube of heavy‑duty glue works fine; you’ll need it for both the panels and the wallpaper.  
- **[Joint compound](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=joint+compound&tag=organizationtip101-20) (spackle)** – A [small bucket](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+bucket&tag=organizationtip101-20) is enough for filling seams and adding depth.  
- **Sandpaper (120‑grit)** – To smooth any rough spots after the compound dries.  
- **Paint (chalk or matte latex)** – A [light gray](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=light+gray&tag=organizationtip101-20) or warm tan helps blend the bricks with the rest of the room.  
- **[Masking tape](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Masking+Tape&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – Keeps edges clean while you work.  

All of these items can be found at a local [hardware store](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hardware+store&tag=organizationtip101-20) or online for under $80 total if you shop sales. This keeps the project well within the **[budget‑friendly faux brick accent wall under $100](/brickmortardiy/budgetfriendly-faux-brick-accent-wall-under-100)** range.

### Tools

- [Utility knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Utility+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20)  
- [Straight edge](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=straight+edge&tag=organizationtip101-20) or ruler  
- [Paint roller](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paint+roller&tag=organizationtip101-20) (small)  
- [Small paintbrush](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+paintbrush&tag=organizationtip101-20) for corners  
- Level (optional, but handy)  

## Preparing the Wall

1. **Measure the space** – Write down the height and width of the area you want to cover. This will tell you how many panels you need.  
2. **Cut the panels** – Using a utility knife, score the foam board along the measured lines and snap it cleanly. If you’re using plywood, a handsaw will do.  
3. **Attach the panels** – Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of each piece and press it onto the existing wall. Use a level to keep everything straight. Let the glue set for about 30 minutes. For a more detailed walkthrough, see our **[step‑by‑step guide to installing a faux brick accent wall on drywall](/brickmortardiy/step-by-step-guide-install-a-faux-brick-accent-wall-on-drywall-for-under-150)**.

## Applying the [Brick Wallpaper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brick+wallpaper&tag=organizationtip101-20)

1. **Plan the layout** – Most brick wallpapers come in a repeat pattern. Start at the bottom left corner and work your way up and across, just like laying [real bricks](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=real+bricks&tag=organizationtip101-20).  
2. **Peel and stick** – Peel back a small section of the backing, align it with the panel, and press firmly. Use a roller to smooth out bubbles.  
3. **Trim excess** – A [sharp utility knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sharp+utility+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20) will give you a clean edge at the top and sides.  

If the pattern doesn’t line up perfectly, don’t worry. A little mis‑match can actually add to the authentic, hand‑laid look.

## Adding Depth with Joint Compound

Real [brick walls](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=brick+walls&tag=organizationtip101-20) have mortar joints that sit slightly recessed. To mimic that:

1. **Mix a small batch of joint compound** – Follow the instructions on the container; you only need a thin consistency.  
2. **Score shallow lines** – Using a thin [piece of cardboard](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piece+of+cardboard&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a ruler, run light grooves where the mortar would be. Aim for about a 1/8‑inch depth.  
3. **Smooth and dry** – Let the compound dry completely (usually a few hours). Then sand the surface lightly with 120‑[grit sandpaper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=grit+sandpaper&tag=organizationtip101-20).  

The grooves create shadows that make the bricks pop, especially when you add a final [coat of paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coat+of+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20).

## Painting for Realism

1. **Prime the surface** – A quick coat of white or light [gray primer](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gray+primer&tag=organizationtip101-20) helps the paint adhere.  
2. **[Base coat](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=base+coat&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – Roll a matte [latex paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Latex+Paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) that matches the brick color you chose. Let it dry.  
3. **Weathering touches** – With a [small brush](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+brush&tag=organizationtip101-20), dab a darker shade into the mortar lines and the lower edges of a few bricks. This mimics the natural grime you see on real walls.  

Remember, less is more. You want the wall to look lived‑in, not painted over.

## Budget Tricks You’ll Love

- **Reuse [old cardboard](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=old+cardboard&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – If you have spare boxes, cut them into thin strips and glue them behind the wallpaper where the bricks meet. This adds a subtle 3‑D effect without extra cost.  
- **Shop clearance** – Many home centers have a “closeout” aisle where wallpaper rolls are heavily discounted.  
- **DIY stencil** – If you can’t find brick wallpaper, print a brick pattern on regular paper, tape it to the wall, and use a sponge roller with joint compound to imprint the design. It takes a bit more time but saves a few dollars.  

Looking for more ideas? Our collection of **[budget‑friendly DIY decor hacks for small living rooms](/brickmortardiy/transform-a-small-living-room-with-budgetfriendly-diy-decor-hacks-you-can-do-this-weekend)** can transform a [small living room](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=small+living+room&tag=organizationtip101-20) in a weekend.

## [Finishing Touches](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Finishing+Touches&tag=organizationtip101-20)

Step back and look at your work. If any seams are visible, a thin line of [paint can](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=paint+can&tag=organizationtip101-20) hide them. Add a few [decorative items](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=decorative+items&tag=organizationtip101-20)—like a [hanging plant](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hanging+plant&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a metal shelf—to draw the eye and complete the look. I once placed a reclaimed [wooden ladder](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wooden+ladder&tag=organizationtip101-20) against my [faux brick](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=faux+brick&tag=organizationtip101-20) wall, and it instantly felt like a loft studio.

The biggest surprise for many of my readers is how quickly a simple wall can change the feel of a room. It’s a low‑commitment way to add texture, and because the materials are cheap, you can experiment in a hallway, a bedroom, or even a [home office](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=home+office&tag=organizationtip101-20).

Give it a try, and you’ll see why Brick & Mortar DIY loves budget‑friendly makeovers. The wall will stand up to [daily life](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Daily+life&tag=organizationtip101-20), and you’ll have a stylish backdrop for years to come.