The Hardware Store DIY You Need To Create A Stunning Industrial-Chic Accent Wall

The phrase "exposed brick " in any real estate listing can often be enough to set any potential homeowner or renter's heart aflutter. This unique architectural element, present in older or more industrial buildings or homes, immediately gives both visual interest and texture to any room it inhabits and is often a far more stylish alternative to blank white walls covered in plaster or drywall. If your home is not blessed with this stylish element, all is not lost. A simple DIY project shared by TikTok user @citygirlmeetsfarmboy might be just what you need. This hack, using sheets of faux brick MDF board readily available at hardware and home stores can help you create an industrial accent wall of your dreams. Even better, you can easily install it with screws directly to the wall in minutes.

With a little spackling, caulking, and paint this versatile board can look exactly like the real thing without time-consuming brick laying or tile application. the result is a textured DIY accent wall that is easy to put up and take down, making it a great option for renters (just remove and spackle the screw holes when you leave.) 

Faux brick HDF board is available from places like Home Depot, where you can find the Kingston Brick Panels for around $50 each that measure 4 feet wide by 8 feet high, making them perfect for many standard height ceilings. You can also use a jigsaw to cut pieces down to add to higher or lower ceiling spaces. Once you have measured the intended space and are ready to install, use a stud finder and use your studs as a guide for screwing the paneling securely to the wall.

Once installed, use spackle or caulking to cover any seams between segments and the screw holes, as well as around the bricked area to help it blend a bit more fully with the other walls. If you'd like to leave the brick natural, use a paint similar to the faux grout to cover the filler, or prime and paint your entire brick surface. Many choose white, gray, or black as stylish options for color. 

Not only are brick panels easier to install than actual bricks or thin brick tiles, it is also easier to hang things on, such as artwork and open shelving, making it a great material for a backsplash if you are looking for a way to add an industrial feel to your kitchen. The HDF board allows you to place screws and anchors easily in the wall behind the panels for a secure hold without additional drilling. The HDF board is sturdy, and with an additional coat of sealer, can also be water-resistant, making it great for bathrooms and kitchens. 

In addition to accent walls, the paneling makes a similarly great solution foradding brick anywhere, such as faux fireplace surrounds and pieces of furniture. It is much lighter and easier to paint than traditional brick walls, lacking the weight considerations necessary for the real thing. Unlike adding or exposing real brick, the paneling does not shed brickdust and is easier to keep clean.