Brick Around Bottom of House: Your Ultimate Upgrade Guide

Many homes feature an exposed concrete foundation that, while functional, does little for curb appeal. This utilitarian strip of concrete can make a house feel unfinished or stark. Homeowners often search for a way to conceal this area, seeking a solution that adds character, warmth, and a sense of permanence to their property.

Adding a brick accent around the bottom of a house, often called a brick skirt or wainscoting, is a timeless solution to this common problem. This architectural feature not only boosts curb appeal but also provides an additional layer of protection to the most vulnerable part of your home’s exterior. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to transform your home’s foundation into a stunning design element.

Why a Brick Skirt is More Than Just Decoration

That band of brick at the base of a house serves multiple important functions. It’s a design choice that marries form and function, offering tangible benefits beyond its classic aesthetic. Understanding its purpose helps in appreciating its value as a home improvement project.

Primarily, a brick skirt enhances curb appeal by creating a strong visual anchor for the house. It breaks up the monotony of a single siding material and adds texture, color, and a sense of history. This feature is also known as brick wainscoting, referencing the traditional interior paneling that covers the lower portion of a wall, or a water table, as it helps shed water away from the foundation.

Choosing Your Materials: Full Brick vs. Thin Veneer vs. Faux Panels

The first major decision in your project is selecting the right type of brick material. This choice will impact the project’s cost, installation complexity, and long-term durability. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages tailored to different needs and budgets.

Your selection between full brick, thin brick veneer, and faux brick panels will define the scope of your project. Full brick offers unmatched authenticity and durability but requires a structural support ledge. Thin brick veneer provides the look of real brick without the weight, while faux panels are the most budget-friendly and DIY-accessible option.

Feature	Full Brick Masonry	Thin Brick Veneer	Faux Brick Panels
Material	Solid, structural clay bricks (approx. 4 inches thick).	Real brick cut thin (approx. 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick).	High-density polyurethane or composite panels.
Installation	Requires a concrete footing or ledge for support. Labor-intensive masonry work.	Adhered directly to the wall over lath and a scratch coat. No footing needed.	Screwed or nailed directly to the wall sheathing. Easiest for DIY.
Average Cost (Installed)	$14 – $30 per square foot.	$8 – $18 per square foot.	$14 – $24 per square foot.
Pros	Extremely durable, structural, authentic, fire-resistant.	Authentic look, lightweight, versatile, good for retrofitting.	Affordable, fast installation, low labor cost, lightweight.
Cons	Very expensive, requires professional installation, not suitable for retrofit without new foundation work.	Less impact resistant than full brick, relies on proper adhesion.	Can look artificial up close, less durable, susceptible to UV damage.

The Critical Step Everyone Misses: Pre-Installation Prep

Proper preparation is the foundation of a successful brick veneer project. Rushing this stage can lead to failure of the entire installation, causing costly damage down the road. Focus on creating a clean, stable, and waterproofed surface before a single brick is laid.

A pristine substrate is non-negotiable. Beyond that, the most critical and often overlooked element is moisture management. A properly installed brick veneer is not waterproof; it is a drainage wall. This means you must have a system in place to manage the water that will inevitably get behind the brick.

Mastering Moisture Management

The key to a long-lasting brick skirt is a comprehensive water management system. This involves creating multiple layers of protection that work together to keep your home’s structure dry. This system is composed of a water-resistive barrier, flashing, and weep holes.

First, a water-resistive barrier (WRB), like builder’s felt or a house wrap, must be applied to the wall sheathing. This is your primary line of defense. Crucially, an air gap of about one inch should be maintained between the WRB and the back of the brick veneer, which allows moisture to drain and the wall to dry out.

Next, install metal flashing at the base of the wall where the brick will begin. This flashing should slip under the WRB and extend over the foundation, directing water out. Finally, incorporate weep holes—small gaps in the vertical mortar joints of the first course of bricks—every 24 inches. These holes allow collected water to exit from behind the brick wall.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Thin Brick Veneer)

Installing a thin brick veneer skirt is an achievable project for a skilled DIYer. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-quality result. This guide focuses on the most common method using metal lath and mortar.

1. Prepare the Surface

Ensure the foundation and wall sheathing are clean, dry, and structurally sound. Make any necessary repairs to cracks or damage. This initial step is vital for proper adhesion and a smooth final appearance.

After cleaning, install your water-resistive barrier, lapping the seams correctly to shed water. Proper installation of this barrier is your home’s primary defense against moisture intrusion behind the brick veneer.

2. Install Metal Lath

Fasten a galvanized, self-furring metal lath over the WRB. The lath should be installed with the small cups pointing upwards to catch the mortar. Overlap the seams by at least one inch and secure it to the wall studs with galvanized screws or nails every six inches.

3. Apply the Scratch Coat

Mix a batch of Type N or Type S mortar to a peanut-butter consistency. Apply a 1/2-inch thick layer of mortar over the entire surface of the lath, pressing firmly to ensure it pushes through the mesh and keys into the lath. This is your “scratch coat.”

While the mortar is still wet, use a mason’s scarifier or a notched trowel to create horizontal grooves across the surface. These grooves provide a rough texture for the next layer of mortar to bond to. Allow the scratch coat to cure for at least 24 to 48 hours.

4. Plan the Layout and Set the Bricks

Snap a level chalk line for your first course of bricks. It’s often best to start at the center and work your way out to the corners. Dry-fit a row of bricks with spacers to check your layout and minimize cuts.

Apply a 3/8-inch layer of mortar to the back of each brick—a technique known as “buttering.” Press the brick firmly onto the scratch coat with a slight twisting motion to set it securely. Use 3/8-inch spacers to maintain consistent mortar joints.

5. Grout the Joints

Once the bricks are set and the mortar has had time to cure (typically 24 hours), you can fill the joints. Use a grout bag to pipe mortar into the gaps between the bricks. Fill the joints completely, avoiding smearing mortar on the brick faces.

Let the mortar set until it is “thumbprint hard”—firm to the touch but not fully cured. Then, use a striking tool to shape the joints into a concave profile, which helps with water shedding. First tool the vertical joints, then the horizontal ones for a clean finish.

6. Final Cleaning

After the mortar has fully cured (wait several days), clean any remaining mortar haze from the brick faces. Use a stiff bristle brush and a mild cleaning solution if necessary. Avoid using wire brushes or harsh acids, which can damage the brick surface.

Designing Your Brick Skirt: Style and Cohesion

The design of your brick skirt is just as important as its installation. The right choices in color, texture, and proportion will ensure the new brickwork complements your home’s existing architecture. Think of the brick as a key component of your overall exterior color palette.

Consider the undertones in your existing siding, trim, and roof. Choose a brick color that shares a common undertone with these elements for a cohesive look. For example, warm red bricks pair well with beige or cream siding, while cooler gray bricks complement blue or gray homes.

The Impact of Mortar Color

Mortar makes up about 20% of the visible surface area and has a massive impact on the final look. A light mortar color, like white or buff, will make each brick stand out, creating a high-contrast, traditional appearance. A dark or matching mortar color will blend the bricks together for a more modern, monolithic effect.

The height of the brick skirt is another critical design decision. A common rule of thumb is to align the top of the brick with the bottom of the windowsills. This creates a visually pleasing proportion and a logical transition point to the main siding material.

Avoiding Common Disasters: Top 3 Brick Skirt Mistakes

A poorly installed brick skirt can lead to significant problems, including water damage, rot, and structural issues. Understanding the most common mistakes can help you avoid them. These errors often stem from cutting corners on preparation and water management.

1. Forgetting or Ignoring Water Management

This is the single most destructive mistake. Failing to install a proper water-resistive barrier, flashing, and weep holes will trap water behind the brick. This trapped moisture can rot the wall sheathing and framing, leading to mold growth and expensive structural repairs.

2. Inadequate Surface Preparation

Applying brick veneer to a dirty, crumbling, or unstable surface is a recipe for delamination. The mortar needs a solid substrate to bond to. Take the time to thoroughly clean and repair the foundation wall before you begin.

3. Improper Mortar and Grouting Technique

Inconsistent mortar mixing, sloppy application, and incorrect joint tooling will result in a poor aesthetic and reduced durability. Messy mortar joints are difficult to clean and detract from the beauty of the brick. Furthermore, improperly shaped joints can fail to shed water effectively, leading to increased moisture absorption.

Beyond the Brick: Maintenance and Long-Term Care

While brick is a low-maintenance material, it does require some periodic care to keep it looking its best and functioning correctly. Regular inspection is the key to catching minor issues before they become major problems. A little attention each year can ensure your brick skirt lasts a lifetime.

At least once a year, inspect the brickwork for any cracked or crumbling mortar joints. This is a common issue that can allow water to penetrate the wall system. Repairing these joints, a process called tuckpointing, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the veneer.

Cleaning and Sealing

For general cleaning, a simple rinse with a garden hose and a scrub with a soft-bristle brush is usually sufficient. For more stubborn stains, a mild detergent can be used. Avoid high-pressure washing, as it can damage the brick face and mortar joints.

Applying a breathable masonry sealer is an option to consider for extra protection against moisture. However, ensure it is a “breathable” or vapor-permeable sealer. Using a non-breathable sealer can trap moisture within the brick, which can cause spalling (flaking) during freeze-thaw cycles.

Properly installed brick is a robust material that helps shield your foundation from the elements, whether it’s heavy rain or the kind of accumulation that makes you consider the minimum snow for a snowblower. A beautiful brick skirt also creates a perfect backdrop for landscaping and holiday decorations, which can simplify other outdoor tasks like figuring out how to hang Christmas lights outside without an outlet. Unlike an interior fix for when a pocket door is stuck in the wall, exterior masonry work demands thorough planning to account for weather and moisture.

Conclusion

Adding brick around the bottom of your house is more than an aesthetic upgrade; it’s a strategic investment in your home’s value, durability, and curb appeal. By transforming an overlooked foundation into a deliberate design feature, you create a sense of character and permanence that sets your home apart.

From choosing the right materials to mastering the critical details of water management, a successful project lies in careful planning and execution. Armed with the knowledge in this guide, you can confidently tackle this project, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve a beautiful, long-lasting result that you can be proud of for years to come.