How to Quickly and Inexpensively Create a Modern Industrial Faux Brick Wall in a Weekend
The faux brick walls we installed in the gym shed are stunning. The transformation is dramatic — the before-and-after shots barely look like the same space. We spent just two days installing these panels and the result feels like a professional remodel.
All of the items from the old pool shed are now piled in our garage, which is a little chaotic for the moment. I’m planning a big purge and organization session soon, but for now we’re moving forward with one project at a time.
Before and After
Before we get into the step-by-step DIY process, take a moment to appreciate the change in this view.
Removing the old ceiling and installing white faux brick walls completely opened the room up. We completed the entire shed makeover for under $700 in materials, making this a very budget-friendly weekend upgrade.
DIY Faux Brick Wall and Shed Makeover
Supplies
- Faux brick panels
- 1×2 boards
- Corner molding
- Level
- #8 wood screws
- Liquid Nails
- Spackle
- Caulk
- Paint, rollers, brushes, and paint trays
Tools
- Circular saw or table saw
- Jigsaw
- Drill
Steps
We began with some demolition—removing pegboard, tearing down an old ceiling, and taking out a few protruding walls to open the shed up. If you’re starting with standard drywall, you won’t need this demolition step and can jump straight to hanging the panels.
After clearing the space and reinforcing where needed, follow these practical steps to install faux brick panels like a pro.
- Hang the first panel straight. If you’re attaching the panels over drywall, finish nails and construction adhesive like Liquid Nails will work. When installing panels directly onto studs, we recommend screwing the panels into the studs for a secure mount. Use a level to make sure the first panel is perfectly straight, as this sets the pattern for the rest of the wall.
2. Make accurate cuts for partial panels. Use a circular saw or table saw to trim pieces where full panels won’t fit. Match the brick pattern from the adjacent panel so seams align naturally.
Tip: For a less visible seam, cut along the mortar lines with a jigsaw in a zig-zag pattern to disguise joins. It takes more time, but produces a nearly seamless appearance.
3. Fit around obstacles. Use a jigsaw to cut panels around windows, outlets, and other obstructions. Puzzle the cut pieces together so everything fits cleanly.
4. Add trim. Install 1×2 boards along the top and bottom of the walls for a finished look, and attach corner molding where panels meet at room corners.
5. Fill and smooth. Caulk seams and spackle screw holes or gaps, then sand lightly where needed to create an even surface.
6. Paint. We mixed several leftover cans of white paint to cover the entire shed, which saved money and reduced waste. A fresh coat of paint unifies the panels and instantly elevates the space.
Painting completed the transformation — it’s amazing how much a clean, bright finish improves a room.
Finished Home Gym
The demo paid off — the exposed ceiling painted black adds an industrial edge that pairs perfectly with the white faux brick for a modern gym look. We plan to mount mirrors on the long wall for workout form checks and will finish outfitting the space with equipment soon.
To keep the air moving, we installed a compact ceiling fan with retractable blades that suits the industrial aesthetic without being overpowering.
The shed sits beside the pool and pergola area, which makes it an inspiring spot to work toward fitness goals. We also found heavy-duty rubber gym floor mats secondhand, which will protect the floor and absorb impact during workouts.
With the walls painted, trim installed, and floor protection in place, our home gym is ready for equipment. Even before the final load-in, the space already feels like a proper workout area. This faux brick wall method is an affordable, fast way to get a modern industrial look in a weekend.
