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Old Chicago brick is loved for its mixed pinks, reds, tans and soot-streaked faces. The best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick captures that full color range and the worn, uneven texture of salvaged brick.
We compared authentic Old Chicago common thin brick, tumbled clay brick, vintage flexible veneer, red-brown clay slips and the mortar that completes the look.
Quick Answer: The Best Thin Brick Veneer That Looks Like Old Chicago Brick
- Best Overall: Authentic Old Chicago Common Thin Brick Veneer, Full Range (50 pcs, 7 sq ft)
- Best Tumbled Clay Alternative: Tenedos 2×8 Tumbled Real Clay Brick Tile, Mesh Mounted (5 Sheets, 8.7 sq ft)
- Best Flexible Vintage: TORURAL Vintage Brown/Red Thin Brick Veneer Tiles (100 pcs, 14.2 sq ft)
- Best Red-Brown Mix: Red/Brown Thin Brick Wall Tiles, Clay Manufactured Faux Brick Veneers (60 pcs, 8.5 sq ft)
- Best Mortar for the Look: Quikrete Mason Type S Mortar Mix (60 lb)
Authentic Old Chicago common thin brick is the best thin brick veneer that looks like Old Chicago brick because it is sold as the real thing in a full pink-to-yellow range. Tenedos tumbled clay is a cleaner alternative, and Type S mortar with wide joints finishes the look.
Best Thin Brick Veneer That Looks Like Old Chicago Brick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic Old Chicago Common Thin Brick Veneer, Full Range (50 pcs, 7 sq ft) | Best Overall | Authentic thin brick veneer | Old Chicago common brick in a pink-to-yellow full range | Check Price |
| Tenedos 2×8 Tumbled Real Clay Brick Tile, Mesh Mounted (5 Sheets, 8.7 sq ft) | Best Tumbled Clay Alternative | Mesh-mounted real clay brick | Kiln-fired clay bricks pre-set on 11 x 28 in sheets | Check Price |
| TORURAL Vintage Brown/Red Thin Brick Veneer Tiles (100 pcs, 14.2 sq ft) | Best Flexible Vintage | Flexible thin brick veneer | Real brick look, -37°F to 212°F | Check Price |
| Red/Brown Thin Brick Wall Tiles, Clay Manufactured Faux Brick Veneers (60 pcs, 8.5 sq ft) | Best Red-Brown Mix | Clay thin brick veneer | Real-texture Red/brown thin brick pieces | Check Price |
| Quikrete Mason Type S Mortar Mix (60 lb) | Best Mortar for the Look | Type S masonry mortar | High-strength pre-blended mortar, just add water | Check Price |
The 5 Best Thin Brick Veneer That Looks Like Old Chicago Brick
Our picks for the best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick, ranked by color range, worn texture, authenticity and value.
Authentic Old Chicago Common Thin Brick Veneer, Full Range (50 pcs, 7 sq ft)
1This box is sold as authentic Old Chicago common thin brick in a full color range, the look of salvaged brick walls in old Midwest buildings.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Authentic Old Chicago character
- Wide natural color range
- Real masonry texture
Cons
- Small coverage per box
- Pieces vary in size and edge
📄 Detailed Review
- Style: Old Chicago common
- Color: Full range, pink to yellow
- Count: 50 pieces
- Coverage: About 7 sq ft
- Install: Mortar or thin brick adhesive
Blend bricks from several boxes as you go so pink and yellow tones spread evenly.
Use a wider, slightly recessed mortar joint to match the old-building look.
Tenedos 2×8 Tumbled Real Clay Brick Tile, Mesh Mounted (5 Sheets, 8.7 sq ft)
2Tenedos sells real kiln-fired clay bricks pre-mounted on mesh sheets, which keeps the joints even and speeds up backsplashes and fireplace surrounds.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Real clay, not imitation
- Mesh sheets keep spacing even
- Fast install for a real-brick result
Cons
- Needs thinset and grout
- Sheet seams need care to hide
📄 Detailed Review
- Material: Kiln-fired red clay
- Brick size: 2.25 x 7.5 in
- Sheet size: 11 x 28 in, mesh backed
- Coverage: About 8.7 sq ft (5 sheets)
- Finish: Tumbled
Stagger sheet edges and fill any gap with loose bricks cut from a spare sheet.
Seal the clay before grouting so grout haze wipes off easily.
TORURAL Vintage Brown/Red Thin Brick Veneer Tiles (100 pcs, 14.2 sq ft)
3TORURAL’s individual thin bricks are the most realistic option in this guide: each piece is set in adhesive like real brick veneer, and the maker rates them from -37°F to 212°F.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Individual bricks look the most like real masonry
- Flexible enough for curved walls
- Moisture, sunlight and washing resistant
- Rated for interior and exterior use
Cons
- Slowest install: each brick is set by hand
- Needs tile adhesive and spacing
- Not fireproof; keep away from open flame
📄 Detailed Review
- Material: Inorganic mineral powder + poly-acrylic binder
- Size: 2.36 x 8.66 x 0.15 in
- Coverage: 14.2 sq ft (100 bricks)
- Install: Premixed tile adhesive with a notched trowel
- Temperature range: -37°F to 212°F (install above 40°F)
- Use: Interior and exterior walls, fences, fireplace surrounds
The bricks are made from inorganic mineral powder with a poly-acrylic binder and are flexible enough for curved surfaces. The manufacturer recommends spreading premixed tile adhesive with a notched trowel and pressing each brick into place, and notes they can go over drywall, concrete and wood.
Expect a slower, more “real” installation with visible mortar-style joints. The listing is clear that the veneer is not fireproof, so keep proper clearance around fireplaces.
Red/Brown Thin Brick Wall Tiles, Clay Manufactured Faux Brick Veneers (60 pcs, 8.5 sq ft)
4Clay-based thin brick veneers that give the most real brick look of any lightweight option.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Individual bricks look real
- Real joints you can grout or leave open
- Flexible layout
Cons
- Slower install, brick by brick
- Check material before using near heat
📄 Detailed Review
- Material: Clay manufactured (per listing)
- Color: Red/brown
- Coverage: 8.5 sq ft (60 pcs)
- Install: Thin brick adhesive or mortar
- Use: Walls, backsplashes, fireplaces (per listing)
Set a level line and use spacers for even joints.
Use the adhesive or mortar the maker recommends.
Quikrete Mason Type S Mortar Mix (60 lb)
5Quikrete Type S is a high-strength masonry mortar used for exterior brick work and for pointing thin brick joints.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong, versatile mortar
- Good for exterior thin brick joints
- Easy to find
Cons
- Must be mixed
- Heavy bag
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Type S mortar mix
- Size: 60 lb
- Use: Above and below grade masonry
- Mixing: Add water only
- Made in: USA
Mix small batches; mortar stiffens fast in heat.
Use a grout bag to fill joints neatly.
How We Chose the Best Thin Brick Veneer That Looks Like Old Chicago Brick
To choose the best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick, we compared how closely each product matches the Old Chicago color range and texture, then authenticity and cost.
Cut brick outdoors, use water or a vacuum shroud and wear a respirator, following the OSHA crystalline silica guide.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications and patterns in verified owner feedback; we do not claim hands-on testing we have not done. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Best Thin Brick Veneer That Looks Like Old Chicago Brick
Use these points to choose the best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick.
The color range
Old Chicago brick mixes salmon pink, red, tan and pale yellow with dark streaks.
Worn faces
Chipped corners and old mortar residue are part of the charm.
Wide mortar joints
Use wide, slightly recessed joints in a warm gray mortar.
Blend constantly
Pull from several boxes at once to avoid color patches.
Whitewash option
A thin whitewash softens the range for a lighter look.
Seal gently
A breathable matte sealer keeps the patina intact.
Old Chicago Brick Ideas
Loft character anywhere.
- Kitchen wall with open shelving.
- Basement bar backdrop.
- Fireplace with a reclaimed beam.
- Home office accent wall.
Questions about the best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thin brick veneer that looks like Old Chicago brick?
Authentic Old Chicago common thin brick is our top pick.
What colors are in Old Chicago brick?
Pinks, reds, tans and pale yellows with dark streaks and worn faces.
What mortar color suits Old Chicago brick?
A warm gray or tan mortar in wide joints.
Is Old Chicago thin brick real reclaimed brick?
Some products are cut from salvaged brick; check each listing.
How do I avoid color patches?
Blend bricks from several boxes as you install.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best thin brick veneer that looks like old chicago brick is the Old Chicago Common Thin Brick. Choose the Tenedos Real Clay Brick Tile if you want a cleaner tumbled look, or the TORURAL Thin Brick Veneer for an easy vintage install.
Related Guides
More thin brick and veneer guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Grout for Thin Brick Veneer
- Best Thin Brick Veneer Sheets With Mesh Backing
- Best Thin Brick Veneer for Exterior Walls
- Best Thin Brick Veneer for Beginners
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
