You've probably seen that specific look on Pinterest or in a high-end architectural digest where the walls look like they’ve been there for a century but somehow feel incredibly modern. That’s the magic of white washed brick tile. It isn't just a trend; it's a solution for people who want texture without the overwhelming "redness" of traditional masonry.
Honestly, real brick is heavy. It's porous. It’s a nightmare to clean if you're splashing pasta sauce near it. That is exactly why thin-brick tiles and ceramic look-alikes have taken over the market. They give you that tactile, "Shed-chic" or "Modern Farmhouse" vibe without requiring a structural engineer to reinforce your floor joists.
Most people get confused about what "white washed" actually means in a tile context. We aren't just talking about slapping some watered-down Latxcit paint on a wall. In the world of interior design, especially according to veterans like Joanna Gaines or the teams at Fireclay Tile, white washing is about translucency. You want the "bones" of the brick to show through. It’s about highlights and lowlights.
The Difference Between Paint and Pigment
When you’re shopping for white washed brick tile, you’ll encounter two main types: pre-finished ceramic/porcelain and reclaimed thin-brick that you wash yourself.
Ceramic versions are basically "set it and forget it." Manufacturers like MSI Surfaces or Bedrosians produce porcelain tiles that mimic the texture of brick but come with a factory-applied glaze. This glaze is digitally printed to look like lime-wash. The benefit? Zero maintenance. You can scrub it with harsh chemicals and that white-washed look isn't going anywhere.
Then there’s the purist route.
Using reclaimed brick veneers—often sliced from old Chicago buildings—gives you a literal piece of history. Companies like Old Mill Brick specialize in these thin slices. If you buy "natural" red brick tile, you have to do the white washing yourself using a technique often called "German Smear." This involves using wet mortar or a lime-based slurry and wiping it across the face of the brick.
It’s messy. It’s physical. But the result is deeply authentic.
Why Texture Beats Flat Subway Tile Every Time
Subway tile is fine. It’s the safe bet. But it’s also flat and, frankly, a bit overplayed in 2026. White washed brick tile offers depth. Because the surface is irregular, light hits it differently throughout the day. In the morning, side-lighting from a window will catch the ridges and craters, creating shadows that make a kitchen feel alive.
Designers often point to the "Tactile Paradox." White is a cold color. Brick is a warm texture. When you combine them, you get a surface that feels clean and hygienic but stays cozy. It's the reason why tech-heavy kitchens with stainless steel appliances often use brick tile to "ground" the space. Without it, the room feels like a laboratory.
Common Mistakes in Installation
Don't use a standard 1/4-inch spacer. Just don't.
Real brick isn't perfect. If you align white washed brick tile with laser-level precision and thin grout lines, it looks fake. You want wider joints—think 3/8-inch or even 1/2-inch. And use "sanded" grout. The grit in the grout mimics the mortar used by masons in the early 1900s.
Another thing? People forget to seal the "brick" if they are using the real clay stuff. Even though it's a tile, clay is thirsty. If you don't use a high-quality impregnating sealer (like those from Miracle Sealants), your beautiful white-washed backsplash will soak up grease like a sponge. Once that oil hits the clay, it’s there forever. It becomes a permanent stain that mocks you every time you boil water.
Durability and the "Forever" Factor
Is this going to look dated in five years?
Probably not.
White washing has been around since the Roman Empire. They used "calcium hydroxide" (slaked lime) to protect buildings and reflect heat. In the 1800s, it was a cheap way to make a basement look clean. Today, it’s an aesthetic choice. Because it relies on neutral tones and natural textures, it doesn't suffer from the same "dated" fate as, say, hunter green cabinets or glass mosaic borders.
If you go with a porcelain version, the durability is off the charts. We are talking about a Mohs hardness scale rating that can handle commercial traffic. You could put it on a mudroom floor and it would look the same decades from now. Clay-based brick tiles are softer but arguably age more gracefully, picking up a "patina" that adds to the character.
Cost Breakdown: Reality Check
Let's talk money because "luxury" looks often come with luxury price tags.
- Porcelain "Brick-Look" Tiles: Usually $5 to $12 per square foot. Easy to install. Low labor cost.
- Reclaimed Thin Brick: $12 to $25 per square foot. These are heavy to ship.
- Installation Labor: Expect to pay 20% more for brick tile than standard ceramic. Why? Because the uneven edges mean the installer has to "butter" each tile individually to keep the wall level.
It isn't cheap. But it's an investment in the "soul" of the house.
Creating the "German Smear" Look Yourself
If you’re a DIYer, you can buy plain red brick tile and achieve the white washed look for about $50 in materials. You need a bucket of white pre-mixed mortar and a heavy-duty sponge.
Basically, you "grout" the entire face of the brick.
Wait about 10 minutes.
Then, use a damp (not soaking) sponge to wipe away the excess. The more you wipe, the more red shows through. If you want a "ghost" look where the brick is barely visible, just do one light pass. If you want a rugged, industrial look, scrub harder in some spots and less in others. Randomness is your friend here.
Where to Use It (Beyond the Kitchen)
While backsplashes are the go-to, white washed brick tile is incredible as a fireplace surround. It lightens up the "heavy" feeling of a hearth.
I’ve also seen it used effectively in "powder rooms"—those tiny half-baths that usually feel cramped. Because the white reflects light, it opens the space up, but the texture keeps it from feeling like a sterile hospital bathroom.
One unconventional spot? The ceiling.
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In "industrial loft" style renovations, a thin-brick vaulted ceiling (even if it's just a veneer) creates an architectural focal point that usually stops people in their tracks. It’s a lot of weight to hang over your head, so make sure you’re using a high-bond modified thin-set mortar.
Environmental Impact
If you care about sustainability, white washed brick tile is actually a pretty solid choice, provided you choose the right source.
Reclaimed brick is the gold standard for eco-friendly design. You’re literally using waste from a demolition site. New-fire brick requires a lot of energy to produce (those kilns run hot), but brick is also one of the few materials that is 100% recyclable. You can crush it up and use it for landscaping or road base at the end of its life.
Porcelain versions are less "green" in terms of production, but they last so long that the "cost-per-year" environmental impact is actually lower than cheaper vinyl or laminate options that end up in a landfill every seven years.
Next Steps for Your Project
- Order Samples First: Never buy brick tile based on an online photo. The "white" can range from a warm cream to a blue-toned stark white. Get three or four samples and lean them against your wall for 24 hours to see how the light changes.
- Check the "V-Rating": Look for tiles with a V4 variation rating if you want a natural look. This ensures that no two tiles look exactly the same.
- Select the Right Mortar: Use a "Large Format Tile" (LFT) mortar if your brick tiles are longer than 8 inches. This prevents "lippage," where the edges of the tiles stick out further than the centers.
- Seal Early: If you are using real clay, apply a sealer before you grout. This acts as a "grout release," making it much easier to clean the face of the brick after you've applied the white wash or mortar smear.