How to Expose Brick Walls

Exposing brick walls became an interior design trend during the late 1900s because many people found that it was far less expensive to expose the brick in older homes then it was to repair or replace the damaged plasterwork. However, while exposed brick can make a powerful architectural statement, it is not the best option for every remodeling project.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Determine if your home has brick that is worth exposing. When many homes were constructed builders didn't finish the bricks, and they weren't tidy with the mortars. Because of this many brick walls are ugly. A test hole can determine if the brick in your home is suitable for exposure.

2. Prep your room. Remove all the furniture, or cover it with plastic to keep dust and debris from damaging the fabric or finishes. Also cover your floors with plastic to prevent damage and to make cleanup easier. Bring in garbage cans to haul out debris.

3. Identify if there are electric lines, gas lines or other obstacles in the wall that must be re-routed or removed before demolition. If you don't have experience with these things, get expert help.

4. Break open the sheetrock or plasterwork and tear down the covering wall. Don't use too much force, or you can damage the brick wall behind the plaster and gypsum and possibly compromise the stability of your home. Place the debris in your garbage bins.

5. Remove the studs used to secure the plasterboard. You may need to use a crow bar, saw or other tools for this process.

6. Clean up your brickwork and repair as needed.

7. Remove the debris, plastic and set up your room around your newly exposed brick wall.