I just bought a 100+ year old brick home and I'm starting renovations in my kitchen. The layout is quite unusual and the space is very limited, plus all the walls are solid brick. I've heard that it's really important to let the brick breathe and manage moisture effectively, but I'm not clear on how to do that. I'm considering padding out the walls and adding backing, but that would reduce my already limited kitchen space. Should I just strap my cabinets directly to the brick instead? What are my best options to avoid moisture issues in my future kitchen? Any tips would be really helpful!
2 Answers
I had some spalling on my home's brick exterior and learned that using latex paint can cause issues because it doesn’t breathe well. Instead, oil-based paint is better for avoiding moisture problems. Just something to keep in mind when finishing your cabinets!
You'll want to attach furring strips to the brick to ensure the wall is plumb. Given the age of your brick, it's likely not perfectly squared. If the brick is part of an exterior wall, adding furring strips also gives you a chance to insulate, which can be helpful for temperature control.