Product Overview

MSI Brickstone Ivory 5" x 10" Matte Porcelain Brick-Look Tile recreates the warmth and character of reclaimed, limewashed masonry in a durable glazed-porcelain format. Its softly varied palette combines warm white, cream, chalk, and aged ivory tones to produce the layered appearance of individually laid vintage bricks.

The generous 5" x 10" format creates a broader, cleaner brick pattern than traditional thin-brick veneers. Pressed edges, subtle surface movement, and V3 shade variation reinforce the handcrafted masonry aesthetic, while the matte glazed finish offers easier maintenance than genuine reclaimed clay brick.

Suitable for residential floors, light-commercial floors, walls, shower surrounds, backsplashes, and residential countertops, Brickstone Ivory works beautifully in modern farmhouse, Mediterranean, industrial, transitional, and warm-minimalist interiors.

Technical Specifications

MSI confirms Brickstone Ivory as a glazed, matte, pressed-edge porcelain tile with a PEI 4 rating, DCOF above 0.42, V3 variation, and approval for residential and light-commercial floors. Official MSI specifications

The current Hey Tiles listing correctly identifies the SKU and 5.55-square-foot carton coverage but contains several application and performance claims that should be revised.

Recommended Applications

• Kitchen Backsplashes: Delivers the character of limewashed brick without the dust, irregular absorption, and intensive maintenance of reclaimed clay.

• Bathroom and Shower Walls: Suitable over a complete waterproofing system using setting materials approved for porcelain.

• Residential Floors: PEI 4 durability supports kitchens, entries, mudrooms, bathrooms, hallways, and living areas.

• Light-Commercial Floors: Appropriate for qualifying boutiques, cafés, offices, and hospitality environments within MSI’s light-commercial classification.

• Accent Walls: Adds softly weathered masonry character to living rooms, bedrooms, foyers, and architectural features.

• Fireplace Surrounds: May be installed on properly constructed noncombustible fireplace walls using heat-rated setting materials and required clearances.

• Residential Countertops: MSI approves residential countertop use. Grout selection, joint maintenance, and edge detailing should be considered before specification.

• Covered Outdoor Areas: The Brickstone Collection is designed for indoor and selected outdoor installations. Confirm climate, substrate, drainage, and freeze-thaw installation requirements before exterior use.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: V3 SHADE-BLENDING PROTOCOL

Brickstone Ivory intentionally varies among warm white, pale cream, chalk, and deeper ivory tones. Open and blend material from several cartons before installation.

• Dry-Lay First: Arrange representative pieces from at least three cartons to balance lighter and darker tones across the installation.

• Substrate Preparation: Install over a clean, flat, stable, and appropriately prepared substrate.

• Mortar Selection: Use a polymer-modified mortar meeting ANSI A118.4 or A118.15 and approved for porcelain and the intended environment.

• Mortar Color: White mortar is recommended where exposed edges, joints, or light grout could reveal setting material. Porcelain itself is not translucent.

• Mortar Coverage: Obtain at least 80% coverage in dry interior areas and 95% coverage in wet or exterior installations.

• Brick Layout: A traditional 50% running bond, stacked layout, vertical stack, herringbone, or customized masonry arrangement may be considered after verifying tile flatness and installer requirements.

• Grout Joint: Pressed-edge brick-look tile generally benefits from a visible grout joint. Approximately 3/16" to 1/4" can reinforce the masonry appearance, but final spacing should follow MSI and installer requirements.

• Grout Selection: Use a grout suitable for porcelain and the selected joint width. Test the grout color on loose pieces before installation.

• Wet Areas: Install shower walls over a complete waterproofing assembly. The tile’s low water absorption does not make the entire installation waterproof.

• Exterior Installation: Provide appropriate drainage, waterproofing, movement joints, freeze-thaw-rated setting materials, and protection from substrate moisture.

• Movement Accommodation: Include perimeter and field movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting Safety: Use a score-and-snap cutter or wet saw. MSI warns against dry-cutting with power tools because airborne silica dust can cause serious lung injury.

• Order Allowance: Purchase approximately 10% additional material for standard layouts and 15% for herringbone, diagonal, complex, or highly selective installations.

Layout Options

• Traditional Running Bond: Produces the most authentic reclaimed-brick appearance.

• Straight Stack: Creates a cleaner, contemporary architectural grid.

• Vertical Stack: Adds height and modern direction to backsplashes and shower walls.

• Herringbone: Creates a dramatic focal point for floors, range backsplashes, and feature walls.

• Basketweave-Inspired Layout: Pairs grouped horizontal and vertical pieces for a more decorative masonry effect.

• Mixed-Format Installation: Coordinates with Brickstone Ivory 2" x 10" and 2" x 18" formats for customized brick compositions.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean regularly with warm water and a neutral-pH porcelain tile cleaner.

• Use a soft cloth, sponge, mop, or nylon brush appropriate for the matte surface.

• Avoid waxes, oily soaps, and cleaners that leave a slippery or glossy residue.

• Clean spills promptly to prevent staining of cement-based grout.

• Porcelain normally does not require sealing. Cement-based grout may require sealing according to its manufacturer’s instructions.

• Avoid abrasive steel tools that can mark the glazed surface.

• Exterior installations should be inspected periodically for failed grout, open movement joints, or water intrusion.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: Reclaimed European brick, limewashed masonry, Mediterranean farmhouse, industrial loft, and warm minimalism.

• Color Character: Chalk white, warm ivory, cream, and softly aged mineral tones.

• Visual Advantage: V3 variation gives each piece an individually weathered appearance while retaining the maintenance advantages of porcelain.

• Complementary Materials: White oak, reclaimed wood, black steel, plaster, concrete, limestone, and honed marble.

• Complementary Metals: Unlacquered brass, aged bronze, matte black, and brushed nickel.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Warm white creates a subtle field; light beige reinforces the aged-brick appearance; medium taupe gives each tile stronger definition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brickstone Ivory real brick?

No. It is glazed porcelain engineered to reproduce the color variation and weathered appearance of reclaimed ivory brick.

Is this a mosaic sheet?

No. The carton contains individual loose 5" x 10" porcelain tiles.

What is the official MSI item number?

The manufacturer item number is NCAPIVOBRI5X10.

How much does one box cover?

One box contains approximately 16 pieces and covers 5.55 square feet.

Does the tile have significant color variation?

Yes. MSI assigns it a V3 moderate-variation rating. Blend tiles from several cartons before installation.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes. Install it over a complete waterproofing system with mortar and grout approved for wet-area porcelain installations.

Is Brickstone Ivory waterproof?

The porcelain tile has very low water absorption, but the complete tiled assembly is not automatically waterproof. Shower applications still require a waterproof substrate system.

Can it be used on commercial floors?

MSI approves it for light-commercial flooring, but not heavy-commercial floor applications.

Does it require sealing?

The glazed porcelain surface normally does not require sealing. Cement-based grout may require sealing.

Is this also called Capella Ivory?

Some retailers use the legacy or alternate name Capella Ivory for SKU NCAPIVOBRI5X10. MSI’s current collection name is Brickstone Ivory.