Modern designers are using Himalayan salt brick walls in homes because of the potential health benefits and beauty. A backlit salt brick wall will turn your home spa, yoga studio, or living room into a warm and relaxing oasis. A backlit Himalayan salt brick wall is also a very doable DIY project that you can be proud of.
Understanding Himalayan Salt Bricks
Before constructing anything, you need to understand what the Himalayan salt bricks and walls do. Himalayan salt bricks are made from ancient salt deposits at the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan. The bricks are packed with minerals and trace elements, which makes them glow a soft, peachy-orange colour when backlit. Many people believe that calmness is brought by the walls, but there is little scientific proof to support the theory. Many also believe that the walls purify the air and reduce stress, and there is little proof to support these claims. The walls are beautiful and striking.
Planning Your Salt Wall Project
The location you select for your Salt Wall is key to your planning process. Because high moisture areas can cause salt to deteriorate, losing its visuals, your best options are any internal walls free of moisture. The purpose of the walls are purpose is also important. Will it be an accent feature, a divider, or a full wall installation? Measure your space and determine the number of salt bricks each of the walls will require. Standard bricks are typically 8 x 4 x 2 inches, though sizes can vary. Be sure to account for extra space, as you’ll likely have to cut and break some of the salt bricks. Also, plan out the lighting system as well. LED strips are a great choice because they don’t generate a lot of heat, are energy efficient, and illuminate evenly.
Gathering Materials and Tools
Safety equipment, including gloves and eye protection, is the first thing you’ll need. Then, make sure you have salt bricks, a framing system, LED strips, a power supply, salt adhesive, spacers, a level, and measuring tools. Kits that include all the materials and tools needed to install a salt wall are available from many suppliers. These bundles can be great for those who are just getting started with building salt wall projects.
Making the Frame and Putting in the Lights
The bottom part of your build salt wall has to be a strong frame. It has to support all the bricks and also hold the lighting system. If you are making a free-standing wall or a room divider, make a frame using either wood or metal studs. If your wall-mounted installation has a plywood backing, you can put it directly against the wall, but make sure it is properly secured to the wall studs.
When your frame is solid, it’s time to put in the LED lighting. Stick LED strip lights in vertical rows along the back of your frame, leaving 6 to 8 inches in between each light and making sure to not leave any gaps in the height of your installation. Make sure the wiring is neat and all connections are tight. Leave the wiring for the power supply accessible. Before you continue, make sure everything is working properly by testing your lighting system.
Installing the Salt Bricks
Now that you have the frame and lights ready, it’s time to start with the salt bricks. It is best to start from the bottom and move up row by row. The best way to do this is to spread a thin layer of the right kind of adhesive to the back of each brick. Salt sticks best to silicone-based stone adhesives. After you do this, you will push the brick against the back wall and use spacers to keep the gaps the same between all of the salt bricks.
Now, just keep a level handy so that you can keep it straight as you work on getting all of it done. Salt bricks do vary slightly, so you might need to move a few of them up and down to keep it straight. That is a good thing as it keeps with the natural rustic look of the wall. When you get to the edges and corners, you will have to cut some salt bricks down to size. Using a masonry saw will do the trick. Just make sure you have safety gear and a ventilated area before you start cutting some salt bricks.
Final Tasks and Ongoing Maintenance
Once all the bricks are set and the adhesive is cured (following the manufacturer’s guidelines, this is usually 24 to 48 hours), you can take out the spacers and wipe off the excess adhesive with a damp cloth. It is a personal preference for installers to either leave some gaps between a few unfilled bricks or to grout some for a more complete look.
There is little to no effort needed to upkeep your salt wall. Just use a dry cloth or a soft brush to dust off the salt wall. Do not use wet methods to clean the wall, or water will be attracted to the wall. It is best to keep the wall in a climate-controlled area that stays within 40 and 60 percent humidity. If you see that the salt wall is getting water between the bricks, use better airflow or try a dehumidifier.
The LED lights only need little to no maintenance, and have a long-lasting lifespan. Although you should be prepared to replace some lights from time to time. It is a good idea to have extra LED light strips for the repairs.
Conclusion
Adding a backlit Himalayan salt bricks wall is a unique project that is rewarding and adds a new feature to your home. While it does take time and effort to complete, it adds a feature that provides soft, warm lighting and will be a great conversation starter. With the right techniques and environmental conditions, your salt wall will glow for years to come and create a calming environment in your home. A Himalayan salt brick wall is a great design addition if your space needs a focal point or just some natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to build a Himalayan salt brick wall?
This depends on the quality of the bricks and the wall size, but expect to pay $15 to $30 per square foot for the materials. A wall that is on average 4 x 8 feet would cost $500 to $1,000 for the materials that include the bricks, lighting, and adhesive.
Is it possible to put a salt wall in a bathroom?
It’s possible to install a salt wall in a bathroom, but not the best idea since the humidity can create problems. If you have to put a salt wall in the bathroom, make sure it has good ventilation, and don’t put the wall close to the shower or tub.
Do salt walls make the air better?
They have made a salt wall with the idea in mind that it will improve the air quality, but the data to support this idea is not strong or conclusive. With that said, the lights and the salt wall itself do make the room feel nice and relaxing.
How long do salt walls last?
A salt wall will last a long time with proper care, and it can last indefinitely if installed correctly.
Can you turn the lights off when the wall is not in use?
Sure, you can turn the lights off when you want. Some people like to put a dimmer on the wall lights to make it less bright or to create different lighting.
