DIY Herringbone Brick Porch—How Mercedes McGee Transformed Her Front Entry with Old Mill Brick

Creating a home you love is about more than paint and furniture—it’s about the feeling that greets you every time you walk through the door. That’s exactly what designer and blogger Mercedes McGee, creator of With Love, Mercedes, wanted when she decided to reimagine her front porch with a warm, textured herringbone thin brick surface.

From Limewashed Brick to Lasting Character

Mercedes had recently limewashed her home’s original brick for a soft, timeless look, but she still wanted more depth and texture at the entry.

“I wanted to add more depth and texture after the limewashing, so I came up with the idea of adding this little porch. It does exactly what I want it to do—brings in some warmth and character, and makes our front entry feel a lot more intentional.”

Building the Herringbone Brick Porch

To achieve the pattern and precision she envisioned, Mercedes chose Old Mill Brick Brickwebb® Herringbone Sheets in Castle Gate—a classic, richly layered red blend that pops against a light exterior.

Using Brickwebb made installation simple. The patented mesh-backed sheets let you place up to twelve real clay bricks at once, keeping the herringbone lines true and tight as you work. She completed edges and transitions with Thin Brick Single Flats and Thin Brick Single Corners, all set with Old Mill Brick Adhesive for lasting performance.

Shop Brickwebb® Herringbone in Castle Gate

Finishing with a Light German Schmear

For the final touch, Mercedes applied a light German Schmear over the grout to soften edges and add a gently weathered character—letting the brick’s natural color and texture shine through. She first perfected the look on her Old Mill Brick fireplace, and she shares a helpful tutorial on her blog if you’d like to try it yourself.

A Porch with Heart (and Style)

The finished porch does more than upgrade curb appeal. The herringbone brick instantly draws the eye, while Castle Gate’s warm tones make the entry feel grounded and intentional—an everyday invitation to gather and come home.

“This porch does exactly what I hoped—it feels intentional. It’s where our family steps out into the world and comes home to one another.”

Get the Look

• Brickwebb® Herringbone Sheets – Castle Gate
• Thin Brick Single Flats – Castle Gate
• Thin Brick Single Corners – Castle Gate
• Old Mill Brick Adhesive

All components are made from real kiln-fired clay for authentic color depth and lasting durability.

Planning your layout or first herringbone project? Download our step-by-step guide: Brickwebb® Installation Guide (PDF).

Follow Mercedes’ Home Journey

See the full reveal and more DIY tutorials on With Love, Mercedes, and follow daily progress and inspiration on Instagram: @with.love.mercedes.

Real Brick, Real Easy

At Old Mill Brick, we believe great design should be doable. Our patented Brickwebb® system lets you install up to twelve real bricks at a time for faster, more precise results—perfect for patterns like herringbone that demand accuracy. Build with authentic materials and enjoy the difference every day.

Shop Brickwebb® Herringbone – Castle Gate

FAQs

Can I install a herringbone pattern with Brickwebb?

Yes. Brickwebb® Herringbone sheets are pre-aligned to help you keep the pattern straight and consistent across the porch.

Is Castle Gate suitable for exteriors?

Yes. Old Mill thin brick is real kiln-fired clay and is commonly used for exterior porches, walks, and accent walls when properly installed and sealed as needed.

Do I need special tools?

Standard tile/brick tools work great: a notched trowel, wet saw or grinder for cuts, adhesive, grout (or mortar for German Schmear), and a grout bag if desired.