A New York creator filmed a worker giving a wall a brick-like appearance without actually laying any bricks. The reveal left viewers debating shortcuts in modern buildings. Some called it a construction catfish, while others argued that cheaper materials are simply the reality of building today.
Posted to TikTok by @mstoyamonique, who also goes by LaToya Monique, the video shows a worker applying a brick pattern to a wall in New York. The creator reacts right away. “This is not real brick. Only in New York,” she says, sounding baffled.
She asks to see how he does it before realizing the brick pattern has to be painted on. The worker asks if she likes it, and she admits, “Yeah, it looks good,” before the clip ends.
TikTok Chimes In
The faux-brick reveal immediately had viewers debating. “What in the catfish,” one wrote. Others argued that real brick is part of New York’s identity and questioned why builders were cutting corners. Another debated that, saying, “It’s literally called the concrete jungle not the brick jungle.”
One commenter said they’d noticed the same thing on a new building before, recalling how they knocked on the brick themselves to see if it was real. Another said they also weren’t surprised, noting, “Luxury has become particle boards and vinyl. Things like solid wood furniture are pretty much a thing of the past. Everything is being substituted for cheaper alternatives.”
Others pointed out that this isn’t anything new or unique to New York. “Y’all, they haven’t been using brick for a half century,” one commenter argued. Someone else said Florida does the same thing, even painting fake brick red. Another estimated that around 60% of the brick people see today is the cheaper version.
Some viewers defended the practice. One explained, “well brick laying is way more expensive and the workers that do it use a lot of energy to get it done. cheaper version. as close as you’re going to get it.” Another argued that modern construction is more cost-effective, faster, and built to last. They also said it helps with heating costs and keeps buildings cooler in summer.
Ultimately, the comments boiled down to a battle between users who believe things aren’t being built the same way they used to be and those who argue that affordable housing means making compromises. Even if that means settling for paint pretending to be brick.
