Have you had to tuck a modern brick in with the old? Stands out a mile, doesn't it?
Maybe you’re freshening up your period property or fixing a few chinks in your garden wall. Whatever you’re tackling, matching the right bricks can make or break the look of your project.
Getting that brick match spot on is more than cosmetic – it keeps your home looking unified and stately.
Misplaced bricks can disrupt the visual flow, not to mention knock a few pounds off your property value.
Want to sidestep those snags to ensure your new bricks are impossible to tell apart from the old?
Read on to learn all about brick matching…
Let's get started1. Grasping brick sizes through the ages
Heading to the brick aisle without the foggiest can feel like being a kiddo in a sweet shop – overwhelming, with far too many choices. You see, not all bricks are cut from the same cloth.
In the good ol’ days, 'imperial' size bricks were the hottest thing around – chunky and robust at 228 x 110 x 68mm. But times changed, and so did brick sizes.
Post-1965, the 'metric' system was glorified. It shrank bricks to a more modest 215 x 102.5 x 65mm.
But here’s the thing. If your home was built with the brawnier imperial bricks, popping in a metric one might leave you with awkward gaps or a patchy finish.
Even though tweaking your mortar might seem like a quick fix, nothing beats finding that perfect-sized brick to keep your walls looking immaculately tidy and historically accurate.
After all, a well-fitted brick looks better and feels right – like it’s always been part of your home.
Need some visual prompts? Check out our inspiration page – you'll unearth loads of ideas on how to match bricks that complement your home's historic look.
2. The colour conundrum in brick matching
When you colour match, you don’t just pick a brick that looks about right under the shop lights.
Nope, it's a bit like trying to match your socks in the dark if you're not careful.
The hues of bricks can vary wildly, influenced by everything from the clay used to the kiln's whims.
You might’ve noticed how one batch can differ slightly from another.
So, when possible, try to collect bricks from the same batch or cleverly blend multiple batches to avoid a patchwork effect.
Top tip: Lay out your potential bricks in natural daylight then compare them against your existing brickwork.
Sometimes what looks like a match in the shade can be a glaring mismatch in the sun.
If you're ordering in, always ask for samples and give them the garden test – line them up outside and live with them for a day or two.
It's the best way to ensure you won't end up with a wall that looks like a brickwork quilt.
Always ask for samples and give them the garden test – line them up outside and live with them for a day or two
3. Textural ties that bind
Hold on, though – there's a little more to mull over than just size and colour.
Texture plays a colossal role in how your bricks blend. It affects how light plays off your walls, adding depth and character. Or, worst case, making one section of your wall look freshly groomed while the rest looks comfortably weathered.
Do your original bricks have a smooth front, or are they rugged with a bit of character?
Matching this aspect can be as imperative as colour because a glossy new brick amidst matte, aged ones can look as out of place as a penguin in the desert.
Sure, the feel is important. Equally critical is how the light hits and shadows cast so that your masonry looks unified.
To nail this, take a good look at your wall on a bright day and a cloudy one, and note the texture differences.
When you decide on what bricks you’ll use, consider how they look and how they feel.
Rub your hands over them, and see if they tell the same story, or if they'll write a whole new chapter on your wall.
Sometimes, the best match comes from a supplier specialising in historical textures. So, don’t shy away from seeking out specialists if your project demands it.
4. Reclaimed or new?
When it comes to blending in new bricks with old, you have a couple of paths you could take: reclaimed or new.
Reclaimed bricks, salvaged from old buildings or projects, carry with them a history and a naturally aged look that new bricks can only dream of.
They can be a blessing for restoration projects where authenticity is key.
That said, availability can be hit or miss, and you might find the selection as unpredictable as British weather.
On the flip side, new bricks offer consistency and are readily available. They comply with modern standards, giving you peace of mind when it comes to durability and quality.
However, they might lack the character and patina of older bricks, which can be a dealbreaker for certain projects.
Fancy a browse through our extensive brick collection? Hop over to our Brick Library to find just the style you're after, whether it's reclaimed or spanking new.
5. The magic of brick tinting
If finding the perfect match proves elusive, there's another trick you might consider – brick tinting.
This process involves applying a colourant to the brick’s surface, subtly shifting its hue to better match your existing masonry.
The beauty of brick tinting lies in its ability to adapt. Whether you're dealing with slight colour discrepancies or a major mismatch, tinting can bring your bricks into harmony without compromising their texture or structural integrity.
It's essential, though, to use professional services for this – a botched job can leave your walls looking splotchy rather than seamless.
6. Mortar matching – a few top tips
Mortar can significantly influence the look of your masonry, comprising up to 15% of the wall’s visual impact.
Do you just stick bricks together? No, not exactly. Mortar frames them, making up a good chunk of your wall’s look.
It’s fundamental to get the colour and texture of your mortar spot on.
If the old joints were done with a lime mix, slapping on modern cement might stick out a bit.
Try making up a bespoke mix that matches your old mortar, and test it out on a hidden corner to see if it blends in without a fuss.
The right mortar mix will make your new bricks look like they’ve always been part of the gang.
Not sure how many bricks or how much mortar you'll need? Swing by our Brick Estimation page for some quick help with the numbers.
We're here for you
There you have it – matching bricks doesn’t merely involve picking the right colour and size.
Actually, it centres on the whole package – texture, mortar, and a bit of know-how.
Get these elements right, and your new bricks will look like they’ve been there for ages.
If you're stuck on choosing the right type of brick, our Brick Selection service is here to help steer you in the right direction.
