Matching new bricks with recycled or existing bricks can make a major difference when extending, renovating or restoring a property. A good brick match should look natural across the entire wall rather than making the new section look obviously different.
The challenge is that brick matching is not just about colour. Brick type, size, texture, surface finish, weathering, mortar colour and joint style can all affect how new brickwork blends with existing brickwork.
At The Brick Pit, we specialise in recycled and reclaimed bricks and help homeowners, builders, architects and designers find suitable bricks for extensions, renovations, heritage restoration, feature walls and landscaping projects.
1. What Does Brick Matching Involve?
When matching new bricks with old or recycled bricks, several characteristics should be compared:
- Brick type and manufacturing method
- Brick dimensions and proportions
- Colour and tonal variation
- Surface texture
- Weathering and age
- Firing characteristics
- Brick face and edges
- Mortar colour
- Mortar joint profile
- Laying pattern
- Overall appearance of the existing wall
A brick that looks similar in a photograph may appear quite different once it is laid beside the original brickwork. This is why comparing a physical sample is often the best way to assess a potential match.
2. Identify the Existing Brick Type
Start by identifying what is already on the wall.
Older Australian brickwork can include different brick types, including:
- Sandstock bricks
- Handmade bricks
- Pressed bricks
- Wire-cut bricks
- Clinker bricks
- Sydney red bricks
- Cream bricks
- Common bricks
- Other locally produced or reclaimed brick types
The manufacturing method can affect the brick’s shape, texture, colour variation and surface character.
For example, a handmade or sandstock brick may have a more irregular surface than a modern machine-made brick. Choosing another brick simply because it has a similar red or cream colour may therefore produce an obvious mismatch.
Tip: Take clear photographs in natural daylight and, where possible, keep a physical sample of the existing brick.
3. Match Brick Size and Dimensions
Brick size is one of the easiest differences to notice once new and old brickwork are placed together.
Compare:
- Length
- Width
- Height
- Brick proportions
- Course height
- Mortar joint thickness
Even a small difference in brick dimensions can change the position of the courses and affect how the new section connects to the existing wall.
For renovation and extension projects, check the dimensions of the existing bricks before selecting recycled or new replacement bricks.
4. Match Colour and Tonal Variation
Colour is important, but don’t look for a single exact shade.
Recycled bricks can contain natural variations caused by age, firing, weathering and previous use. A wall may contain several related shades rather than one uniform colour.
Look at:
- Base colour
- Light and dark tones
- Red, brown, orange or cream undertones
- Colour variation between individual bricks
- Mortar contrast
For example, a new brick may look like a good match in a showroom but appear too uniform once installed beside naturally weathered recycled bricks.
A blend of complementary recycled bricks can sometimes produce a more natural result than trying to find one identical brick.
5. Compare Brick Texture and Surface Character
Texture is another important part of brick matching.
Look closely at:
- Smooth or rough surfaces
- Pitting
- Sand texture
- Glazing
- Clinker effects
- Surface wear
- Handmade irregularities
- Rounded or sharp edges
- Old mortar residue
Two bricks can have almost identical colours but still look completely different because their surfaces reflect light differently.
For heritage restoration and character renovations, matching surface texture can be just as important as matching colour.
6. Consider the Age and Weathering of the Brick
Existing brickwork changes appearance over time.
Exposure to weather, moisture, pollution, cleaning, repairs and surrounding materials can affect the colour and surface of older bricks.
This means a newly manufactured brick may not immediately look like a brick that has been exposed to the Australian climate for decades.
Recycled bricks can be useful where an aged appearance is required because they already carry natural signs of previous use.
When assessing a recycled brick match, compare the overall character of the brick rather than looking for a perfectly identical individual brick.
7. Don’t Forget the Mortar
Even when the brick itself is a close match, the wall can still look different if the mortar doesn’t match.
Consider:
Mortar Colour
Compare the existing mortar with the proposed mortar colour.
Joint Profile
Different joint styles can create different shadow lines and change the appearance of the brickwork.
Common profiles include:
- Flush joints
- Raked joints
- Struck joints
- Weathered joints
Joint Width
The thickness of the mortar joint can affect the apparent size and spacing of the bricks.
For restoration and extension work, ask your bricklayer to create a small test section before completing the entire wall.
8. Compare the Existing Brickwork Pattern
Brick matching isn’t only about individual bricks.
Look at how the existing wall has been built.
Check:
- Bond pattern
- Course height
- Brick orientation
- Soldier courses
- Feature courses
- Arches
- Corners
- Openings
- Decorative brickwork
If the original wall includes a distinctive pattern, the new brickwork may need to replicate the same arrangement.
9. Test the Recycled Brick Before Ordering
Before ordering a large quantity, compare a sample against the existing wall.
Ideally, assess the brick:
- In daylight
- In shade
- From a normal viewing distance
- Beside the existing brick
- With the proposed mortar
- In a small test panel where practical
A sample gives you a much better indication of how the finished brickwork will look than a product photograph alone.
10. Should You Mix New and Recycled Bricks?
In some projects, the best visual result may come from blending new and recycled bricks rather than creating a clear dividing line between the two.
Where appropriate, your bricklayer can distribute complementary bricks through the new section to reduce the visual contrast.
The exact approach depends on the project, existing wall, brick types and design.
For heritage restoration, it may be more appropriate to source recycled bricks that closely reflect the existing masonry rather than deliberately mixing contrasting materials.
11. Recycled Bricks for Extensions and Renovations
Brick matching is particularly important when an extension is connected to an existing home.
A successful match can help the new construction feel like part of the original building.
Recycled bricks can be considered for:
- Home extensions
- Renovations
- Heritage restoration
- Replacement brickwork
- Feature walls
- Garden walls
- Landscaping
- Paving
- Architectural projects
The appropriate brick depends on the structural and design requirements of the project.
12. Matching Heritage and Sandstock Bricks
Heritage properties can require more careful brick selection because older brickwork often has characteristics that are difficult to reproduce with modern bricks.
Sandstock bricks, for example, can have distinctive handmade surfaces, natural colour variation and irregularities.
When matching heritage brickwork, consider:
- Brick dimensions
- Colour
- Texture
- Firing characteristics
- Weathering
- Mortar
- Brick bond
- Existing architectural details
The goal isn’t always to find a brick that is technically identical. The goal is to achieve a visually appropriate and historically sympathetic result.
13. Brick Matching at The Brick Pit
At The Brick Pit, our recycled brick range includes different colours, grades, textures and brick types.
Depending on current stock, options can include:
- Sydney red bricks
- Sandstock bricks
- Clinker bricks
- Cream bricks
- Common bricks
- Pressed bricks
- Handmade bricks
- Feature blends
- Recycled paving bricks
Our team can help assess your requirements and identify recycled bricks that may be suitable for your existing brickwork.
For the most accurate assessment, provide clear photographs and, where possible, a physical sample of the existing brick.
14. What Information Should You Send for Brick Matching?
If you’re asking a recycled brick supplier to help find a match, provide as much information as possible.
Useful information includes:
- Photos of the complete wall
- Close-up photos of individual bricks
- A photo showing the brick next to a ruler
- Brick dimensions
- Photos taken in natural daylight
- Approximate age of the building
- Project location
- Number of bricks required
- Whether the bricks are for an extension, repair or restoration
- Any information about the original brick supplier or building
This makes it easier to narrow down suitable recycled brick options.
15. Common Brick Matching Mistakes
Choosing by Colour Alone
A similar colour does not guarantee a similar brick.
Ignoring Brick Dimensions
Different dimensions can make courses and joints visibly inconsistent.
Forgetting Mortar
Mortar can change the overall appearance of an entire wall.
Ordering Without a Sample
A brick can look different depending on lighting and surrounding materials.
Matching One Brick Instead of the Whole Wall
Existing walls often contain natural variation. Matching the overall blend can be more effective than finding one supposedly identical brick.
Using a Generic New Brick for Old Brickwork
Highly uniform modern bricks can sometimes stand out beside naturally weathered recycled bricks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Matching
Can you match new bricks to old bricks?
Yes. Brick matching involves comparing characteristics such as brick type, dimensions, colour, texture, weathering and mortar appearance. Recycled bricks can be particularly useful when an aged or character appearance is required.
How do I match recycled bricks to an existing wall?
Start by identifying the existing brick type and dimensions. Then compare colour, texture, surface character, weathering and mortar. A physical sample and clear daylight photographs can help when sourcing a suitable match.
Can recycled bricks match heritage brickwork?
They can be suitable for many heritage restoration and renovation projects, depending on the existing brickwork. Sandstock, handmade and other reclaimed brick types may help achieve an appropriate traditional appearance.
Can you match the colour of an old brick?
Colour is one part of the matching process. A good match should also consider brick size, texture, surface finish, weathering and the appearance of the mortar.
What are the best bricks for matching old brickwork?
There is no single best brick for every project. The appropriate choice depends on the original brick type, dimensions, colour, texture, age and intended application.
Should I use new or recycled bricks for an extension?
It depends on the existing property and the desired result. Recycled bricks can provide a more naturally aged appearance and may be useful when trying to blend new work with older brickwork.
Can I send a photo for brick matching?
Yes. Clear photographs taken in natural daylight can help with an initial assessment. A physical sample can provide additional information when a closer match is required.
Need Help Matching New Bricks With Recycled Bricks?
Whether you’re extending a home, restoring heritage brickwork, repairing an existing wall or creating a feature wall, the right brick match can make the new work feel much more connected to the original building.
The Brick Pit can help you explore recycled brick options based on brick type, size, colour, texture, weathering and project requirements.
Send us photos or a sample of your existing brickwork and tell us what you’re building.
