If you’re planning a Perth build and looking at recycled bricks, there are a few things worth checking before you place an order – condition, provenance, colour match, and how the bricks will actually get to you. The Brick Pit is based in Smithfield, NSW, and ships recycled bricks Australia-wide, including to Perth and the rest of WA. Here’s what to look for.
Why Choose Recycled Bricks
Recycled bricks are a practical choice for renovations, heritage restorations and landscaping projects that want a weathered, established look without the cost of new materials. Three main reasons builders and homeowners choose them:
- Lower environmental impact – reusing bricks reduces demolition waste going to landfill
- Character — natural weathering and colour variation that new bricks don’t have
- Cost — typically 20–40% less than new bricks, though pricing depends on brick type and order volume
They’re not a one-size-fits-all material, though. The right brick depends on the job: paving needs thicker, harder-wearing bricks, retaining walls need structural integrity, and a heritage-style project usually calls for reclaimed red or sandstock bricks.
What to Check Before You Buy
1. Condition
- Cracks or chips: minor wear adds character, but avoid bricks with deep cracks or crumbling edges
- Efflorescence: the white powdery residue sometimes seen on old bricks is harmless and cleans off, but worth knowing about before you buy
- Structural soundness: a clear, solid sound when two bricks are tapped together is a good sign; a dull, hollow sound suggests weakness
If you’re ordering in bulk, ask for photos of a sample batch first especially useful if you’re buying from interstate, since you won’t be inspecting the bricks in person before delivery.
2. Source and Provenance
Where a brick comes from affects both its quality and how well it will match your project.
The Brick Pit tracks the origin of its reclaimed bricks, so you know what you’re getting rather than relying on a description alone.
- Bricks from a single, known demolition batch are more consistent than mixed-origin lots
- If a supplier can’t tell you where the bricks came from, treat that as a red flag
3. Colour Match
Old bricks fade unevenly over time, and mixing batches without checking shade first can leave a patchy result. Sort bricks by tone before laying, and order a small buffer quantity batch variation is common, and running short mid-project usually means a mismatched top-up.
Ordering From Perth: How Shipping Works
The Brick Pit’s yard is in Smithfield, NSW, and orders for Perth and the rest of WA are shipped by freight rather than picked up in person. A few things that make this straightforward:
- Photos of the actual batch can be sent before dispatch, so you know what’s arriving
- Freight cost and delivery timeframe depend on order size and distance get a quote before ordering to plan around it
- Ordering slightly more than the calculated quantity is worth it for a distance delivery, since a top-up order takes longer to arrive than driving back to a local yard
Common Uses for Recycled Bricks
Recycled bricks work well for a few different applications:
- Retaining walls – durable and gives a settled, established look
- Brick edging – defines garden beds without looking newly installed
- Paving – handles foot traffic while ageing well
See more on using recycled bricks for retaining walls if that’s part of your project.
New vs Recycled Bricks
| Feature | New bricks | Recycled bricks |
| Cost | Higher | Typically 20–40% less, depending on type and volume |
| Consistency | Uniform | Varies by batch — inspect before ordering |
| Character | Uniform finish | Weathering and colour variation from age |
| Lead time | Usually stocked locally | Depends on batch availability and freight to WA |
FAQs
Are recycled bricks strong enough for structural work?
Yes, provided they’re intact. Avoid cracked or crumbling bricks for load-bearing walls, and check with your supplier if you’re unsure a batch is suitable.
How much cheaper are recycled bricks than new ones?
Typically 20–40% less, though this varies by brick type, condition and order volume.
Can I mix recycled and new bricks in one project?
Yes — some projects use the contrast deliberately. For a uniform look, stick to one type throughout.
Do you deliver recycled bricks to Perth?
Yes. Bricks ship by freight from our Smithfield, NSW yard to Perth and the rest of WA. See our service areas for coverage details, or get in touch for a freight quote.
Have Old Bricks to Get Rid Of?
If your Perth project is also generating old bricks you no longer need, Brick Rescue can take them off your hands as part of the same job.
