BRICKS – OLD OR NEW?

Reclaimed Bricks vs New Bricks: Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to building or renovating, the choice of materials can make all the difference, not just in looks, but also in cost, sustainability, and durability. One of the most debated topics among homeowners, architects, and builders is whether to use reclaimed bricks or new bricks. Both options have their own advantages, and the right choice depends on your project’s goals, budget, and design vision.

Let’s break down the key considerations to help you decide.

What Are Reclaimed Bricks?

Reclaimed bricks are salvaged from period properties, walls, and industrial sites that are being demolished. Instead of being discarded, these bricks are cleaned, sorted, and resold for reuse. They often carry a unique character, with weathered textures and subtle variations in colour.

What Are New Bricks?

New bricks are machine made typically from clay, concrete, or other modern materials. They’re uniform in shape and size, and available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Because they’re mass-produced, they’re more readily available and consistent in appearance.

Key Factors to Consider

1.
Aesthetic Appeal

* Reclaimed Bricks: Perfect for achieving a timeless, rustic, or heritage look. Each brick tells a story, making them ideal for period properties, garden walls, feature fireplaces, or specifically matching up in conservation areas.
* New Bricks: Offer a sharp contemporary finish. They’re well-suited for modern architecture where precision and consistency matter.

Verdict: Choose reclaimed for character, new for clean and modern.

2.
Sustainability

* Reclaimed Bricks: Environmentally friendly since they reduce waste and cut down on the energy needed to produce new materials.
* New Bricks: Manufacturing consumes natural resources and energy, though some modern brickworks are adopting greener methods.

Verdict: Reclaimed bricks win when it comes to eco-friendliness.

3.
Cost

* Reclaimed Bricks: Often more expensive per brick due to the labor involved in cleaning and sorting. Transport can also add to the cost, especially if you need them in large quantities.
* New Bricks: Generally more affordable and available in bulk.

Verdict: New bricks are usually more cost-effective, a cheaper alternative to Reclaimed bricks.

4.
Strength and Durability

* Reclaimed Bricks: When carefully sourced and properly selected, can provide impressive strength and long lasting durability. Often standing the test of time for decades or even centuries, making them a reliable and sustainable choice for both structural and decorative projects.
* New Bricks: Built to current standards, also making them reliable for structural builds. Manufactured to modern standards to withstand structural loads, harsh weather and the test of time.

Verdict: BOTH for the win, reclaimed and new can both withstand the test of time, making them each an ideal brick for all projects.

5.
Availability

* Reclaimed Bricks: Supply can be limited and matching exact quantities or colours may be challenging. Here at LRBM our brick matching service will help you find the ideal bricks for your project. Whether you need to meet planning permission guidelines or fit an existing buildings aesthetic, we can help. With a rich experience of over 75years, our team guarantees the perfect match for your brickwork.
* New Bricks: Easy to source, with guaranteed consistency in large numbers.

Verdict: New bricks are more convenient for larger projects. However with over 1 million bricks on the ground at LRBM we can match, source and deliver ASAP.

When to Choose Reclaimed Bricks

* Renovating a period or heritage property.
* Building garden features, fireplaces, or decorative walls.
* Prioritizing sustainability and unique charm over cost and uniformity.

When to Choose New Bricks

* Constructing new homes or large-scale projects.
* Needing uniformity and compliance with modern building standards.
* Working within a tighter budget or strict deadlines.