Guide to Choosing Reclaimed Bricks: Matching, Sizing & Sustainability

When it comes to building or renovating with character, few materials compare to reclaimed bricks. They carry history, patina, and an authentic texture that new bricks can’t replicate — but beyond aesthetics, they also offer significant sustainability benefits.

Choosing the right reclaimed bricks for your project, however, requires more than picking a colour you like. You’ll need to think about matching, sizing, and sustainability goals to make sure your bricks not only look the part but also perform as intended.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key factors to consider before placing your order.

Matching Existing Builds

One of the biggest reasons customers choose reclaimed bricks is to blend seamlessly with existing buildings. Whether you’re extending a Victorian terrace, restoring a listed property, or adding a garden wall to a period home, the brickwork needs to look consistent.

Colour and texture: Subtle variations in tone and surface finish make reclaimed bricks ideal for blending with weathered masonry.
Heritage accuracy: Many older properties were built with imperial-sized bricks and regionally distinctive types like London Yellow Stocks.
Brick matching service: At Reclaimed Brick Company, our team can help source the right batch to suit your project. Learn more about our brick matching service.

Tip: Always request images or samples before placing a large order to ensure you’re happy with the match.

Understanding Brick Types

Not all reclaimed bricks are the same. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right material for your specific build.

Handmade bricks: Irregular shapes and rich character, ideal for heritage or decorative projects.
Pressed bricks: Denser, more uniform, often used in structural applications.
Wirecut bricks: Smooth finish, consistent sizing, often chosen for modern designs.
Engineering bricks: Strong and durable, perfect for foundations, retaining walls, or areas needing high water resistance.

Explore our full Reclaimed Bricks Collection to see the variety available.

Getting Sizing Right

One of the most common challenges in brick selection is imperial vs. metric sizing.

Imperial bricks were used widely before the 1970s and are slightly larger than modern metric bricks. Using the wrong size can cause alignment problems, uneven coursing, or planning issues in heritage projects.
Metric bricks are standard in new construction, so if you’re blending new with old, you may need to adjust or seek specially cut brick slips.

At RBC, we carry a wide range of imperial reclaimed bricks precisely because so many of our customers are working on older properties. When ordering, also remember to:

Allow for 5–10% extra to cover wastage and cuts.
Confirm dimensions against your project drawings before committing.

Sustainability Benefits

Beyond aesthetics and fit, reclaimed bricks play a powerful role in low-carbon construction. Unlike new bricks, they don’t require clay extraction, kiln firing, or the heavy energy inputs of manufacturing.

Reclaimed bricks typically save around 75% of embodied carbon compared with new.
They support BREEAM credits such as MAT01 (Life Cycle Impact) and WST01 (Construction Waste Management).
They contribute to LEED targets for embodied carbon reduction.

Read: How Reclaimed Bricks Help Achieve BREEAM Certification
Read: How Reclaimed Materials Reduce Embodied Carbon in Construction

Colour & Blending Considerations

No two batches of reclaimed bricks are identical — and that’s part of their charm. But it also means you need to plan carefully:

Mix from multiple pallets: This ensures colour and texture variation is spread evenly.
Blend with existing stock: If you’re combining with bricks already on site, dry-lay a few rows first to check for consistency.
Natural weathering: Over time, reclaimed bricks will settle visually into their surroundings, enhancing the authentic look.

Practical Buying Tips

To make your reclaimed brick purchase smooth and cost-effective, keep these tips in mind:

Request samples: We can supply small quantities to help you visualise how bricks will look in your project. Order samples here.
Check availability: Reclaimed bricks come in finite batches — once a batch is sold, it’s gone. Plan ahead if you need a large volume.
Plan delivery: We offer nationwide pallet delivery direct to site. Learn more about our delivery options.
Ask for advice: Our team has years of experience in heritage and modern projects. We’re here to guide you.

Conclusion

Choosing reclaimed bricks is about more than just appearance. By considering matching, sizing, and sustainability, you can make sure your project is both visually seamless and environmentally responsible.

At Reclaimed Brick Company, we’re here to help you find the right stock — whether that’s handmade bricks for a Victorian extension, pressed bricks for a garden wall, or imperial bricks for a listed building.

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