The Difference Between Reclaimed Brick and Recycled Brick

Find out how reclaimed and recycled bricks can transform your spaces with authentic character and sustainable design elements. These versatile materials offer unique textures, historical appeal, and eco-friendly benefits that new materials simply cannot match. Whether you’re considering a feature wall, exterior cladding, or decorative elements, understanding the difference between reclaimed and recycled bricks will help you make informed decisions for your next home renovation project.

What Are Reclaimed Bricks?

Australia is a home-building nation. Every year thousands of old buildings are demolished to make way for new ones. That’s an exciting project for the new homeowner, but the old building materials usually can’t be used again, ending up in landfill instead.

That doesn’t have to be the case with bricks. Bricks are durable and long-lasting, and if the building is dismantled carefully, old bricks can be reclaimed for use on a new project. Reclaiming bricks is a simple process. First, used bricks are collected from demolition sites. They’re cleaned up, and any large pieces of mortar, concrete, or other construction materials are removed. Then, after a quick wash, they’re ready to be used again in a whole new build. This specific process saves old bricks from landfill and uses their stunning texture and character to bring a new project to life!

Sourcing Reclaimed Bricks in Brisbane

Brisbane’s rich architectural history makes it an excellent source for reclaimed bricks with distinct character and aged charm. Many historic buildings in Brisbane were built with locally-made bricks that feature unique colours and textures not found in modern production. Reclaimed bricks Brisbane suppliers carefully recover these materials from demolition sites throughout the city and nearby areas.

The weathering patterns specific to south-east Queensland’s environment create special characteristics in reclaimed bricks from Brisbane. These bricks frequently display a warm, earthy hue ranging from deep reds to soft oranges that has developed naturally over decades of exposure. When planning a reclaimed brick wall project, working with experts who understand the local architectural heritage ensures you’ll receive genuine materials with consistent quality and appearance.

What Are Recycled Bricks?

While the term ‘recycled bricks’ is sometimes used to refer to reclaimed bricks, the two are actually quite different. While reclaimed bricks get picked up from demolition sites to be reused, recycled bricks are completely new products created from a range of recycled materials.

One of the most common ways of making recycled bricks is to grind old bricks to a sand-like consistency. The sand made from old bricks can then be mixed with clay and water and used to form brand new bricks. Not only does this save on the need to mine new sand deposits for brick production, it also prevents the old bricks from going to landfill, where the breakdown process produces harmful greenhouse gases.

Recycled Brick Texture and Appearance

Recycled brick texture offers a distinctive appearance that many designers and homeowners find attractive. Unlike the consistent design of new bricks, recycled bricks showcase unique wear patterns, colour variations, and minor imperfections that tell a story of their previous life. This authentic patina formed over decades of exposure to elements and can’t be replicated in newly manufactured materials.

The recycled brick texture varies greatly depending on the age, origin, and previous application of the raw materials. Some recycled bricks have smooth, worn surfaces with rounded edges, while others maintain more defined lines with characteristic chips and marks. This variation adds natural depth and visual interest when used in recycled brick feature walls or exterior applications. Designers frequently choose specific recycled brick batches based on their colour profile and texture qualities to achieve the desired aesthetic for each individual project.

The Benefits of Recycled and Reclaimed Bricks

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, reclaimed bricks help reduce carbon emissions! Regular bricks are made from a clay and sand blend. That mixture is non-toxic and easy to make, and the result is bricks that can last for hundreds of years.

The disadvantage is that each brick represents a large chunk of carbon emissions that went into its creation. Most bricks are still fired in kilns powered by natural gas. Burning natural gas is more environmentally friendly than some other types of fossil fuels, but it still creates hazardous emissions. Every time you recycle and reuse an old brick for a new project, you’re helping reduce your building’s carbon footprint.

Environmental Impact of Using Reclaimed Materials

The environmental benefits of using reclaimed bricks go beyond simply lowering carbon emissions. Each reclaimed brick wall project keeps a substantial material from landfills, where construction waste represents approximately 40% of all waste globally. This waste reduction aspect is especially important in fast-developing areas like Brisbane, where construction and demolition activities are constant.

Reclaimed bricks also provide considerable energy savings. The energy needed to manufacture new bricks—including clay extraction, transportation, forming, and kiln firing—is completely avoided when using reclaimed materials. This “embodied energy” saving offers a significant environmental benefit that grows with each reclaimed brick project. Water conservation is another important factor, as brick manufacturing uses a lot of water resources that are saved when choosing reclaimed materials instead of new ones.

Using Recycled and Reclaimed Bricks Around the Home

Recycled and reclaimed bricks can be used anywhere you’d use a brand new batch of bricks! That means they’re perfect for everything from cladding the outside of your home to creating simple but stunning feature walls. Here are some of our top picks for what you can do with reclaimed bricks:

• Build a brick feature wall to add texture and depth to your interior design
• Clad your new build with recycled bricks for instant character and patina
• Line a footpath, patio or other outdoor space
• Unique flooring option for industrial and cottage-style homes
• Food-safe edging for your vegetable gardens, planter boxes and landscaping

Whatever you want to do with them, the diversity and pattern on reclaimed bricks make them an easy way to add character to indoor and outdoor environments!

Creating Stunning Recycled Brick Feature Walls

A recycled brick feature wall brings immediate personality and warmth to any area, creating a focal point that combines rustic charm with elegant design. The natural variation in recycled brick texture offers visual depth that flat wall surfaces lack. These feature walls work incredibly well in living rooms, dining rooms, and even bedrooms, adding a sense of grounding and connection to architectural history.

When designing a recycled brick feature wall, consider how the material will interact with your current design elements. The earthy tones of recycled bricks complement both modern and traditional spaces, serving as a neutral backdrop for artwork or standing alone as a design statement. Installation methods range from full-brick construction to thinner brick veneer options that lower structural needs while maintaining an authentic appearance. Proper sealing protects the surface while bringing out the natural colours and textures that make recycled brick feature walls so alluring.

Recycled Brick Cladding Options

Recycled brick cladding transforms exterior facades with genuine character while providing useful features including thermal mass and weather resistance. Unlike full brick construction, modern cladding systems offer lightweight alternatives that can be used on existing structures without major structural changes. These systems often use thin brick slices or specially manufactured brick veneers made from recycled materials.

The installation of recycled brick cladding requires careful planning to ensure proper moisture management and ventilation beneath the cladding layer. Several mounting systems are available, including mechanical fastening, adhesive application, and panel systems that make installation easier. When selecting recycled brick cladding, consider factors such as brick size consistency, colour variation, and weather resistance properties for your particular climate conditions.

Comparison of Reclaimed vs. Recycled Bricks

Thinking About Reclaimed Bricks For Your Project? Find Inspiration at Stone3!

Making use of recycled or reclaimed bricks is a great way to cut back on costs and have a positive impact on the environment. Plus, reclaimed bricks have character that can only be achieved through decades of weathering. Whether you’re a lover of industrial-chic or simply want to add some texture to your home, recycled and reclaimed bricks are the way to go.

If you need bricks or other cladding for your next project, let the team at Stone3 help! We have a variety of recycled bricks, stone-look and timber-look cladding options that can fit any build you have in mind. Contact us today and let our tile experts help plan your project!

Ready to transform your space with the unique character of recycled brick walls or recycled brick cladding? Visit our Brisbane showroom to see our collection of reclaimed bricks firsthand. Our skilled team can assist you in selecting the perfect materials for your feature wall, exterior cladding, or landscaping project. Contact us today to schedule a