Brick Matching 101: How to Find the Right Recycled Bricks for Your Build

Matching bricks is part science, part craft. Whether you are extending a period home, repairing a fence, or bringing a new addition into line with an existing façade, the right recycled bricks make the join disappear. This guide explains what to look for, how EcoGroup approaches brick matching, and the on-site practices that help you land a seamless result.

What is brick matching and when do you need it?

Brick matching is the process of selecting recycled bricks that align with your existing build in colour, size, texture, and finish so the transition feels intentional. You will need brick matching for:

• Extensions and second storeys that tie into existing walls
• Heritage overlays and insurance repairs
• Verandahs, chimneys, fence lines, letterboxes, and landscape walls
• New builds that want the patina and depth of established brickwork

How EcoGroup does brick matching

Our process is designed to remove guesswork and deliver batches that lay clean and finish strong.

• Brief and assessment
  • Send clear photos of the existing wall in daylight, a close-up of three or four bricks, and a shot that shows the whole elevation. If you can, include a loose sample.
• Shortlist and samples
  • We compare against our range and recommend the closest matches. Where useful, we provide sample bricks or photos of current pallets.
• Cleaned to reveal true colour
  • Mortar and residue can mask tone. Our cleaning uses vibration and rotation to remove mortar and show the brick’s true colour.
• Hand sorting and grading
  • Every brick is checked for structural integrity and grouped into consistent lots, so your pallets are reliable on site.
• Job-ready logistics
  • We pack to spec and deliver the quantity you need, with minimum order thresholds communicated up front.

Talk to a brick specialist: sales@ecogroup.com.au or 1300 326 476.

How to brief a brick matching job

• Photos in natural light, no heavy shadows
• A quick note on suburb and home era if known
• Brick dimensions if you have them
• Mortar colour and joint profile
• Required quantity and timing
• Any nearby materials to coordinate with, like timber, metal cladding, or stone

On-site practices that make matches seamless

• Build a small test panel before you commit to the whole wall
• Blend across three or more pallets to avoid banding
• Keep project lots together so tone stays consistent
• Stay consistent with mortar type, colour, sand blend, and joint finish
• Avoid harsh cleans early and follow your bricklayer’s preferred cleaning method for the specific brick type
• Match the bond and coursing to the existing wall where possible

Popular matches in the EcoGroup range

• Face Red Bricks
  • A-Grade recycled reds with warm tone and refined finish. Ideal for contemporary additions that still want character.  Learn more about Face Reds
• Rustic Red Bricks
  • B-Grade reds with lived-in texture, occasional paint flecks and rougher edges. Great for feature walls, fireplaces, and industrial-leaning builds.  Learn more about Rustic Reds
• Red Blue Clinker Bricks
  • Auburn body with blueing and natural slag for dramatic colour movement. Perfect for f federation hues or bold contemporary statements.  Learn more about Red Blue Clinkers
• Cream Face Bricks
  • Lighter, traditional creams that work beautifully for mid-century and suburban renovations where a soft, clean look is key. Learn more about Cream Face Bricks
• Coach House Grey Bricks
  • Smooth, uniform greys with lightly rumbled edges. A classic choice for 60s and 70s homes and clean modern palettes. Learn more about Coach House Grey's
• Handmade Apricot Bricks
  • Heritage charm with warm apricot tones and soft edges. Ideal for arches, chimneys, and feature details.  Learn more about Handmade Apricots 
• Hawthorn Black Bricks
  • Darker, moody tones often used across Melbourne’s inner east. Talk to us for current availability.
• Solid Commons for Render
  • Cost-effective solid bricks for render or paint with a rougher face that helps the finish stay crack free.  Learn more about Solid Common's for Rendering 

Why recycled bricks make smart project sense

• Up to 20% cheaper than new bricks without sacrificing strength or finish
• Premium look with real depth thanks to natural variation and patina
• Sustainable by design with lower embodied impact and fewer materials to landfill
• Locally restored, locally supplied for predictable lead times

FAQs

Q:  Can you match discontinued or hard-to-find bricks?
A:  Often yes. We hold diverse project lots across eras and can create controlled blends when a perfect single lot does not exist.

Q:  What if my existing wall has heavy variation?
A:  We mirror it by blending compatible lots and guiding how you should mix pallets on site.

Q:  How many bricks will I need?
A:  Your bricklayer should confirm based on the design. As a planning guide, many jobs allow about 50 standard bricks per square metre with typical joint widths.

Q:  Do you supply samples?
A:  Yes. We can arrange samples or current lot photos to help you approve the look before ordering.

Q:  Are recycled bricks strong enough for structural work?
A:  We hand sort and check bricks for integrity and supply project lots that are ready to build. Your engineer and bricklayer will advise on your specific application.

Ready to match your brickwork?

Send photos and a short brief to sales@ecogroup.com.au or call 1300 326 476. You can also browse the range at https://www.ecogroup.com.au/