Photo Credit:  Rosella Homes & RCB Masonry (Using EcoGroup Face Reds)

Winter Warmth: Rustic Red Recycled Bricks for Fireplaces & Feature Walls

When the temperature drops and let’s face it, we really do feel the cold in Melbourne, homes that feel warm and welcoming stand out. One of the most powerful ways to create cozy character is with EcoGroup Rustic Red recycled bricks, ideal for fireplaces, feature walls, and more.

These bricks bring age, texture, and eco-friendly credentials to any space. Here’s how to make the most of them this winter.

Why Rustic Recycled Bricks are the choice of builders across Melbourne.

Aged Character & Unique Texture

Each brick tells a story, its chips, weathered tones, and historic charm can’t be replicated. These bricks breathe history into modern spaces.

Thermal Mass for Energy Savings

Bricks have a natural ability to absorb and slowly release heat, known as thermal mass, helps stabilise indoor temperatures. Southern Living highlights how bricks not only look great, but also stores warmth, then releases it overnight.

Eco-Friendly Second-Hand Bricks

By using second hand bricks, we dramatically reduce emissions tied to manufacturing new bricks and help divert construction and demolition materials from landfills.

Smart Ways to Use Rustic Reds in Your Space

Fireplace Surrounds

• Build inner fireboxes with durable firebricks, then wrap them with Rustic Reds for heat resistance and visual appeal.
• Keep mortar joints roughly 10–12?mm to give bricks room for thermal movement and prevent cracking.

Full-Height Feature Walls

• Let the bricks run floor to ceiling for drama and texture.
• Pair with a wooden mantel or lighting to highlight texture.

Fireplace Hearths

• Extend bricks to the floor or hearth for continuity and thermal benefits. Earthy tones make light-reflecting surfaces (like concrete) more striking.

Fireplace Accents

• Feature bricks on a niche wall or chimney breast, adding visual interest without overpowering the room.
• Use reclaimed brick slips if weight or space is limited.

Photo Credit:  Terrill Brickworks (Using EcoGroup Face Reds)

 Design & Build Best Practices

1. Inspect your recycled bricks: Look for structural soundness; avoid cracks or high porosity.

2. Clean and prep: Soft-bristle brushes and mild soap work wonders for soot removal

3. Moisten before laying: Damp bricks absorb mortar better and reduce cracking risk.

4. Use compatible mortar: Lime-based mortar mirrors traditional construction and handles subtle movement.

5. Seal sparingly: Use vapor-permeable sealers to protect without trapping moisture.

6. Mind the structure: Large brick walls may need support, make sure to consult experts.

7. Add lighting thoughtfully: Soft LED up lights accent recycled rustic brick texture at night.

Other Creative Applications for Recycled Bricks.

• Kitchen feature walls: Recycled bricks add warmth when paired with modern finishes.

• Outdoor fire pits: Rustic Reds transition beautifully from inside to garden.

• Fireplace niches: Odd-shaped bricks create rustic accent shelving.

Photo Credit:  RSM Bricklaying (Using EcoGroup Builders Bricks)

Looking Beyond Rustic Reds? Try These EcoGroup Alternatives for Fireplaces

While our Rustic Red B-Grade Bricks are a go-to for that lived-in, cozy character, they’re not the only option. Depending on your aesthetic or build requirements, you might consider one of these recycled bricks instead:

Face Red A-Grade Bricks

Classic, clean-faced, and consistent in tone, these bricks are perfect for modern builds or where a smoother finish is preferred. Ideal for:

• Fireplace surrounds in minimalist or contemporary homes.
• Accent walls with sharp edges and defined lines.
• Clients seeking a more uniform, architectural look.

Red Blue Clinker Bricks

Our most dramatic recycled brick, with deep reds, burnt blacks, and smokey blue textures. These bricks are forged through intense heat, giving them a unique, rugged finish.

• Great for moody, industrial fireplaces
• Popular in heritage renovations and pub-style living rooms.
• Their dense body makes them ideal for high heat zones.

Cream Face Bricks

Want something lighter? These soft-toned bricks add brightness to darker winter spaces while still providing warmth.

• Ideal for Scandinavian-inspired fireplaces
• Pairs beautifully with white mortar or limewash
• Reflects natural light, great for darker corners.

Photo Credit:  Bricked Up Bricklaying (Using EcoGroup Red/Blue Clinkers)

FAQ

Question:  Can I use Recycled Rustic Red Bricks inside a fireplace?
Answer:  Yes, but line the firebox with heat-rated firebricks for durability

Question:  Do Second Hand bricks crack under heat?
Answer:  With correct joint width and compatible mortar, heat movement is absorbed and cracks avoided.

Question:  Can I handle installation myself?
Answer:  Basic walls? Sure. For chimneys or fireplaces, we recommend you consult a building professional.  EcoGroup can put you in touch with brickies, builders and architects across Melbourne to help you get the job done.

Question:  What finish should I choose?
Answer:  We are bias, so we always recommend leaving recycled bricks natural.  However if you are using our builders bricks, the are a cost effective base that you can paint over.

Question:  How long do they last?
Answer:  Virtually forever, our advanced cleaning and sorting ensures structural quality and longevity.   And any bricks that don’t make the cut, are turned into crushed brick. 

Question:  Are recycled bricks cost-effective?
Answer:  Yes, in fact recycled bricks are up to 20% cheaper than new, with the added value of character and sustainability.  You can drop into the EcoGroup site in Clayton, Melbourne and check out our full range of recycled bricks.

Final Thoughts

Rustic Red recycled bricks or second-hand bricks, do more than look good, they bring energy efficiency, build quality, and environmental respect to your home. This winter, choose bricks that warm both your hearth and your home.

Looking for reliable Rustic Reds or need some help choosing the brick type? Our friendly team at EcoGroup is here to answer any of your questions.

A-Grade vs. B-Grade Bricks: A Quick Guide by EcoGroup

Introduction

At EcoGroup, we are proud to have the largest range of recycled bricks in Melbourne, we are on a mission to transform the demolition, construction, and landscaping industries with sustainable, premium recycled materials. Understanding the differences between A-Grade and B-Grade bricks can help you make the best choice for your construction project. Let’s dive into what sets these grades apart and how they can meet your construction goals.

Product Overview

A-Grade Bricks: High-quality, uniform with consistent shape, size, and colour, free from significant defects. These are perfect for high-end residential and commercial buildings where appearance and durability are paramount. Learn more about our A-Grade Red Face Bricks.

B-Grade Bricks: Structurally sound but with minor imperfections such as rough textures, irregular edges, and colour variability. These are great for projects where cost is a factor, and a rustic look is desired. Explore our B-Grade Rustic Red Bricks.

Key Differences

Quality and Appearance

A-Grade's offer a smooth, uniform appearance without cracks or chips, making them ideal for projects demanding high visual standards. B-Grade's, with their minor defects, are perfect for less visible areas or where a rustic look adds charm.

Durability

A-Grade bricks are highly durable, offering superior resistance to weathering and wear, making them ideal for high-stress applications. B-Grade bricks, while still durable, are better suited to non-load-bearing walls and budget-sensitive projects.

Applications

A-Grade Bricks: Ideal for facades, high-end residential and commercial buildings, and projects requiring a pristine finish. Their consistent quality and appearance make them a preferred choice for visible and high-impact areas.

B-Grade Bricks: Suitable for garden paths, non-load-bearing walls, and rustic designs. They are cost-effective and ideal for projects where minor imperfections can be accommodated or even appreciated.

Customer Preferences and Feedback

Feedback from our customers shows a preference for A-Grade's in high-visibility projects due to their durability and polished appearance. B-Grade's are favoured for their affordability and suitability for less critical applications.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

At EcoGroup, we believe in sustainable building practices. By choosing our recycled bricks, you contribute to reducing waste and minimising environmental impact.

Our unique brick-cleaning process guarantees that even recycled bricks look as good as new. Each recycled brick offers distinctive aesthetics while promoting eco-friendly construction. Explore our full range of brick products.

Myths About Recycled Bricks

There are several misconceptions about recycled materials:

• Myth 1: Recycled Bricks are More Expensive: Many people think that recycled bricks are pricier, but the truth is they can cost up to 20% less than new bricks. This offers homeowners and contractors significant savings on building and renovation projects.
• Myth 2: Recycled Bricks are Lower Quality: Our rigorous cleaning and sorting process ensures that only the best bricks make it to your project. Materials that don’t meet our high standards are repurposed and recycled as crushed brick, which makes an excellent drainage solution for landscaping, and a premium surface for clay tennis courts and baseball diamonds.
• Myth 3: Recycled Bricks are Remanufactured: Recycled bricks are not remanufactured. We believe in preserving the integrity and character of the materials. Our process involves sorting and cleaning, but no remanufacturing, allowing the bricks to retain their original charm and strength.

Pictured:   A new home in Melbourne utilising our A-Grade Red Face Recycled Bricks.

Other Brick Products from EcoGroup

We offer a diverse selection of recycled brick products:

• Red Pavers
• Red Blue Clinkers
• Render Bricks
• Handmade Apricots
• Coach House Grey Bricks
• Cream Face Bricks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are A-Grade bricks and B-Grade bricks?

A-Grade bricks are high-quality with uniform shape, size, and colour, free from major defects. B-Grade bricks may have minor imperfections but are still structurally sound.

How do A-Grade bricks perform in terms of durability compared to B-Grade bricks?

A-Grade bricks are more durable, with higher resistance to weathering and wear, making them suitable for high-stress applications.

What types of projects are A-Grade bricks typically used for?

A-Grade bricks are used in high-end residential and commercial buildings, facades, and structures where appearance and durability are paramount.

How does the cost of A-Grade's compare to B-Grade's?

A-Grade's are more expensive due to their higher quality, whereas B-Grade's are more affordable. In most cases, B-Grade’s offer a 10% cost reduction to A-Grade Bricks.

Conclusion

At EcoGroup, our commitment to sustainability ensures that whether you choose A-Grade or B-Grade, you’re making an eco-friendly choice. For more information about our products, including face reds, clinkers, bluestones, and other recycled building materials, contact our team today.

Pictured:   Balrock Property Group chose to use our beautiful B-Grade Rustic Red Recycled Bricks.  Seamlessly blending character and charm.

The Journey of EcoGroup: Transforming Construction Through Sustainability

Our Beginnings

EcoGroup’s journey began in 1991 as "Toby's Recycled Bricks." Our founder, Toby Sail, a professional landscaper and environmentalist, saw the untapped potential of recycled bricks for landscaping and new builds. What started as a modest operation has grown to become one of the biggest second-hand bricks suppliers in Melbourne, a thriving business with over 40 passionate team members committed to sustainable practices and recycling.

Our Mission

At EcoGroup, we’re all about recycling right. Our mission is deeply rooted in sustainability, and we aim to make a positive impact through our innovative solutions. From sustainable demolition to providing a variety of recycled building materials and landscaping products across Melbourne, we strive to minimise landfill waste and maximise the use of salvageable materials. This dedication not only benefits the environment but also ensures high-quality products for our customers

Services and Products

We offer a wide range of services and products that cater to both residential and commercial needs:

Recycled Brick and Timber Products

• Crushed Brick: Ideal for sustainable tennis courts, baseball diamonds and landscaping projects, available in a variety of colours, textures, and crush sizes.
• Recycled Timber: Perfect for gardens and outdoor spaces, our mulch solutions won't blow away thanks to their high density.
• Recycled Bricks: Suitable for new residential and commercial constructions. We have a huge range of bricks and pavers. From clinkers to face reds, and even handmades from the 1900's. You can check out our recycled brick range here.

Demolition and Excavation Services

• Demolition:  Working to recycle not waste, operating primarily to maximise salvageable materials
• Excavation: Our experienced and friendly team can assist you with cutting to required levels, basement excavation, or site remediation. Excavation can be provided as a standalone service, or in combination with our demolition service for significant cost savings

Commitment to Innovation

Our dedication to innovation in recycling and upcycling has earned us a reputation for delivering world-class sustainable demolition and excavation services. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality recycled products at affordable prices and surpassing client expectations with our friendly customer service. As a home-grown Aussie business, we are on a mission to transform the construction industry.

Our Impact

In 2024, EcoGroup continues to make significant strides in the industry:

• Team Diversity: Of our 40-strong team, 30% are women, which is notable in the construction and demolition sector.
• Brick Recycling: We recycle and rehome over 1.5 million bricks per year. The energy required for firing new bricks is approximately 0.317kg of CO2. We are proudly reducing emissions through our recycling processes equal to 475,500kg every year (and growing).
• Support for Builders and Architects: We support over 100 builders and architects across Melbourne, providing only the best recycled bricks for residential and commercial construction projects.
• Demolition Material Rehoming: Currently, we find new homes for 90% of demolition materials, we are a committed bunch, and are striving to increase this even further in the months and years to come.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to the next 33 years of transforming the construction industry and making a positive difference for our customers and the environment.

Join Us in Our Mission Together, we can build a more sustainable future. Whether you’re a builder, architect, or homeowner, EcoGroup has the solutions you need to make your project eco-friendly and impactful. Build your dream home today with EcoGroup’s recycled building materials.

For more information about our products and services, visit our website or drop in and say gidday, you'll find all the recycled building materials you need in Melbourne right here at EcoGroup!

The Power of the Circular Economy

EcoGroup was established with the goal of reducing the impact that the construction and demolition (C&D) industry has on the environment, operating under the ethos of recycling materials to salvage as much as possible. Founded in 1991 by landscaper Toby Sail, EcoGroup has since become one of Australia's largest brick recycler, operating at its Clayton Resource Recovery Centre.

As we approach almost 32 years since our establishment, we would like to take a moment to celebrate the successes of EcoGroup and the impact we have been able to make in the Construction and Demolition Industry. We continue to collaborate with demolishers, government bodies, and individuals within the construction industry to bring about positive change and navigate this circular economy together. We hope that these statistics can inspire you to join us on our journey.

Consistently, EcoGroup has been selling over 1 million bricks each year. Recycled bricks remain an environmentally conscious building option, contributing to a reduction of 0.5kg of CO2 per brick compared to newly manufactured bricks. Based on this figure, EcoGroup continues to facilitate an average saving of 500 tonnes of CO2 per year.

With a workforce of over 40 employees dedicated to salvaging construction and demolition materials, EcoGroup has partnered with demolishers throughout Victoria to divert demolition materials from landfills toward new purposes. Achieving a recovery rate of over 90% for these materials, EcoGroup has been able to divert approximately 140,000 tonnes of C&D material from landfill in the past 5 years.

Through extensive development over the past 31 years, EcoGroup continues to develop innovative means of resource recovery to ensure no material gets left behind. With an aim to develop close relationships with industry bodies and encourage resource recovery from the inside-out, EcoGroup has a range of materials that are processed in our recovery centre and sent to these specialist sites to be repurposed. This includes timber, metal, masonry and plaster. Bricks and crushed brick continue to be EcoGroup’s most popular recycled material.

EcoGroup continues to invest in consistent research to enhance their innovative means of recycling, reusing, and repurposing materials from the construction and demolition industries. With ongoing refinements in timber and brick innovations, EcoGroup aims to lead the industry and promote the circular economy to its fullest extent.

Find out more about EcoGroup

View our brick catalogue

EcoGroup has been working hard by the beach on the Black Rock Life Saving Club, assisting in the earthworks, excavation and site remediation of the existing building.

As a part of this process, EcoGroup has ensured the maintenance and integrity of the bordering land, providing and installing sheet piles to protect the native trees that surround. 

EcoGroup's demolition, excavation and site remediation model is driven by the goal to maintain the land, materials and a do-no-harm ethos. After a few overcast and more than a few beautifully sunny days by the beach, EcoGroup's role on this project comes to a close. 

This project has set the foundation for the new and improved Life Saving Club. 

Builder: Sj Higgins
Client: Bayside City Council