How Do I Determine What Colour Brick To Use For My Project?

When choosing bricks for your next project - be it a new build or extension - you'll be faced with many different brick colours.

Of course, brick types matter, but the colour is just as important to match any existing brickwork and meet your client's unique aesthetic, among other things.

But how do you determine what colour bricks to use for your build? Our experts at The Brick Warehouse share their top tips and advice in this article.

Why do brick colours matter?

As we previously mentioned, brick colour is often just as important as brick types, as they significantly impact the overall aesthetic and character of a building - influencing its visual impact, as well as how it harmonises with its surroundings.

In some cases, brick colour can even determine whether or not you need planning permission for your project, as some areas, like heritage sites, for example, may have regulations regarding building materials and colours.

So, how do I determine what colour brick to use for my project?

When choosing what colour brick to use for your upcoming build, you should:

Understand the purpose of your project

When selecting the perfect bricks, you need to ensure you have a good understanding of the purpose of your project.

Think - is the brickwork structural, or is it for aesthetic purposes only? Will it be exposed to the elements, or are you working on an internal building project?

Different categories of bricks, like engineering and facing bricks, have different performance considerations, so think carefully about what your bricks are actually being used for.

Consider the setting and architectural style

Once you've determined the best type of brick for your project, you should consider the style of the building you're working on and select a brick colour accordingly.

Warm, red-toned bricks are best for traditional properties, whilst grey, blue, or black bricks help create a contemporary aesthetic.

Evaluate lighting and weathering effects

Natural light and certain weather conditions can emphasise texture and cause subtle colour variations throughout the day, so you should view a few different samples at different times of day to ensure the colour lives up to your customers' expectations.

When you choose bricks from The Brick Warehouse, you can order samples easily online, for free, to ensure you find the best match for your building. Simply input your details in the request form, which can be found on individual product pages.

Match to mortar colour and joint finish

The mortar accounts for up to 20% of a wall's surface area, so its colour and joint finish can have a huge impact on the overall look. So, choosing the right combination helps the brickwork look harmonious, whilst enhancing the intended style.

Grey mortar, for example, creates a striking contrast and sharpens brick outlines, whilst buff or cream softens and blends, and darker tones add depth.

Different joint profiles also alter shadowing, subtly changing the wall's colour perception. Flush joints provide a smooth, modern feel, whilst rescessed joints create a shadow and highlight each brick.

Before making your decision, make sure to test your preferred brick, mortar, and joint together in natural light to give you an idea of what the final result will look like.

Need additional advice?

Struggling to find the perfect brick colour? Not sure how many bricks you need, or need help selecting the right type for your build?

Our experts are here for you.

Give us a call today on 0208 058 0528, or send us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, you can use our handy online brick calculator to work out how many you require, and order everything online in time for your project.