What is the price of reclaimed bricks?

What is the price of reclaimed bricks?

The price of reclaimed bricks varies considerably from batch to batch. There is no fixed price that applies to every old brick. Type, size, colour, quality, available quantity, rarity and the amount of processing together determine what a batch costs.

When buying reclaimed masonry bricks, it is therefore worth looking beyond the price per brick. The number needed per square metre, the proportion of usable bricks and any transport and laying costs determine the actual material cost of a facade.

What determines the price of reclaimed bricks?

Type and origin

A widely available reclaimed brick may be priced differently from a specific historical type that rarely becomes available in large batches. Regional varieties and sought-after colours can also influence market value.

Size

Size partly determines how many bricks are needed per square metre. A unit price is therefore not always enough to compare two batches fairly. Read more about historical formats in our guide to brick dimensions.

Quality and sorting

A well-sorted batch with many usable bricks has more practical value than one containing extensive breakage, damage or strongly differing examples. Consistent sorting is particularly important for exposed brickwork.

Processing

Bricks recovered from old masonry may still have mortar attached. Offering them clean and ready to lay involves labour. Read more about this process in cleaning mortar from reclaimed bricks.

Quantity

The size of a batch also matters. Large, consistent batches are attractive for complete homes and larger projects because the same brick can be used across a substantial facade area.

Rarity and demand

Some reclaimed bricks are more sought after or harder to find in large quantities. A distinctive batch can therefore cost more than a more common type.

Which types of reclaimed bricks differ in price?

There is considerable variation across the range. Reclaimed handmade bricks often have a different appearance and sorting from reclaimed moulded bricks. There are also recognisable regional types such as Frisian yellow bricks, IJssel bricks and Groningen bricks.

The type name does not determine the price on its own. Two batches of the same type can differ in size, colour, age, quality and quantity, and consequently in price. Our guide to types of reclaimed bricks explains the main varieties.

Price per brick or price per square metre?

Reclaimed bricks are often offered individually, but for a building project the price per square metre is at least as useful. To calculate it, you need to know how many bricks of the chosen size are required per square metre, allowing for the intended joints.

A smaller brick may look cheaper per piece while requiring considerably more pieces. Compare batches based on the actual facade area, not just the individual unit price.

How many reclaimed bricks do you need?

The quantity depends on brick dimensions, joint width, bond and total net masonry area. Doors, windows and other openings are deducted from the facade area.

A reserve is also sensible for selection, cutting, breakage and future repairs. With a finite reclaimed batch, obtaining exactly the same brick later is not guaranteed.

Are reclaimed bricks more expensive than new bricks?

Not necessarily. Both new and reclaimed bricks vary widely in price. A rare historical brick can be costly, while a large batch of a common reclaimed type may be competitively priced against certain new facing bricks.

The comparison is not purely financial, either. Someone matching an existing historical facade or deliberately seeking a weathered appearance may compare a reclaimed batch not with the cheapest new brick, but with the material capable of achieving the same desired result.

What do transport and delivery cost?

Transport depends on quantity, weight, distance, accessibility and how the batch is packed. With large numbers of bricks, logistics can be a relevant part of the total price.

When comparing quotations, always ask whether transport is included or charged separately. This allows you to compare total costs, not only material prices.

Cheap reclaimed bricks: what should you check?

A low price is attractive, but find out why the batch is cheaper. Does it contain a lot of breakage? Do the bricks still need mortar removal? Is there enough material? Are the colour and size suitable for the project?

A cheap batch requiring substantial extra labour or producing considerable waste can ultimately be less economical than a better-sorted batch that is ready to lay.

Choosing the right batch

Appearance and practical usability are at least as important as price. Look at several bricks from the batch and assess the distribution of colour, surface, dimensions and sorting.

Our projects show how different reclaimed bricks look once laid across a complete facade. Browse our current reclaimed masonry bricks to compare batches.

Requesting a price for reclaimed bricks

For a relevant quotation, it helps to know which type of brick you want, how many square metres of facade you plan to build and where the material needs to be delivered.

Contact us with the required quantity, photographs or project drawings. We can then assess material and any transport costs for a specific batch.

Frequently asked questions about reclaimed brick prices

How much does a reclaimed brick cost individually?

There is no universal price. Unit prices vary by type, size, quality, quantity, processing and rarity. A current price for a specific batch is therefore more reliable than a single general guide price.

How do I compare the prices of different bricks?

Do not compare only the price per brick. Calculate the number needed per square metre and include any costs for sorting, mortar removal, losses and transport.

Are rare reclaimed bricks more expensive?

They can be. When a particular colour, size or historical type is scarce and demand is high, this can increase the price.

Can I order more of the same reclaimed bricks later?

Not always. Reclaimed batches are finite. For larger projects, it is sensible to buy enough material and a suitable reserve from the same batch.