What types of reclaimed bricks are there? A complete guide

What types of reclaimed bricks are there?

Old bricks come in many more varieties than simply red, yellow or brown. Differences can involve production method, origin, colour, size, texture, firing and age. Two reclaimed facing bricks that initially look similar can create very different facades once laid.

Within our reclaimed masonry bricks, we distinguish handmade bricks, moulded bricks, IJssel bricks, Frisian yellow bricks and Groningen bricks, among others. This guide explains their differences and which may suit your project.

1. Reclaimed handmade bricks

Reclaimed handmade bricks are among the most characterful historical bricks. Traditionally, clay was placed by hand into a sanded mould and struck off. This produced natural variations in surface, edges and dimensions.

Handmade bricks are particularly popular where a facade should look lively and distinctly historical. They come in many colours and sizes, from small IJssel and yellow bricks to large Groningen bricks and kloostermoppen.

Characteristics of handmade bricks

Typical features include a more irregular surface, natural colour nuances, small dimensional differences and less sharply defined edges. These imperfections give the finished masonry depth and authenticity.

2. Reclaimed moulded bricks

Reclaimed moulded bricks are generally more regular in shape than traditionally handmade bricks. In this production method, clay is mechanically placed into sanded moulds. This produces a recognisable surface with greater dimensional consistency and regularity.

Old moulded bricks are interesting if you want the character and colour variation of historical material but a slightly calmer, more regular facade than many handmade batches provide.

Handmade or moulded?

The choice is primarily aesthetic and project-specific. Handmade bricks are often a natural choice for a strongly weathered, handcrafted appearance. Moulded bricks can be attractive for a more even facade. Both can work very well in restoration, renovation and characterful new builds.

3. Reclaimed IJssel bricks

IJssel bricks are small historical bricks closely linked to production along the Hollandse IJssel river. Their colours include yellow, red and orange, as well as strongly varied apple-blossom colour blends.

A familiar IJssel format is approximately 16 x 8 x 4 cm, although historical batches can differ. The small size requires relatively many bricks per square metre, producing a fine-grained, richly detailed facade.

IJssel bricks are widely used in restoration, historical garden walls, distinctive internal walls and high-end new builds where a refined historical appearance is wanted.

4. Frisian yellow bricks

Frisian yellow bricks are historical yellow and mixed-yellow bricks commonly found in old Frisian buildings. They come in different sizes and sortings. Smaller drielingen and larger yellow bricks can create very different facade rhythms.

The colour is certainly not always uniformly yellow. Old batches may contain cream, orange, pink, reddish and dark tones. This natural mixture is a major part of the character of a reclaimed yellow-brick facade.

They are used not only to restore farmhouses and historical homes but increasingly in new builds seeking a Frisian or traditional character.

5. Groningen bricks

Groningen bricks are generally larger than many other historical Dutch bricks. The group includes handmade bricks in red and mixed brown tones.

Their larger format creates a different facade from small IJssel bricks or Frisian drielingen. Large historical kloostermoppen also occur in the northern reclaimed-brick range.

For restoration, do not search only by the name ‘Groningen brick’. Compare the actual dimensions, colour, texture and sorting with the existing masonry.

6. Reclaimed Waalformaat bricks

Waalformaat describes a size, not a production method. Both handmade and moulded bricks can therefore be Waalformaat.

A broad guide is approximately 21 x 10 x 5 cm, but variations are normal in reclaimed batches. Our separate explanation of Waalformaat covers dimensions, joints and the number of bricks needed per square metre.

7. Vechtformaat, Rijnformaat and other historical sizes

Many old bricks are also named by format. Alongside Waalformaat are Vechtformaat, Rijnformaat, IJsselformaat, drielingformaat and Hilversumsformaat, as well as the much larger kloostermoppen.

These names are useful when looking for a suitable batch, but historical dimensions are not always exact. Our detailed guide to brick dimensions gives different old formats and approximate measurements.

8. Kloostermoppen

Kloostermoppen are large historical bricks particularly associated with medieval and later historical masonry. They are considerably larger and often thicker than modern facing bricks.

There is no single universal size. Historical examples can differ considerably by period and region. Especially in restoration, measure the existing brick carefully before selecting a suitable batch.

9. Red, yellow, brown and reduction-fired reclaimed bricks

Alongside production method and format, colour is an important basis for selecting reclaimed bricks. Red and reddish-orange are common, but yellow, cream, brown, purple-toned and grey or blue reduction-fired batches also occur.

A historical facade’s final colour is rarely determined by one uniform shade. Differences between bricks, firing temperature, clay composition, patina and sorting together create the appearance.

Preferably choose from a complete batch or several representative bricks, not only one close-up photograph.

10. Cleaned and uncleaned reclaimed bricks

Another practical distinction is whether old mortar has been removed. Cleaned bricks have had enough mortar taken off to allow them to be laid again.

This is labour-intensive work that requires care to keep the bricks usable. An uncleaned batch may look cheaper but still involves substantial work, losses and preparation. Read our guide to removing mortar yourself or having it removed.

Which reclaimed brick suits restoration?

The existing facade is the main starting point. Compare length, height, width, colour, surface, production method and joint appearance. A brick that seems a good colour match but is a few millimetres too tall can create a visible difference across dozens of courses.

Do not simply look for ‘an old red brick’. Try to identify the existing type as accurately as possible. Our regional categories allow a more focused search among IJssel bricks, Frisian yellow bricks and Groningen bricks.

Which reclaimed brick suits a new build?

New builds offer much greater freedom. The brick itself can be the starting point for the design. Small bricks give a finer facade rhythm, while large formats can look calmer and more substantial.

The choice between handmade and moulded bricks also has a major influence. Reclaimed bricks can contrast strongly with modern frames, large glazed areas and clean-lined architecture. Read why more projects choose building with reclaimed masonry bricks.

Which brick suits a garden wall or internal wall?

Almost any suitable reclaimed masonry brick may be interesting for a garden wall, but colour, size and visible faces are especially important because the wall is often viewed closely. A freestanding wall may need attractive visible faces on both sides.

Indoors, old bricks are often chosen for texture and patina. Handmade bricks, yellow bricks and IJssel bricks can create a strong historical feature without making the whole interior traditional.

How many reclaimed bricks do you need?

The number per square metre varies considerably by format. A small IJssel brick requires far more pieces than a large Groningen brick or kloostermop.

Do not calculate solely from the total number of bricks. Use the actual batch dimensions and intended joint width. Our page on brick dimensions includes a calculation example.

Brick bond and brick type

The chosen brick and bond influence each other. A traditional pattern can have a very different effect with small historical bricks than with large ones. The availability of sound headers may also matter where many headers are visible.

For practical guidance on reuse, see laying reclaimed bricks.

What do different reclaimed brick types cost?

There is no fixed price for ‘an old brick’. A large, common batch can be priced very differently from a rare regional brick or a small, distinctive sorting.

Type, size, colour, quality, quantity, scarcity, sorting and the extent of mortar removal together determine the price. We explain these factors in what is the price of reclaimed bricks?.

Why reuse old bricks?

Old bricks have already served in one application and can be reused after careful dismantling, sorting and mortar removal. This keeps existing material in circulation longer and reduces the need for new material.

Read more about this aspect in why are reused building materials sustainable?.

See different reclaimed bricks in completed projects

A loose brick never gives the full impression of a facade. Colour distribution, format, pointing and bond become clear only when hundreds or thousands are laid together.

Browse our projects using reclaimed building materials to compare completed work using handmade bricks, yellow bricks, IJssel bricks and Groningen bricks.

Buying reclaimed bricks

Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen offers varied batches of reclaimed masonry bricks in different colours, sizes and sortings. You can also browse directly within handmade bricks, moulded bricks, IJssel bricks, Frisian yellow bricks and Groningen bricks.

For restoration, compare measurements and photographs of existing masonry with the current range. For a new build, design around an available batch so its colour, size and character are shown to best effect.

Frequently asked questions about brick types

What types of reclaimed bricks are there?

Major groups include handmade and moulded bricks, alongside regional or historical types such as IJssel bricks, Frisian yellow bricks and Groningen bricks. Old bricks are also commonly classified by size, colour and preparation.

What is the difference between handmade and moulded bricks?

The main difference is the production method and its effects on appearance and dimensional consistency. Traditionally handmade bricks are generally more irregular; moulded bricks usually have a more regular shape.

Which reclaimed brick is the most authentic?

That depends on the building and intended period. In restoration, the brick that best matches the original masonry in type, size, colour and surface is the most authentic choice.

Are IJssel bricks and Frisian yellow bricks handmade?

Many historical examples are handmade, but the regional name and the production method do not describe exactly the same characteristic. Always assess the particular batch.

Which brick is suitable for a new build?

Both reclaimed handmade and moulded bricks can be used. The best choice depends on the desired facade, dimensions, colour, available quantity and design.

How do I recognise which reclaimed brick I need for restoration?

Measure several bricks and courses in the existing facade, then compare colour, texture, edges and production method. Both close-up photographs and views of the full facade help when looking for a suitable batch.