Buy Old Bricks with Authentic Character

What are old bricks used for?

As the name suggests, facade bricks are primarily used for exterior walls, including the facade of a house; however, our antique chipped bricks are also suitable for interior walls. Previously, facade bricks consisted of a stone block or plate with a decoration. In a time when house numbers did not exist, this allowed people to recognize the house. Today, we refer to facade bricks as (old) masonry bricks used to create an exterior wall. These old facade bricks are fabricated in such a way that they are resistant to various weather conditions and retain their color for a long time. Due to the fact that they are handmade, old facade bricks have a natural and beautiful color nuance, which is characteristic of old masonry bricks and adds a unique character. An (extra) beautiful addition to this is the lime veil nuance that often appears on the bricks after recovery. One way to remove this is by (sand)blasting your wall.

Why buy old bricks for your building project?

When you buy old bricks, you invest in materials that combine visual warmth with structural integrity. Each brick carries traces of its former life: weathering, lime veils, subtle color shifts, and the texture left by decades of exposure. These imperfections create a depth and richness that new materials cannot replicate. Old bricks are especially valued by homeowners restoring period properties or adding extensions that respect original architecture. Their natural patina integrates seamlessly with historic masonry, while their durability ensures they perform as well as they did a century ago. Beyond aesthetics, choosing second hand bricks supports circular building practices, reducing demand for newly fired materials and preserving architectural heritage.

What are the dimensions of old bricks?

The dimensions of brick vary depending on the region and period of production. Most old Dutch brick types measure between 16 and 22 cm in length and 4 to 6 cm in height. Frisian tiles, for example, are typically smaller and thinner than Groninger bricks, which were fired for durability in harsher coastal climates. Since the old bricks are handmade, the size always differs. Take this into account when you are using old bricks for a project.

Different colors of bricks

In our stock, old bricks come in a wide range of colors, giving you the freedom to customize the appearance of your house, shed, wall, or interior wall as desired. Whether you are looking for the warmth of old red facade bricks, the subtle elegance of antique gray facade bricks, the sunny appearance of yellow facade bricks, or the deep richness of purple facade bricks, we have what you need or can find it for you. Our facade bricks offer a diversity of colors that will distinguish your project. These bricks, sourced from the demolition of old farms and buildings, are carefully chipped and cleaned, making them ready for immediate use in your construction project(s).

What type of reclaimed bricks do we have?

In our collection you’ll find a wide range of reclaimed bricks. Below, we have summed them up for you:

• Old Frisian tiles: famous for their yellow colouring
• Groninger bricks: some are over 700 years old
• Handmade bricks: they involve a lot of human attention
• IJssel bricks (IJsselsteentjes): famous for their small size and yellow colour
• Molded bricks: traditional masonry bricks made by pressing clay into a mold and then firing it.

Buy old bricks

Are you interested in purchasing old Dutch bricks for your project? At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find an extensive collection of second hand bricks which are in good shape. We always have market-compliant prices and even strive to be below that. We also have cheap old masonry bricks in our assortment. Our facade bricks are not only relatively affordable but also of high quality, carefully selected, cleaned, and prepared for reuse. By choosing our old facade bricks, you are not only investing in the ultimate beauty of your home, but you are also contributing to a more sustainable world.

On our website, you can explore our complete range of old facade bricks. Do you need help choosing or would you like more information about a specific brick? Our team is ready to advise and support you in making the perfect choice for your project. You can reach us:

• WhatsApp: +31 6 49670696
• Email: info@vdabouwmaterialen.nl
• Call: +31 6 49670696
• Showroom: Hichtumerweg 29, 8701PG, Bolsward, The Netherlands

Choose Van Dillen antique building materials and let old facade bricks enrich the story and appearance of your home. Contact us today for more information and discover how we can realize your vision with our beautiful old masonry bricks.