Buying reclaimed bricks in Belgium

Reclaimed bricks for renovation, alterations and new builds in Belgium

In Belgium, people searching for recup stenen generally mean old or reclaimed bricks to be reused in a facade, extension, garden wall or new-build project. Terms such as recup bakstenen, recuperatiestenen, recup gevelstenen and old masonry bricks are used alongside one another. Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen does not offer a fixed series of newly produced bricks, but changing batches of genuine reclaimed masonry bricks, each with its own dimensions, colour distribution, surface and history of use.

Our stock consists of batches recovered from demolition and renovation. Where necessary, the bricks are cleaned, stripped of mortar and sorted before being offered for sale again. A suitable batch can therefore supply anything from a small repair to an entire facade. Because reclaimed batches are finite, we recommend looking beyond colour to dimensions, manufacturing method, available quantity and the overall appearance of the brickwork.

Which reclaimed bricks does Van Dillen offer?

Our stock includes a variety of types and sizes. The best choice depends on the existing architecture and the desired appearance. Always check current stock: once sold, old batches cannot be replenished indefinitely.

Reclaimed handmade bricks

Reclaimed handmade bricks often have a lively surface, slight differences in size and natural colour variations. This makes them appealing for restoration and renovation, but also for new builds where a less regular, more weathered facade is desired.

Reclaimed moulded bricks

Reclaimed moulded bricks are generally more regular in shape and size than older handmade bricks. The group includes many colours, surfaces and sizes, making moulded bricks useful both for matching existing brickwork and for entirely new facades.

IJssel bricks, Frisian yellow bricks and other historical sizes

Alongside larger red and reddish-brown batches, we stock smaller historical sizes and yellow shades. Examples include old IJssel bricks and Frisian yellow bricks. These names refer to particular Dutch brick types, but the bricks can of course also be used in Belgian projects when their size, colour and appearance suit the design.

Matching reclaimed facing bricks to existing masonry

For renovation or an extension, a good match is often more important than a brick’s precise age or origin. A brick that looks similar in an individual photograph can still differ across a complete facade because of its size, course height, surface or colour distribution. Measure several existing bricks and, ideally, several courses including mortar joints.

Would you like to match an existing facade as closely as possible? Send clear close-ups and photographs of the entire facade, the length, width and height of several bricks, and the quantity needed. Our articles on recognising old bricks and buying reclaimed facing bricks explain the properties you can compare in more detail.

Reclaimed bricks in new builds

Reclaimed bricks are not only used for restoration. New builds often offer greater freedom to develop a design around an available batch of old facing bricks. Natural variation, patina and different colour tones immediately give the facade of a new home or extension more depth.

For a new-build project, it is sensible to consider the available batch early in the design process. Size and quantity affect the dimensions, brick bond and final appearance. Read about new builds with antique building materials if you want to make reclaimed materials the starting point for a new project.

Recupstenen, recuperatiestenen and old bricks

The Belgian market uses several words for reused bricks. Recupstenen and recuperatiestenen mainly emphasise the reuse of existing material. Old bricks and old facing bricks describe their age, appearance and previous application. In practice, these terms overlap considerably.

The name therefore matters less when choosing materials than the properties of the batch itself. Look at size, colour, surface, manufacturing method, technical condition, sorting and available quantity. With genuine reclaimed bricks, small differences between individual bricks can together define the character of the finished facade.

Buying reclaimed bricks in Belgium from our current stock

Where possible, our product and category pages show current dimensions, prices and available quantities, allowing you to make informed comparisons in advance. If you need a particular colour or size, start with the full reclaimed masonry brick collection. For a broader overview of our materials for Belgium, see reclaimed and antique building materials in Belgium.

For a large facade, or a batch that needs to closely match existing masonry, it can be sensible to view the bricks in Bolsward beforehand. There you can compare several batches side by side for colour, surface and size. If you have an existing facade or a reference brick, bring that information so we can offer more focused advice.

Delivery of reclaimed bricks throughout Belgium

Van Dillen regularly supplies reclaimed building materials from the Netherlands to Belgium. Delivery is available to Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, Kortrijk, Leuven, Mechelen, Hasselt, Brussels and other locations in Flanders and the rest of Belgium. Transport costs depend on factors including quantity, number of pallets, postcode and access to the unloading site.

Would you like an estimate for transport? Provide the batch you want, the quantity and the Belgian postcode. Further practical details about transport and unloading can be found in our guide to delivery throughout the Netherlands and Belgium.

Frequently asked questions about reclaimed bricks in Belgium

Do recup stenen and recuperatiestenen mean the same thing?

In Belgium, these terms often refer to the same general category: bricks that have been used before and are being reused. The precise terminology may differ by supplier, so focus on the properties and origins of the particular batch.

Do you deliver reclaimed bricks throughout Belgium?

Yes. We can arrange delivery of reclaimed masonry brick batches throughout Belgium. For a specific transport estimate, please provide the required quantity and the postcode of the unloading site.

Are reclaimed bricks suitable for new builds?

Yes, provided the chosen batch is technically suitable for the intended use and is laid correctly. In new construction, the available batch can be considered early in the design process so that size, quantity and facade appearance work together.

How do I find a reclaimed brick that matches my existing facade?

Compare more than just the colour. Measure several bricks, look at the course height, and send close-ups as well as photographs of the complete facade. Size, surface, manufacturing method and colour distribution together determine how well a new batch matches.

Are all old bricks completely clean and sorted to the same standard?

This varies by batch. Reclaimed masonry bricks are cleaned, stripped of mortar and sorted where necessary, but natural differences in size and colour are part of the material. Always check the information for the specific batch.

Can I view the bricks first?

Yes. Our main stock can be viewed in Bolsward. Comparing batches in person is often sensible, particularly for large quantities or when a close match to existing brickwork is needed.