Finding Reclaimed Bricks

If you love the rustic yet elegant look of old bricks, consider adding them to your new house. While these bricks can be costly, they add a unique and historical feel to a house. Here's a look at how to find these old "reclaimed" bricks.

The search process can be an adventure, as it often involves contacting several suppliers and visiting a few salvage yards. If the supply is limited, you may have to extend your search to different states to find the right color and quantity. Try to narrow down your color preferences early, as this will save time and aggravation as you visit suppliers and look through their inventory.

Seeing the Products

Once you narrow your options, you'll want to visit a few places or have samples sent to you. Ask for a good size sample so you can see how they will look in a large area.

Depending on the type of brick and its popularity, you may have to wait a few weeks--or months--as the supplier finds the bricks and prepares them for resale. Old bricks often have concrete, asphalt, or other materials stuck on them, triggering a lengthy cleanup process.

Adding reclaimed bricks can be an exciting process, but it also is time consuming. In the end, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment as you add this unique old look to your new house.

About the Author

Allison E. Beatty is an avid old house enthusiast who has been renovating houses and writing about them for more than 10 years. She contributes regularly to national newspaper, magazines and web sites. She lives in an 1888 Victorian era home.