How to Match Bricks: A Complete Guide

Whether you’re extending your home or repairing a damaged wall, matching bricks is essential for achieving a seamless finish. Even small variations in colour, texture or mortar can make new work stand out - and not in a good way.

Therefore, this step-by-step guide will go over how to match bricks accurately, what to consider before choosing a style, and how professional brick-matching services can help you get it right the first time!

Brick house on a long road with other brick houses surrounding it.

What to consider before choosing a brick colour or style

Before you begin to look at samples, take the time to understand the type of brick you’re working with, and how it can be used the best as an effective building material.

1. The type of brick

Different bricks offer different textures, colours and stability levels. Common brick types include:

Clay bricks – Natural colour variety and are popular for homes and extensions
Concrete bricks – Uniform and cost-effective
Reclaimed bricks – Ideal for period homes and projects
Engineering bricks – Stronger and used for structural purposes

Identifying what you already have helps narrow down suitable replacements.

2. How can I use the brick?

The purpose of the project will influence your choice:

Extensions require a close visual match
Garden Walls allow more freedom with colour
Restoration demands an identical match
Features (fireplaces, planters) might suit more complementary bricks than matching ones

3. Environmental and lighting conditions

Brick colour can shift depending on:

Natural vs. Artificial light
North, or south-facing, walls
Surrounding landscaping

Always check samples at different times of day to ensure complete consistency.

Brick and mortar being used to build a wall. It is important to match bricks to previous bricks.

How to match existing bricks and how to identify it

To match bricks accurately, start by identifying the characteristics of the existing wall:

1. Brick size

Bricks come in varying sizes (e.g standard, metrics, imperial), so matching the size ensures your new brickwork aligns perfects with the old.

2. Texture

Is the brick smooth? Wire-cut? Handmade? Textured? The texture of the brick plays a huge role in the appearance of the brick.

3. Colour

Look closely at different colour variations, as many bricks feature blends of red, brown, buff or multi-tonal shades. How to colour match brick mortar and brickwork together becomes incredibly important here, as both affect the overall look.

4. Mortar colour and style

Mortar can completely change the appearance of brickwork, so matching the mortar colour and joint style is just as important as matching the brick itself.

5. Weathering

Older bricks tend to naturally fade, so new bricks might need ageing treatments or staining to blend in. If you’re wondering ‘can bricks be stained’ – yes, brick staining is a common technique for achieving a closer match when perfect colour alignment is difficult.

Mortar and a spade against a bricked wall being used to create a new wall.

How to choose complimentary bricks

Sometimes a perfect match isn’t necessary, or even possible. In these cases, opt for complimentary bricks that blend well with other surroundings.

Tips:

Choose a brick within the same colour family
Look for similar textures to maintain cohesion
Consider using contrasting mortar to create a defined, purposeful finish
Use brick blends or multi-toned options for a more natural, varied appearance.

Bricks and Mortar

Mortar accounts for around 15%-20% of the finished wall surface, so its colour and style can drastically affect the appearance of the bricks themselves.

So, when matching mortar, consider:

Mortar colour (white, grey, buff, red-toned, etc).
Joint profile (flush, recessed, weather-struck).
Mortar strength – softer mortar for older buildings, stronger for modern builds

If you’re learning how to colour match brick mortar, start by analysing the existing shade when its both dry and slightly damp, as moisture affects the colour!

Brick Matching Service at Howarth

If you’re unsure where to start, or you just want some expert guidance, you can use our Brick Matching service!

All you have to do is upload a photo of your brickwork and provide basic details. Our team will then analyse colour, size, texture, mortar characteristics and brick manufacturer (where identifiable).

You’ll then receive personalised recommendations that closely match your existing brickwork.

Useful brick tools and guides

Enhance your project planning with our handy resources:

Brick calculator – work out exactly how many bricks you need
Brick products – browse our full range!

A side angle of some mortar and brick walls being pressed down by a builder.

Learning how to match bricks properly can save you time, money and stress. From identifying brick types to understanding mortar colour, every detail will contribute to a seamless finish!

And if you ever need expert help, our brick-matching service is here to make the process effortless – whether you visit us in store or use our online tool.

If you have any more questions about brick matching, or you require any additional information about the products we sell at Howarth, please visit your local Howarth branch, or contact our customer services on 01472 907051.