Who this guide is for
- Homeowners choosing a brick look for a facade
- People comparing brick textures, colors and bonds
- Renovators matching new brick to existing
- Anyone briefing a designer or mason on brick selection
Face types and textures
Bricks vary from smooth and crisp to rough, tumbled or wire-cut textures, and the face dramatically changes the wall's character. A smooth brick reads clean and modern; a tumbled one reads rustic and aged. The face texture is a primary aesthetic decision.
- Smooth faces read clean and contemporary
- Wire-cut and textured faces add depth
- Tumbled or weathered faces read rustic
- Texture interacts with light across the facade
Color and mortar
Brick color spans reds, browns, buffs, greys and blends, and the mortar color is nearly as influential, since a contrasting or matching mortar transforms the same brick. Considering brick and mortar together is essential. The mortar is part of the palette, not an afterthought.
Bonds and patterns
The bond, how bricks are laid relative to each other, sets the pattern and rhythm of the wall, from common running bonds to more decorative arrangements. The bond influences both look and, historically, structure. Choosing the bond is part of the design.
Weathering and character
Brick weathers slowly and gains character, but it can also show efflorescence or staining depending on the brick and conditions. Understanding how a brick is likely to age helps set expectations. Weathering is part of brick's long-term character.
The wall behind the brick
As cladding, brick is usually a veneer that relies on a drainage gap, weeps and a barrier behind it to manage moisture, so the look you choose sits on a system. The face is the aesthetic; the assembly is the performance. A qualified mason handles the veneer construction, and requirements vary by location and project.
Brick selection checklist
- 1Decide the face texture that sets the character
- 2Choose a brick color or blend for the facade
- 3Consider the mortar color as part of the palette
- 4Select a bond pattern for rhythm and look
- 5Think about how the brick will weather over time
- 6Match new brick to existing where blending matters
- 7Remember brick veneer relies on drainage behind it
- 8Have the veneer assembly handled by a qualified mason
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a brick face without considering the mortar
- Ignoring how texture changes with light and scale
- Forgetting the bond pattern shapes the whole wall
- Assuming brick veneer keeps water out on its own
- Overlooking how a brick will weather and stain
- Mismatching new brick to existing on a blended wall
When to involve a professional
- Have a qualified mason handle the veneer construction and detailing
- Treat the drainage, weeps and barrier behind as weather-critical
- Confirm any structural support for the veneer with a professional
- Have damp or efflorescence on brick assessed, not sealed over
- Requirements vary by location and project; verify with your professionals
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Does the mortar color really matter with brick?
Yes, a great deal. The same brick can look entirely different with a contrasting or matching mortar, so brick and mortar should be chosen together. The mortar is part of the palette, not an afterthought.
What is a brick bond?
A bond is the pattern in which bricks are laid relative to each other, from common running bonds to more decorative arrangements. It sets the rhythm of the wall and influences both the look and, historically, the structure, so it is part of the design choice.
Does brick cladding keep water out by itself?
As cladding, brick is usually a veneer that relies on a drainage gap, weeps and a barrier behind it to manage moisture. The face is the aesthetic choice, while the assembly behind handles performance, so a qualified mason should build the veneer.
Will brick stain or weather over time?
Brick weathers slowly and often gains character, but depending on the brick and conditions it can show efflorescence or staining. Understanding how a particular brick is likely to age helps set expectations, and damp-related staining should be assessed rather than sealed.
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