Why matching brickwork is difficult
Every brick batch is slightly different. Colour varies depending on the clay, the kiln temperature and the firing method. A brick that matches perfectly today will look different after 10 years of weathering. This means a genuine invisible match is rare — especially on older properties.
That said, a skilled bricklayer can get remarkably close. And in some cases — particularly on new builds from the 1990s onwards — an exact match is possible.
How to identify your original brick
Look for a manufacturer's mark
Many bricks have a manufacturer's name or logo pressed into the frog (the indent on the top face). This can help you or your bricklayer identify the exact product. Common manufacturers in the South of England include Ibstock, Wienerberger, Forterra and Hanson.
Check the age of your property
The age of your property narrows down which bricks were available. Victorian and Edwardian properties (pre-1914) used hand-made or wire-cut bricks that are often no longer made. 1950s–1980s properties used a wide range of smooth and textured stock bricks. Properties built from the 1990s onwards usually used bricks still in production.
Measure the brick dimensions
Standard modern bricks measure 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm. Older bricks are often different sizes — typically slightly longer, thinner or shorter. This matters for matching because even if the colour is right, a different size will make the joints look wrong.
Where to source matching bricks
Brick merchant libraries
Most specialist brick merchants hold large samples or can order from manufacturers' pattern books. Your bricklayer should have access to a national network of merchants. Describe the colour, texture and approximate age of your property and they can usually narrow it down to a shortlist.
Reclaimed brick yards
For Victorian and Edwardian properties, reclaimed bricks are often the best match. Reclaimed bricks are taken from demolished buildings and sorted by type. Prices vary: common reclaimed stock bricks cost £1–£2 each; quality London stocks or handmade commons can reach £4–£8 each.
Custom and conservation bricks
For listed buildings or high-profile projects, some manufacturers produce bricks to order. These can match almost any historical specification. Lead times can be 6–12 weeks and cost is higher — but the results can be exceptional.
Mortar matching
The mortar colour and joint profile is at least as important as the brick itself. A well-matched brick with the wrong mortar colour stands out immediately. Mortar colour is adjusted by changing the sand type and adding pigments. Your bricklayer should make a small sample panel and allow it to dry before committing to the full job.
Managing expectations
Even with a very good match, new brickwork will look different to old brickwork until it has weathered. The difference typically fades significantly over 2–5 years. On covered sections — such as under a canopy — new brickwork may always look slightly different.
Our recommendation: be upfront with your bricklayer about how important the match is. For a rear extension hidden from view, a near-match is usually acceptable. For a front-facing repair or extension, it's worth spending more time and money on sourcing a close match.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you ever get a perfect brick match?
- An exact match is only possible on newer properties where the original brick is still in production. On anything more than 10–15 years old, a close match is more realistic than a perfect one. Weathering always means new bricks look different initially.
- How do I find out which brick was used on my house?
- Start by looking for a maker's mark in the frog of a loose brick. If there are no loose bricks, contact a specialist brick merchant with a photo of the brickwork (in good light, showing a clean face) and the approximate build date of your property. They can often identify it.
- What if the original brick is no longer made?
- A reclaimed brick yard is usually the best option for discontinued bricks. If reclaimed stock is unavailable, a conservation or handmade brick from a specialist manufacturer can be a very good substitute, though it costs more.