How to Choose the Right Bricks for Your Exterior
Choosing the right bricks for your project's exterior is a decision about aesthetics and practicality. In this guide, our team will help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right brick for your project.
Aesthetic Considerations
When choosing bricks for your project, whether outdoor or indoor, it's important to consider:
Bond Pattern: Bond pattern refers to the pattern in which bricks are laid. Bricks can be arranged in a number of different patterns that can create visual interest on an exterior.
Brick Colour: Bricks come in reds, browns, tans, greys, and even blues or purples. Modern manufacturing techniques create various colour blends and finishes. Remember that colour variations between batches are natural, adding character to your project. Some bricks have coloured accents or ranges within that same colour family, while others are more solid and uniform.
Mortar Colour: Mortar can represent up to 25% of the wall facade itself, so the colour of mortar you choose can greatly impact how your bricks look, as well as the final, overall appearance of your exterior. Choosing a mortar colour that contrasts with your bricks can help them stand out, whereas a mortar colour that matches your bricks can make them blend together for a more unified and minimalist look. It's also worth keeping in mind that mortar colour can actually change the way the colour of your brick appears. For instance, using mortar that's lighter than the brick colour might make the brick look somewhat darker.
Texture: From smooth-faced to heavily textured "tumbled" options, texture affects both appearance and how light plays across your project's exterior. While a smooth-faced brick will create a more modern or contemporary look, rougher textures typically create a more rustic, traditional look.
Size and Shape: Bricks come in many different shapes and sizes. Thin bricks, different sizes, and specialty shapes can create distinctive patterns and visual interest. You'll need to decide on the look you are after when picking size and shape. For example, if you want the project to fit into your neighbourhood, size is important to match. If you are looking for a modern or contemporary aesthetic, long format bricks may be the way to go. Larger bricks may have a more commercial feel, and speciality shapes allow you to think more creatively and design something with texture. It's a lot to think about, but our team of experts at kreitmaker can help you choose the style that works with your project's aesthetic.
Choosing the brick that matches your personal style is the fun part! Click here to view our full brick collection, or, if you're near the GTA, plan a trip to one of our idea spaces to see our many brick options in person and chat with our experts about what you need and what you're looking for.
Practical Considerations
Budget: Pricing can vary significantly depending on if the bricks are available domestically or coming from abroad. Additionally, factors like the size of the production run will impact budget.
Maintenance Requirements: Brick is typically a low maintenance type of cladding. Depending on where the project is (i.e., downtown with more street pollution), more cleaning may be required.
Local Availability: kreitmaker ships across Canada, so even if you can't visit us in person, you can contact us and we will work with you to choose the bricks that suit your project and lifestyle, and then ship them right to your door. We can even send you samples so you can see how the bricks will look in person.
Test Before You Invest
If you're local to the GTA, we recommend visiting one of our idea spaces to see our many brick options in person, so you can get a better look at the variety we have available. We can also recommend projects for you to visit that have the type of brick you are considering, so that you can see how it looks on a finished product.
Additionally, we recommend getting samples and viewing them:
- With different mortar colours
- In different lighting conditions
- Next to other exterior elements (roofing, trim)
- From various distances
- When wet and dry (as appearance changes)
Working with Professionals
When you work with kreitmaker, you're working with professionals who will understand the importance of bricks that harmonize with your project's existing design.
Choosing the right brick involves balancing practical considerations with aesthetic preferences. By understanding brick classifications, considering your unique needs, and thoroughly examining samples, you'll select an exterior finish that enhances your project's value and character for generations to come.
Looking to add brick to your project? Contact kreitmaker today, or visit one of our idea spaces in Scarborough, Leaside, or Davenport to view your options.