Choosing the Best Brick Color for House Exteriors
The brick color you choose for your home's exterior has a major impact on curb appeal. Whether you're building a new house or renovating an existing one, the right brick color palette can enhance your home's style, tie together other exterior elements like the roof and trim, and give your house great street presence.
But with so many brick colors and combinations to pick from, where do you start?
Complement Architectural Style
The first consideration when selecting brick colors is the architectural style of your home. For example:
- Victorian houses tend to use softer red and brown brick tones
- Colonials favor classic red bricks with white painted accents
- Contemporary brick homes shine with gray, black, or neutral earth tones
Look at the lines, layout, and rooflines of your house exterior. Then choose brick shades that enhance, rather than fight against, the intended design aesthetic. Using brick colors that complement the home's architecture ensures visual harmony.
Consider Color Combinations
Brick exterior colors rarely stand alone. Most brick homes pair body brick colors with contrasting mortar, accent bricks, stone/wood siding, painted trim, and other elements. Some examples of pleasing color combos include:
- Traditional red brick with bright white trim
- Charcoal gray bricks with light mortar
- Brown and red brick blends with black window accents
When deciding on brick shades, hold up color swatches against existing features like your roof, entry door, shutters, or stonework. Colors should complement each other without blending together.
Factor in Sunlight
Another consideration is sunlight exposure. North-facing brick walls appear darker and show color variations more than southern exposures. Cooler shaded areas take on a bluer tone. Parts of the house that get full sun intensify warmer pigments. Visit the house site at various daylight times to observe how light impacts color.
Research Popular Exterior Brick Colors
While personal preference plays a big role, you'll also want to know what's trending. Some of today's most popular brick color schemes include:
Warm Red Brick
Nothing beats traditional red brick homes with white or black painted trim. Although a "standard" red brick color doesn't exist, vibrant cherry reds never fade. Deeper reds with flashes of brown and purple add dimension while keeping traditional charm.
Earthy Multicolor Blends
For homeowners wanting something more unique than single tone bricks, blended mixes add modern appeal. Combining different reds, browns, grays, and tans creates depth and visual interest. Just be sure the variegated brick suits the home style.limit accent colors to avoid a chaotic look.
Neutral Gray Brick
Gray is hugely popular for modern farmhouse, craftsman, and contemporary designs. Depending on the clay properties used during manufacturing, the grays can take on subtle brown, blue, pink or purple undertones. Pair with black window frames for stunning high-contrast style.
Creative Uses of Color
Beyond covering an entire house exterior, bricks can add color through creative accent applications like:
- Two tones of brick on the front facade only
- Red brick on the lower half, gray upper
- Special brick shapes around main entryway only
- Row of limestone quoins gracing the house corners
Varying brickwork patterns, textures, and clever color placement make for dazzling curb appeal. Use an experienced mason's input when mapping out the design.
Common Mistakes
Despite the best of plans, poor brick color decisions happen. Be careful of:
- Following short-lived fads - Trendy brick may seem exciting now but date quickly. Stick to classic colors
- Clashing colors - If brick and shingle roofs wildly contrast, the combo jars the eyes
- Too much variety - Randomly mixed brick types/colors look chaotic, not custom
View neighborhood homes to see good and bad brick color examples. Drive the neighborhood at night too - colors can look very different by streetlights. Or ask an architectural designer for pointers.
Prepare Surfaces Before Brickwork
Proper prep ensures exterior bricks or siding tightly bond and withstand weathering. Key steps involve:
- Inspecting substrates for plumb and soundness
- Repairing any cracks or damage in existing surfaces
- Applying appropriate primers and sealants to surfaces
Taking time to correctly prep protects your investment in quality brick and workmanship. Don't cut corners here.
Hire Specialized Masons
Replacing brick or adding new brickwork takes skill. Ensure masons:
- Have worked extensively with house exteriors
- Show properly executed samples of previous jobs
- Carry appropriate licensing and insurance
- Outline the step-by-step process from start to finish
Rushing crews without vetting qualifications leads to problems like efflorescence blooms, cracking, loose bricks, and improper seals.
Budget for Quality Brick
From regional clay differences to manufacturing methods, brick costs vary. On average, total installed costs range:
- $10-$25 per square foot for basic units
- $25-50+ per square foot for specialty bricks
Labor, mortar, and other expenses also impact budgets. Have reputable contractors provide fixed quotes for all services - materials, delivery, equipment, setup, permits etc. Then you can accurately compare bids.
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance
With proper installation and occasional maintenance, quality bricks stand the test of time and weather. Key upkeep tips include:
- Annual inspections for damage
- Reapplying protective sealants every 5-7 years
- Gentle power washing when buildup occurs
Avoid abrasive cleaning methods which erode mortar and brick. A well cared for brick exterior keeps houses looking fabulous for decades, boosting long term value.
Choosing those perfect brick colors and combinations showcase a home's unique beauty and architectural style. Follow the latest appealing trends and colors that impress, choose colors that play nicely together, and properly prep and budget. With good planning, you'll love gazing at your home's striking exterior for years to come.