Compare five popular colors for brick paving
Brick was the first manufactured building material and has been used for centuries. If you’re considering brick for your landscaping project, don’t feel limited by color. Nowadays, there are many more color options than the standard red. In fact, you have many options ranging from reds, pinks, grays and browns. The colors can be combined in patterns as well to achieve the look and feel of the space you are envisioning. Below are examples of popular brick colors, as well as descriptions to help you decide which color will work best for you.
Red Brick
Red colored brick is the most common color you can find in residential as well as commercial building projects. The red color comes from the type of clay that brick is made from, which contains red iron oxide. Not all, but most bricks contain variations of red within them. Red brick looks great used throughout lush greenery as a walkway or even for the paving of a small seating area. Using red colored brick will bring a traditional and warm feel to your landscaping project.
Pink Brick
Don’t think bright neon pink. This light and soft pink colored brick is another common color you can find available in brick. The pink tones work great in Victorian or English landscapes and contribute to a vintage relaxed atmosphere. It is recommended to use pink brick with other pastel colors such as light yellows, whites and baby blues. Pink brick is ideal for areas in your landscape where your garden is filled with blooming delicate flowers.
Gray Brick
Gray brick can be found in numerous shades. Although it is not as common as red colored brick, many homeowners are using this color in their landscape because it makes a nice connection to neutral tones in their home. Gray brick will provide a nice contrast in the landscape if you have lush bright foliage. If you live in areas that have harsh winter weather, using gray brick in your landscape is recommended because the dark gray color contrasts greatly against a snow covered landscape.
Brown Brick
Brown brick is a popular choice among homeowners because of its versatility and warmth. Using brown brick doesn’t take away from the landscape, it simply blends it together, drawing your eye from the hardscaping to other elements within the garden. Using brown brick will contribute to a peaceful, calm atmosphere that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Brown brick can be complemented by plants with warm colored leaves or blooms.
- Pro Tip: My favorite brick to use is a 5” by 9” straw-colored fire brick - it goes well with our local stone. But it is a little pricey (about 50% more than the locally produced red brick).
--Margie Grace of Grace Design Associates in Santa Barbara, CA
Whatever color you decide, be sure to consider other elements within your landscape. Make sure the color of the brick complements and works with the color of your home, your hardscape, and your style. Take into consideration not only the color of your home but its architecture, and make sure that the colored brick is the best option for this area. Creating a color palette for your yard is a great way to go about making a decision on a color.
- Pro Tip: We often use brown or gray bricks for bordering a large field of paving. This helps set off a patio, drive or walk from its surroundings.
--Kyle Ritchey of Milieu Design in Wheeling, IL
Contributing Author: Sarah Hutchinson, contributing writer for Landscaping Network |
Related Reading:
Brick PatternsCompare running bond, herringbone, basket weave & more
Brick PatiosLearn about the benefits & get design ideas for brick patios
Brick CostFind out the average price per square foot for brick paving
Return to Brick
