Choosing the Right Brick for Your Period Property Renovation
Preserving Character, Complying with Planning, and Getting the Match Just Right
Renovating a period property is a rewarding but delicate task. Whether you're restoring a Georgian townhouse or breathing new life into a Victorian terrace, the bricks you choose play a vital role in maintaining authenticity and preserving heritage value. But how do you ensure you're selecting the right brick for the job?
Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice — from matching existing masonry to meeting conservation requirements.
Why Matching Matters
The most striking feature of period properties is their distinctive brickwork. The size, tone, texture and even the mortar finish all contribute to the visual harmony of the building. Using a mismatched brick, even subtly, can disrupt the character of a façade and reduce its appeal — or worse, draw unwanted attention from planning officers.
That’s why reclaimed bricks are often the material of choice. They not only mirror the aesthetic of the original structure, but also carry the patina and weathering that makes older properties so visually compelling.
Do You Need Planning Permission or Conservation Approval?
If your property is listed or located in a conservation area, you may need permission before replacing or altering any exterior materials — especially bricks. Local councils will typically expect you to match the existing materials like-for-like in appearance and composition.
Always check with your local planning authority before starting any work. And when in doubt, choose a supplier who understands the nuances of planning requirements and can provide bricks that meet conservation standards.
How to Find the Right Brick Type
There are several types of bricks commonly found in heritage buildings:
- Handmade Bricks – Irregular in shape with rich colour variation. Perfect for pre-1900s properties and traditional aesthetics.
→ We recommend our Handmade Reclaimed Bricks for authentic restoration. - Pressed Stocks – These became popular during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. They have a uniform size but retain a textured finish.
→ View our Pressed Stock Bricks for suitable options. - Wirecut Bricks – Introduced later, they are more uniform and smoother. Best for early 20th-century properties or sympathetic extensions.
Choosing the correct brick type is a balance of architectural style, age of the property, and historical accuracy. At Heritage Brick Company, our yard team is always on hand to offer support — even if it means sending samples or helping with photographic comparisons.
Consider Mortar and Finish
Brick choice is only half the story. If you’re aiming for a seamless finish, the mortar needs to be carefully considered too. Lime mortar was traditionally used in heritage properties and allows the structure to “breathe”. Modern cement mortars may be too rigid, causing damage over time.
Where possible, we advise matching mortar tone and finish, particularly on visible façades. This often involves sourcing the correct aggregate colour, grain, and binding material.
The Brick Matching Process
At Heritage Brick Company, we offer a professional Brick Matching Service to simplify this process.
You can upload photos of your existing brickwork or visit our Sheffield yard for an in-person consultation. We help customers from across the UK source the perfect reclaimed match — whether you're repairing a garden wall, building an extension, or restoring an entire home.
Our database includes hundreds of reclaimed batches, and our team can advise on best-fit options for everything from handmade clamps to classic red stocks.
Sustainability and Authenticity Go Hand in Hand
Reclaimed bricks don’t just look the part — they’re also an environmentally conscious choice. By reusing materials already in circulation, you reduce the need for new manufacturing and lower the carbon footprint of your renovation.
And because every reclaimed brick has a history, using them helps preserve the narrative of the building — a feature that no new material can truly replicate.
Ready to Get Started?
Choosing the right brick is a crucial step in any period renovation. By working with a trusted supplier who specialises in heritage materials, you can ensure both planning compliance and visual success.
If you’re starting a project and need advice, get in touch with us today or explore our full range of reclaimed bricks online.
