The Price Of Bricks

[Lynn_M]

How does the price of reclaimed bricks compare with new ones? Are the used ones valued, or is it a bit like buying a second-hand car?

[-Talbot-]

Reclaimed bricks are generally more expensive than new ones.

[Lynn_M]

Sorry if my question sounds a bit vague, but to put it another way, do the used bricks go up in value because they're old, like - perhaps - an antique table?

[-Talbot-]

I wouldn't recommend buying bricks as a investment lol.
I'm not too sure what your aim is, Lynn.

[Lynn_M]

@Talbot: Used and weathered bricks look better and helpful if you wish to build something that needs a vintage look :)

[-Talbot-]

Agreed.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/reclaimed-bricks

[neuron]

Certain small brick company bricks are often sought after because the finish on the brick can be quite individualistic and unique in that locality. I've got a few small villages in my locality where brick-making ceased in the early part of the last century. Their bricks are quite expensive to buy for a number of reasons including the fact that the brickworks name is usually embossed on the brick, the finish on the brick and the colour of the brick

[EDDIE51]

There is a large builders merchant near me that only sells reclaimed material.
Some of the stuff is far more expensive than new, you need old bricks if you are repairing a listed building.

[DTCwordfan]

http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/list/3138/diy-and-building-materials.html?keyword=second%20hand%20used%20bricks

[SeaJayPea]

Lynn, the point is that reclaimed bricks can be used to match existing buildings and can't just be bought at Homebase. There are fewer of them about, so they cost more, as a rule.

[Captain2]

The Reclaimed bricks are not more 'valuable' but are more expensive because somebody has had to knock something down, sort good from bad, clean off old mortar, stack them on to pallets, or similar, transport to a Buyer (be it individual or Merchant) and remove unused rubble to landfill or similar. All labour intensive which therefore adds to cost when sold on.

[The Builder]

I have to say that I do hate modern bricks, and never use them. "Health Centre Chic" in most cases.

Anyway, used bricks are valued as to their desirability and scarcity. Even modest ones are much more expensive than new. The most expensive are old, handmades. Pre machine-made. Usually around a 100 years old.

Having said that, I've used machine-mades (approx 1930s) just for their colour, but funky old handmades are way more desirable.