Discover endless design possibilities by combining different brick textures, colours, sizes, and patterns. There are thousands of different combinations to make your property one of a kind. Our mission is to guide you in selecting the perfect design that suits your vision and enhances the beauty of your space. Browse our “Suppliers” page for an extensive collection of suppliers and product brochures for inspiration and ideas. With years of experience and expertise, we’re dedicated to bringing your dream design to life. Whether you’ve found a picture online or on Pinterest, we’ll do our utmost to replicate it for you. Get ready to bring your vision to life!
Purpose (driveway, patio, walkway)
The first thing to consider is the purpose of the project and what the area will be used for.
Area (large, small)
In a large area there tend to be more options with theme, pattern, size, and soldier course.
Theme (curve, linear)
Larger bricks are more conducive for a linear theme, whereas smaller bricks can allow for curves.
Pattern (random, uniform, symbol)
If you prefer a more uniform pattern then look for a product line with 1 size of brick, but if you would prefer a random pattern then look for a product line with multiple sized bricks. You may even consider putting a pattern like a diamond in the middle.
Soldier Course (single, double, triple, none)
The “soldier course” is the banding or perimeter brick laid in a different pattern from the interior bricks. Options with the soldier course can consist of a different colour, a different size of brick, a different texture, and even a different product line. The most common design is to have a single soldier course, but other options could be a double, triple, or even no soldier course at all.
Textured Finish (smooth, tumbled, embossed)
If you prefer crisp and clean lines, go with a smooth textured surface, but if you are looking for a more natural look consider bricks with a tumbled or embossed finish. A tumbled finished usually looks the most natural as some of the embossed finished may look a little too manufactured.
Colour (single, contrast, boarder, solid/blend)
A lot of the time the choice of colour really comes down to personal preference. Some people like contrasting colours to draw attention and highlight aspects of their property. Whereas other people may prefer to match colours, specifically in regards to the colour of their home. Typical colours will compose of various levels of grey, red, and brown. From that there will be light and dark shades, along with solid or blended colours. This allows you to specifically tailor your property to your personal liking.
Size (SM 4”x8”, M 12”x12”, LG 12”x16”)
Either a single sized brick can be used, or a variety of sizes can be incorporated. Larger bricks are typical for larger areas, and can help prevent a “busy” look with too many small bricks.
Thickness
The average thickness for brick is 60mm or 2.36”. For a driveway you may want to choose a brick that is a bit thicker such as 70-100mm to provide some added strength to compensate for vehicle weight. However, for a walkway or patio you can go a bit smaller but it isn’t recommended to go below 50mm.
Trend vs Traditional
Currently the trends are larger bricks, in a random pattern, linear theme, with an embossed finish. You will also find a lot of home builders installing 12”x12” bricks due to their low cost to purchase and install. Traditionally the brick of choice was 4”x8”.
Quality and Cost
If the goal is to increase value to the property, then allotting more funds towards a more aesthetic brick may be a priority. Or if the goal is functionality then perhaps a basic more common brick may be the best.
Please keep in mind:
Colours are different in real life than in print or online. Colours may fade in time with exposure to the elements or when the bricks are wet verses dry. Sealing protects the bricks and slows weathering, it can also be used to maintain the vibrant wet look even when dry.
Project Visualizer (produced by Oaks)
Want to see what the project will look like once complete? This service allows you to upload a picture, select the area for the new brick area, and choose between different brick styles and colours to visualize what the project will look like once complete. Click here to start!
