Designing in Brick: Finishes & Textures

Of all the building products commonly used today, brick holds a special place in the lexicon of home design. Like stone, brick’s lifespan is measured in centuries. Its wide variety of colors, finishes, and masonry techniques are what continue to make it an indispensable tool for creating texture.

Specifically, brick is perfect for adding variety and dimension to a home. While traditionally it has adorned exteriors, in the last century, masons, interior designers and homeowners have found new ways to bring brick indoors through accent walls, fireplaces, and other features.

Because brick is available in many different finishes, it allows architects, designers, and homeowners to create a wide range of textural effects inside a home.

Four Ways to Mix Finishes and Textures

Layered Texture 
Layered texture involves creating intentional depth within a room, which adds interest and richness. 

One of the most popular ways to accomplish this is with a background brick accent wall. A critical piece of maximizing the impact of such a background, however, is keeping in mind what's happening in the foreground. Choose furniture, fabrics, wall colors, and other materials that create layering in front of the wall 

PRO TIP: For interior brick walls, choose a brick with a smooth finish to make dusting easier. 

Contrasting Texture
Contrasting texture is an eternal mainstay of home design trends - it's what draws eyes around a house's interior or exterior and encourages curiosity and delight. 

Use contrasting textures to add visual interest and break up a monochromatic color palette. Look beyond the obvious elements like walls and furnishings. How can you use fabrics, artwork, and object placement to create contrast in a room or on a house's exterior?

PRO TIP: Contrasting textures are by no means limited to textures in the same color family. Be bold - for example, contrast burgundy brick exterior walls with brightly colored fixtures and paint choices. 

Tactile Texture
Tactile texture to a texture you can physically touch - and though you may not always interact with materials by touching them, the visual effect of such textures make an impression. 

Use varied finishes, ranging from smooth to rough, to create dimension in a room. For example, you can use two types of brick finishes to add multiple layers of tactile texture to an interior accent wall. You can also use different brick finishes to create the same effect on a house's exterior. 

PRO TIP: Brick is particularly good at creating tactile texture because of its wide range of finishes: smooth, wirecut, glazed, etc. 

Visual Texture
Different brick textures and finishes

Brick's wide range of textures and finishes keeps its at the forefront of design trends. Here are some categories from which to choose:

1. Glazed bricks: These feature a smooth, glossy finish in a wide range of colors, making them perfect for contrasting textures. As an added bonus, the glaze makes these bricks impervious to the elements.
2. Molded bricks: Molded bricks have softened edges, giving them a subtle contour that adds texture. Combined with the variety of colors available, they are excellent for layered texture profiles. 
3. Klaycoat^®  bricks: These are stately and modern and are an excellent option for visual texture. These are available in a smooth and wirecut texture. 

Best practices for adding texture and finishes to design
Keep the following tips in mind:

Don’t overdo it.
Too much texture can cause confusion and make a home look busy and unfocused. Determine your style ahead of time and curate your pieces to fit this goal.

Start big and work downward.
Begin by choosing the largest source of texture, and add elements based on that. On a home’s exterior, this would be the exterior walls; on an interior, this could be an accent wall, fireplace, or another focal point.

Lean on your designer.
When in doubt, consult a designer — particularly if you are a homeowner taking on a large DIY project. A skilled interior designer can help you plan out your project and make tasteful choices.

Conclusion

Brick is one of the best home-building products for design choices. Not only is it unmatched in durability, but it also added incredible texture to a home's exterior and interior. 

Some of the best ways to create visual appeal are through layered, contrasting, tactile, and visual textures.

Brick is available in a range of finishes and colors, and homeowners and designers can even mix different types to add texture to a room. Glen-Gery produces glazed, molded, and klaycoat^® bricks, among other popular types.

Working with a designer can help you avoid texture overload and can open your eyes to new ways of achieving your goals. Visit a Brickworks Design Studio to receive a one-on-one consultation with a product expert. 

When it comes to choosing the exterior cladding for your home, two popular options often come to mind: brick and wood siding. While both materials have been used for centuries, but brick stands out as the superior choice for homeowners and builders alike. From durability and maintenance to environmental benefits and aesthetic appeal, brick offers unparalleled advantages over wood siding. Let’s explore why brick is the best investment for your residential or commercial property.

1. Durability and Longevity
Brick is a time-tested material known for its resilience and long lifespan. A brick home can last for centuries with minimal maintenance. Unlike wood siding, which is vulnerable to rot, pests, and weathering, brick is naturally resistant to these issues. It does not warp, crack, or degrade over time, making it a reliable choice for homeowners looking to avoid costly repairs. In contrast, wood siding requires constant upkeep. Exposure to rain, snow, and UV rays can cause wood to deteriorate quickly if not regularly sealed or painted. This makes wood siding a high-maintenance option that doesn’t offer the same peace of mind as brick.

2. Fire Resistance
Safety is a top priority for any homeowner, and brick offers an unparalleled level of fire resistance. As a non-combustible material, brick can withstand extreme temperatures without catching fire, providing an added layer of protection for your family and property. Wood siding, on the other hand, is highly flammable and can contribute to the spread of a fire, posing a significant risk.

3. Energy Efficiency
Brick’s natural thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This energy-efficient property can reduce your heating and cooling costs, making brick an environmentally friendly and cost-effective choice. Wood siding, while providing some insulation, does not offer the same level of energy efficiency and may lead to higher utility bills over time.

4. Maintenance and Upkeep
One of the biggest drawbacks of wood siding is the amount of maintenance it requires. Homeowners need to invest time and money in regular painting, sealing, and repairs to prevent damage from moisture, insects, and the elements. Brick, on the other hand, is virtually maintenance-free. Its durability and resistance to weathering mean you can enjoy a beautiful home exterior without the hassle of constant upkeep.

5. Aesthetic Versatility
Brick offers a timeless and versatile aesthetic that complements a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary. Available in various colors, textures, and finishes, brick allows homeowners to customize their home’s exterior to match their vision. While wood siding can also be aesthetically pleasing, it lacks the longevity and richness that brick provides. Over time, wood can fade and lose its charm, whereas brick retains its beauty for decades.

6. Environmental Benefits
Brick is a sustainable building material made from natural resources like clay and shale. It is recyclable, and its long lifespan reduces the need for replacement, minimizing waste. Wood siding often requires chemical treatments and finishes that can harm the environment. Additionally, the frequent replacement and maintenance associated with wood siding can contribute to a larger environmental footprint.

7. Resale Value
Homes with brick exteriors often have higher resale values than those with wood siding. Brick’s reputation for durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance appeals to potential buyers, making it a sound investment. On the other hand, homes with wood siding may face depreciation due to concerns about maintenance and longevity.

Conclusion: Build for the Future with Brick
When comparing brick to wood siding, the benefits of choosing brick are clear. Its unmatched durability, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and low maintenance make it a superior choice for homeowners seeking long-term value and peace of mind. Beyond its practical advantages, brick’s timeless aesthetic and environmental benefits make it a material that not only enhances your home but also supports sustainable building practices. Whether you’re constructing a new home or renovating an existing one, choosing brick is a decision that will stand the test of time. Explore Glen-Gery’s wide range of high-quality brick products to find the perfect fit for your project. Contact us today to learn more about why brick is the ultimate choice for your home or building.