Blending new and old bricks is a common requirement in property renovation, extension work, restoration or repair projects. Whether you’re matching a fresh extension to existing garden walls, repairing damaged brickwork or improving the appearance of a mismatched structure, understanding the costs involved is essential.
Instead of replacing bricks entirely, brick blending techniques help you achieve a visual match between old and new brickwork without the expense and disruption of a full rebuild.
A company that offers brick blending solutions is Brick Makeover: https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/
Their approach focuses on colour‑matching and texturing so new brickwork looks consistent with older sections.
This guide breaks down:
- What brick blending is
- Typical cost factors
- Price examples
- Pros and cons
- Comparisons with rebuilding
- How to get accurate quotes
What Is Brick Blending?
Brick blending refers to the practice of matching the appearance of new bricks to old, existing brickwork. The goal is to make the transition between new and old sections as seamless as possible.
There are two main approaches:
1. Surface Colour Matching
Applying a tint, stain or colour wash to blend colours on both new and old bricks so they look uniform.
2. Material Matching
Selecting new bricks that closely resemble the old ones in tone, texture and size, and then using mortar colour to fine‑tune the look.
Brick blending may involve one or both approaches depending on condition, budget and desired finish.
Why Blending Costs Vary
The price of blending new and old bricks depends on several factors:
✔ How different the new bricks are from old bricks
✔ Whether you’re using tinting, staining, or mortar colour matching
✔ The size and height of the wall
✔ Accessibility of the site (scaffolding needed?)
✔ Labour rates in your area
✔ Condition of existing brickwork
Blending is more labour‑intensive than a simple bricklaying job because it requires skill to make the match look right.
Typical Cost Categories
Below are the main cost categories you’ll encounter when blending bricks.
Cost Category 1: Preparatory Work
Before blending begins, walls often require:
- Cleaning
- Removal of dirt, moss and efflorescence
- Repair of damaged bricks
- Removal of loose mortar
Preparation makes sure the surface is ready for matching.
Cost Category 2: Material Costs
Materials vary depending on whether you use:
- Specialist tint or stain products
- Specific mortar colours
- New bricks with particular textures or tones
Specialist products tend to cost more.
Cost Category 3: Labour Costs
Matching brick colours and textures is a skilled task. Labour costs can exceed normal bricklaying rates.
Cost Category 4: Finishing & Sealing
Some blending approaches use sealers to protect colour coats and ensure longevity, adding to the total cost.
Cost Estimates: Blending New and Old Bricks
Here’s a breakdown of typical costs in Great British Pounds (£).
1. Brick Cleaning & Preparation
| Task | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic cleaning | £8 – £15 per m² | Removes surface dirt |
| Deep cleaning | £15 – £30 per m² | For heavy staining or moss |
| Minor brick repair | £10 – £25 per m² | Fix chips and small cracks |
| Mortar removal | £5 – £12 per m | Around each repair area |
Preparation often represents 10–25% of the total job cost, especially on older walls.
2. Tinting or Colour Matching Material
| Product Type | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic tint/stain | £10 – £20 per m² | Standard external finish |
| Premium colour system | £20 – £40 per m² | Better UV and weather protection |
| Mortar matching pigments | £5 – £15 per batch | Used with fresh mortar |
Blending often uses a combination of surface colour and mortar colour.
3. Labour Costs
| Skill Level | Typical Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General labour | £20 – £30 per m² | Simple tasks |
| Skilled brick blending | £30 – £50 per m² | Matching colours and textures |
| Specialist colour application | £45 – £70 per m² | High‑end finish work |
Blending jobs command higher rates due to expertise needed.
Total Cost Summary
The table below summarises likely costs depending on wall size and complexity.
| Wall Size | Low‑End Cost | Mid‑Range | High‑End Expert Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 m² | £800 – £1,200 | £1,200 – £1,900 | £1,900 – £2,800 |
| 20 m² | £1,600 – £2,400 | £2,400 – £3,800 | £3,800 – £5,600 |
| 40 m² | £3,200 – £4,800 | £4,800 – £7,600 | £7,600 – £11,200 |
| 75 m² | £6,000 – £9,000 | £9,000 – £14,250 | £14,250 – £21,000 |
💡 These figures are guides and can vary widely based on specifics.
Example Scenarios
Understanding real‑world pricing helps when planning budgets.
Scenario A – Small Garden Wall (10 m²)
Condition: Slightly mismatched bricks after adding a small extension.
Work needed:
- Clean wall
- Blend new bricks to match old existing wall
Estimated Costs:
| Cost Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cleaning & prep | £120 |
| Material (tint & pigments) | £180 |
| Skilled labour | £400 |
| Finishing & sealing | £100 |
| Total | £800 |
Blending is affordable compared to rebuilding.
Scenario B – Mid‑Size Boundary Wall (25 m²)
Condition: New fence extension with visibly different bricks.
Work needed:
- Preparation cleaning
- Mortar colour matching
- Tint application on entire surface
Estimated Costs:
| Cost Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deep cleaning | £500 |
| Material | £750 |
| Skilled blending labour | £1,300 |
| Seal & finish | £200 |
| Total | £2,750 |
This project shows where preparation and labour dominate.
Scenario C – House Feature Wall (50 m²)
Condition: Large wall with heavy staining and mismatched new bricks.
Work needed:
- Extensive cleaning
- Brick repair
- Full tinting & sealing
Estimated Costs:
| Cost Element | Amount |
|---|---|
| Preparation | £1,500 |
| Materials (premium) | £2,000 |
| Skilled labour | £3,000 |
| Sealing | £600 |
| Total | £7,100 |
Larger projects increase efficiency, but labour remains a big factor.
What Affects Blending Difficulty?
Here are common factors that influence costs:
Brick Age & Weathering
Older bricks absorb stains and weather differently, making matching harder.
Colour Variation
Walls with multiple tones require more testing and tint adjustments.
Surface Porosity
Highly porous bricks absorb more tint and take longer to treat.
Wall Height & Access
Higher walls may require scaffolding, adding labour and equipment costs.
Detail Work
Corners, arches or special patterns take longer to blend.
Blending Techniques Explained
Tinting vs Painting
Tinting differs from painting:
✔ Penetrates the brick surface
✔ Retains texture
✔ Weather‑resistant finishes
✔ Less likely to peel
Paint sits on the surface and can flake over time.
Colour Matching Mortar
The mortar colour around bricks has a big visual impact:
- Light mortar brightens the look
- Dark mortar deepens contrast
- Matching old mortar can make joints less noticeable
Pigments added to mortar help achieve more seamless blends.
Sample Patch First
Good contractors will test a sample patch before full application so you can approve the colour and finish.
Blending vs Rebuilding: Cost Comparison
If blending won’t deliver the match you want, rebuilding is sometimes considered. The following table compares typical costs.
| Task | Typical Cost (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blending old & new bricks | £50 – £95 | Mostly surface work |
| Rebuilding wall | £350 – £650+ | Full demolition & rebuild |
Rebuilding is significantly more expensive, even before adding design or foundation costs.
Lifespan & Maintenance
Blended Finish
✔ Expected lifespan: 5–15 years depending on weather exposure and product
✔ May require re‑tinting or surface touch‑ups over time
✔ Clean with soft wash and low‑pressure water
New Rebuilt Wall
✔ Expected lifespan: 50+ years
✔ Occasional repointing
✔ Bricks remain original without surface coatings
Blending is economical and cosmetic. Rebuilding offers structural longevity.
When Blending Makes Sense
Choose blending when:
- Bricks are structurally sound
- The main goal is visual harmony
- Budget is limited
- You prefer a quick turnaround
Blending can transform appearance without full reconstruction.
When Blending Might Not Be Enough
Blending may not be appropriate if:
✘ Bricks are crumbling or damaged
✘ The wall is leaning or unstable
✘ You need complete redesign
✘ New and old bricks differ excessively
In these cases, discussing reconstruction or more intensive repair with a builder may be necessary.
Tips for Lowering Costs
To optimise your budget:
✔ Clean bricks thoroughly before quoting (saves labour)
✔ Agree sample patch first
✔ Choose mid‑range tint products
✔ Book jobs in mild weather conditions
✔ Combine blending with other maintenance jobs
Planning ahead helps avoid costly rework.
How to Get Quotes
Effective quoting involves:
- Measuring wall area in square metres
- Taking photos of new vs old brick sections
- Asking for itemised quotes (prep + material + labour)
- Requesting references or past blends
- Checking colour samples on site
Written quotes with timescales and guarantees protect your project.
Common Questions
Do blended bricks fade?
Tinted finishes may fade slowly depending on weather. High‑quality systems and sealing reduce fade.
Can mortar colour be matched precisely?
Yes, with pigments and testing. Mortar colour often makes the biggest difference visually.
Does weather affect blending?
Cold or wet weather slows drying times. Best done in moderate conditions.
How long does blending take?
Small walls: 1–2 days
Medium walls: 2–4 days
Large or complex: 4–7 days
Times vary with condition and access.
Blending new and old bricks is a cost‑effective way to achieve uniform brickwork without full reconstruction. It requires skilled labour, colour‑matched materials and careful preparation. Labour and preparation typically drive cost more than materials.
Getting accurate measures and a clear quote is key. Professional brick blending can save significant expense compared with rebuilding, while delivering a visually consistent finish that enhances your property’s appearance.
If you want to explore professional brick blending and colour‑matching services further, check out the options available at Brick Makeover: https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/