When you install an extension or add a new section to an existing home, one of the most common visual issues is mismatched brickwork. It can make the new build look disjointed, aged or patchy compared to the original wall. Even when careful effort is made to source matching bricks, variations in colour, size or texture can still leave the brickwork looking out of place.
This guide breaks down why this happens and provides clear, practical ways to resolve it.
You may also be interested in products like those at https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/ which can help correct or blend mismatches.
Why Bricks Don’t Match
Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why bricks don’t match in the first place.
Common Causes of Mismatched Bricks
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Different Batch Colours | Brick shades vary between manufacturers and even between production batches. |
| Weathering on Existing Walls | Older bricks will have faded, gathered dirt or changed colour over decades. |
| Different Brick Types | Engineering bricks, common bricks, and reclaimed bricks each have different textures and appearances. |
| Mortar Colour Variations | Mortar can be darker or lighter depending on sand type, cement ratio and curing conditions. |
| Efflorescence | A white chalky salt residue that shows up on one area but not the other. |
| Brick Size Tolerances | Slight dimensional differences can affect layout patterns and shadow lines. |
Understanding these root causes helps select the best remedy.
Assess the Mismatch
Before choosing a fix, assess the severity of the mismatch. Ask:
- Is this visible from a distance or only up close?
- Are bricks physically damaged, or is it mainly colour mismatch?
- Is it the brick, the mortar, or both that looks wrong?
Brick Mismatch Checklist
Use this quick checklist:
✔ Existing bricks colour
✔ New bricks colour
✔ Difference in texture
✔ Difference in brick size/shape
✔ Mortar colour and finish
✔ Presence of efflorescence
✔ Weathered vs new appearance
This simple audit helps you decide which approach to take.
Options for Fixing Mismatched Bricks
Below are the most common ways to correct mismatched brickwork, along with pros and cons.
1. Replace the New Bricks with Better Matches
This is ideal if the mismatch is very noticeable and you prefer the bricks to be identical.
Steps
- Remove the new bricks carefully.
- Source alternative bricks closer in colour and texture to the existing wall.
- Rebuild the area with matching mortar mix.
Pros
- Most authentic result.
- No artificial coatings or paint.
Cons
- Can be costly.
- Time‑consuming.
- Matching old bricks exactly can be very difficult.
Best For
- High‑visibility areas (front elevation)
- Historic or traditional buildings
2. Repointing with Matching/Contrasting Mortar
Often the mortar colour makes as much difference to appearance as the brick itself.
Mortar Types and Effects
| Mortar Colour | Effect |
|---|---|
| Light grey | Modern, clean look |
| Dark grey | Less contrast, hides shadows |
| Buff | Warmer tone, often softer look |
| Coloured mortar (tint) | Customisable, blends with brick colour |
Approach
- Repoint both new and old brickwork with a consistent mortar colour.
- This reduces contrast and brings a more uniform look.
Pros
- Less costly than replacing bricks.
- Can significantly improve overall appearance.
Cons
- Mortar alone may not fully disguise brick colour differences.
3. Apply Brick Paint or Mineral Coatings
Brick paint and mineral coatings are options when you can’t match bricks by replacement.
Brick Paint Benefits
- Wide range of colours
- Can cover variation completely
- Protects masonry
Considerations
- Choose breathable masonry paint to avoid trapping moisture.
- Undertake proper surface preparation.
Steps
- Clean the brick with a stiff brush or pressure washer.
- Repair any damaged mortar and brick.
- Apply masonry primer.
- Paint with suitable brick paint.
Pros
- Rapid visual fix
- Can unify entire wall colour
Cons
- Changes the character of the exposed brick
- May require repainting over time
4. Use Brick Colourants or Tint Solutions
Brick colourants are semi‑transparent solutions that tint the surface without fully covering texture.
When to Use
- When you want to tone down bright new bricks
- When you don’t want full paint coverage
Application
- Typically applied with a brush or sprayer
- Can be matched to existing brick colour
Pros
- Preserves texture
- Less invasive than paint
Cons
- Limited ability to drastically change brick colour
5. Brick Blending and Stencilling
For subtle transitions between sections:
- Blend new bricks with a mix of new and reclaimed or aged bricks.
- Create visual gradation rather than a hard boundary.
Pros
- Natural‑looking transition
- Works especially well with reclaimed brick blends
Cons
- Requires more planning
- Skilled bricklaying needed
6. Cleaning and Weathering Techniques
Sometimes the existing wall is darker simply because it’s dirty or has built‑up grime.
Cleaning Options
- Gentle pressure washing
- Steam cleaning
- Chemical brick cleaners (use carefully)
Caution
Never use abrasive blasting on softer bricks; this can damage the surface.
Effect
Lightens the older bricks to better match the new.
Pros
- Improves uniformity naturally
- Often inexpensive
Cons
- Limited effect if bricks are truly different
Mortar Colour and Mix Guide
Mortar colour can change how prominent the brick colour appears. Below is a simple guide.
Mortar Mix Ratios and Appearance
| Mix Ratio | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 1:3 Cement to Sand (light) | Bright, light mortar |
| 1:4 Cement to Sand | Standard light grey |
| 1:5 or more | Darker, softer finish |
| Pigmented Mortar | Custom shade |
Sand Type Matters
- Buff sand gives warm mortar
- Grey sand results in cool tones
Choosing the right mix can help reduce the contrast between old and new brickwork.
Tools and Materials You May Need
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Pointing trowel | Repoint mortar |
| Brick chisel | Remove old bricks |
| Mortar mixer | Consistent mortar |
| Brushes | Clean brick surfaces |
| Pressure washer | Prep surface |
| Masonry paint | Paint bricks |
| Colourant sprayer | Apply tint |
Having the right tools reduces errors and ensures a neat finish.
Cost Considerations
Costs vary significantly based on method chosen. Below are rough estimates (in £, assuming UK context):
| Task | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Brick replacement (per m²) | £80–£150 |
| Repointing (per m²) | £25–£60 |
| Brick paint/materials (per m²) | £15–£40 |
| Colourant/tint application | £10–£25 |
| Cleaning (per m²) | £5–£20 |
These are rough figures and depend on labour rates, location and materials. Always get a local quote.
Matching Brickwork by Area
Looks matter differently depending on visibility. Here’s a quick reference.
Visible Areas
| Area | Best Fix |
|---|---|
| Front wall | Brick replacement or paint |
| Around windows | Repoint + tint |
| Side wall visible from street | Colourant or repaint |
| Rear garden wall | Mortar match or tint |
Lower visibility areas can accept subtler fixes without replacing individual bricks.
Step‑by‑Step Approaches
Approach A – Repoint and Blend
- Inspect old and new brick areas.
- Remove loose mortar.
- Choose mortar colour to minimise contrast.
- Repoint entire affected area.
- Review visually and adjust if needed.
Approach B – Full Brick Paint
- Clean surface thoroughly.
- Repair any damaged mortar/brick.
- Apply primer suitable for masonry.
- Paint walls in consistent colour.
- Allow adequate drying time.
Approach C – Brick Tint
- Clean the area.
- Prepare tint mix to match old bricks.
- Test on a small section.
- Apply in even coats.
- Evaluate and re‑coat if needed.
Long‑Term Performance
Whatever method you choose, consider how the wall will age.
- Painted brick may fade or chalk over time.
- Tinted brick may need re‑application after several years.
- Repointed mortar should last 10–15 years if done well.
- Replaced bricks are permanent but may weather unevenly over decades.
Picking a solution that suits both your budget and maintenance expectations is important.
Professional vs DIY
DIY
Good for:
- Painting
- Tinting
- Simple repointing
Benefits:
- Lower cost
- You control the schedule
Challenges:
- Can be physically demanding
- Mistakes can make mismatch worse
Hiring Tradespeople
Best for:
- Full brick replacement
- Complex repointing
- Large‑scale repainting
Pros:
- Professional finish
- Faster
Cons:
- Higher cost
Planning Tips Before Starting
✔ Assess full wall in different light
✔ Take photos in daylight and dusk
✔ Test small areas first
✔ Calculate materials carefully
✔ Check weather forecast if painting
Good planning avoids wasted materials and uneven results.
Safety Notes
- Wear eye protection when chiselling
- Use gloves with mortar and paints
- Work on stable scaffolding for high walls
- Ventilate if painting indoors or under covered areas
Safety reduces accidents and injury risk.
Summary
Fixing mismatched bricks after an extension involves:
- Understanding why they don’t match
- Choosing between replacement, mortar, paint or tint
- Assessing cost, visibility and long‑term appearance
- Preparing properly and testing before full application
Products and systems at https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/ can help with many of the aesthetic issues.