How to Make Exterior Brick Look Better 🧱✨
Exterior brickwork plays a major role in how a property looks, feels, and is perceived. Whether you own a Victorian terrace, a 1930s semi, or a modern brick-built home, tired or neglected brickwork can make even a well-maintained house look dull and dated. The good news is that there are many ways to improve the appearance of exterior brick — from simple cleaning and colour enhancement to structural repairs and decorative upgrades.
This guide explores practical, aesthetic, and value-driven ways to make exterior brick look better, helping you choose options that suit your budget, property age, and long-term goals.
Why Exterior Brick Loses Its Appeal
Before improving brickwork, it’s important to understand why it looks tired in the first place.
Common Reasons Brickwork Looks Poor
| Issue | Visual Impact | Typical Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Dirt and pollution | Dark staining and dull colour | Traffic fumes, rain run-off |
| Moss and algae | Green or black patches | Damp, shade, north-facing walls |
| Faded bricks | Washed-out appearance | UV exposure over decades |
| Crumbling mortar | Uneven joints, gaps | Age, frost damage |
| Patch repairs | Inconsistent colour | Past repairs with mismatched materials |
Addressing the root cause ensures your improvements last longer and look intentional rather than temporary.
Step One: Cleaning the Brickwork 🧼
Cleaning is often the most cost-effective way to dramatically improve exterior brick.
Methods of Brick Cleaning
| Method | Suitable For | Average Cost (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle washing | Light dirt and dust | £200–£400 | Low risk, minimal impact |
| Steam cleaning | Older or soft brick | £400–£800 | Preserves brick surface |
| Chemical cleaning | Heavy staining | £600–£1,200 | Requires expertise |
| Pressure washing | Modern hard brick | £250–£500 | Risky on older walls |
A clean brick surface reveals the true colour and texture, often making further work unnecessary.
⚠️ Over-aggressive cleaning can permanently damage bricks, especially on pre-1930s homes.
Step Two: Improving Mortar Joints 🧱
Mortar makes up a surprisingly large portion of a brick wall’s visual appearance.
Repointing for Visual Impact
Repointing involves removing old mortar and replacing it with fresh material.
| Mortar Condition | Visual Effect | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cracked or missing | Messy, neglected | Full repointing |
| Weathered but intact | Dull appearance | Cosmetic repointing |
| Incorrect colour | Harsh contrast | Colour-matched repointing |
Cost Guide for Repointing
| Area Size | Typical Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Small wall section | £500–£900 |
| Front elevation | £1,200–£2,500 |
| Whole house | £3,000–£6,000 |
Fresh, well-matched mortar can transform the overall look even if bricks themselves remain unchanged.
Step Three: Enhancing Brick Colour 🎨
If cleaning alone isn’t enough, colour enhancement can significantly improve appearance.
Brick Tinting
Brick tinting subtly alters colour while allowing bricks to breathe.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Semi-transparent | Retains natural texture |
| Breathable | Prevents trapped moisture |
| Adjustable colour | Blends old and new bricks |
Typical Cost: £800–£2,000 depending on size and complexity.
Limewashing and Brick Staining
| Method | Look Achieved | Longevity |
|---|---|---|
| Limewash | Soft, traditional finish | 5–10 years |
| Brick stain | Natural but deeper colour | 15–20 years |
These techniques work well on period properties and homes seeking a softer, aged appearance.
Step Four: Painting Brickwork 🖌️
Painting brick is a bold decision and should be considered carefully.
Pros and Cons of Painting Brick
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Immediate transformation | Ongoing maintenance |
| Uniform appearance | Can trap moisture |
| Wide colour choice | Hard to reverse |
Cost of Painting Brickwork
| Property Type | Typical Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Small house front | £700–£1,200 |
| Semi-detached | £1,500–£3,000 |
| Detached house | £2,500–£5,000 |
Painted brick can look striking but requires regular repainting every 5–7 years.
Step Five: Repairing Damaged Bricks 🔧
Chipped, cracked, or spalled bricks detract from the overall appearance.
Repair vs Replacement
| Condition | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Surface damage | Brick repair mortar |
| Deep cracks | Brick replacement |
| Frost damage | Replace affected bricks |
Typical Repair Costs
| Repair Type | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Individual brick repair | £50–£100 each |
| Brick replacement | £80–£150 each |
| Small patch repair | £300–£600 |
Matching bricks correctly ensures repairs blend seamlessly.
Step Six: Adding Architectural Details 🏡
Sometimes brick looks better when paired with complementary features.
Visual Enhancements That Work Well with Brick
| Feature | Visual Benefit |
|---|---|
| Brick slips | Creates texture |
| Decorative lintels | Adds character |
| Contrasting pointing | Highlights brick shape |
| Rendered sections | Breaks up large walls |
Used thoughtfully, these additions elevate kerb appeal without overwhelming the property.
Step Seven: Improving the Surroundings 🌿
Brickwork never exists in isolation.
External Elements That Affect Brick Appearance
| Element | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Gutters | Prevent staining |
| Garden layout | Frames brickwork |
| Pathways | Adds contrast |
| Lighting | Highlights texture |
Simple improvements around the brickwork often make the wall itself look better without touching it.
Brick Improvement by Property Type
Period Properties
| Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Gentle cleaning | Preserves original brick |
| Lime mortar repointing | Matches original construction |
| Limewash | Authentic finish |
Mid-Century Homes
| Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Brick tinting | Refreshes faded colour |
| Repointing | Improves structure and look |
| Partial painting | Adds modern contrast |
Modern Properties
| Recommendation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Pressure washing | Removes construction dirt |
| Brick staining | Enhances uniformity |
| Architectural features | Adds interest |
Budget-Based Improvement Options 💷
Under £500
| Improvement | Result |
|---|---|
| Cleaning small areas | Noticeable refresh |
| Minor repairs | Cleaner appearance |
| Garden and lighting tweaks | Better overall look |
£500–£2,000
| Improvement | Result |
|---|---|
| Full elevation cleaning | Major visual upgrade |
| Brick tinting | Colour consistency |
| Partial repointing | Sharper lines |
£2,000+
| Improvement | Result |
|---|---|
| Full repointing | Like-new appearance |
| Brick painting | Complete transformation |
| Structural brick repairs | Long-term improvement |
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Using cement on old brick | Trapped moisture |
| Over-cleaning | Damaged brick faces |
| Mismatched repairs | Patchy appearance |
| Ignoring drainage | Repeated staining |
Avoiding these mistakes protects both appearance and structural health.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Results 🧽
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection | Annually |
| Gentle cleaning | Every 2–3 years |
| Mortar checks | Every 5 years |
| Drainage maintenance | Annually |
Regular care keeps brickwork looking good without costly interventions.
Does Improving Exterior Brick Add Value?
Yes — exterior brick improvements often increase kerb appeal, which influences buyer perception.
Estimated Impact on Property Value
| Improvement | Perceived Value Increase |
|---|---|
| Cleaning and repairs | Low to moderate |
| Repointing | Moderate |
| Colour enhancement | Moderate to high |
| Full exterior refresh | High |
While not every upgrade adds direct monetary value, most improve saleability and first impressions.
Final Thoughts 🧱✨
Making exterior brick look better doesn’t always require drastic changes. Often, cleaning, repairs, and thoughtful enhancements are enough to reveal the character already present. The key is choosing methods that suit the age of the property, the condition of the brickwork, and your long-term goals.
Whether you’re refreshing your home’s appearance, preparing for sale, or simply wanting to enjoy a smarter exterior, improving brickwork is one of the most impactful exterior upgrades you can make — both visually and structurally.
Using Brick Sealing for a Cleaner Finish 🛡️
Brick sealers can improve appearance while protecting the surface from future staining.
Visual Benefits of Sealing Brickwork
| Benefit | Visual Impact |
|---|---|
| Reduced water absorption | Fewer dark patches |
| Easier cleaning | Bricks stay brighter |
| Enhanced colour depth | Subtle colour lift |
Typical Cost of Brick Sealing
| Area | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Small wall | £200–£400 |
| House frontage | £600–£1,200 |
| Full property | £1,500–£3,000 |
Sealing works best on clean, undamaged brickwork and is often used as a finishing step after cleaning or tinting.
Creating Contrast with Mortar Colour 🎯
Changing the colour of mortar can dramatically alter how brickwork is perceived.
Mortar Colour Options and Effects
| Mortar Shade | Visual Result |
|---|---|
| Light grey | Brighter, modern look |
| Buff or beige | Warmer, softer appearance |
| Dark grey | Bold brick definition |
| Natural lime | Traditional finish |
When Mortar Contrast Works Best
| Situation | Result |
|---|---|
| Uniform brick colour | Clean, sharp look |
| Modern properties | Strong lines |
| Feature walls | Architectural interest |
Subtle contrast often delivers the best results without overpowering the brick itself.
Improving Brickwork with Exterior Lighting 💡
Lighting can change how brick looks without physically altering it.
Lighting Effects on Brick Surfaces
| Lighting Type | Visual Effect |
|---|---|
| Wall washers | Highlights texture |
| Uplighters | Adds depth |
| Soft ambient | Warmer tone |
Cost Guide for Exterior Lighting
| Installation Type | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Single light | £100–£250 |
| Front elevation | £400–£1,000 |
| Whole exterior | £1,200–£2,500 |
Well-placed lighting enhances brickwork during evenings and improves kerb appeal after dark.
Blending Old and New Brickwork Seamlessly 🧱
Extensions and repairs often introduce mismatched brick.
Techniques to Improve Consistency
| Method | Visual Benefit |
|---|---|
| Brick tinting | Unifies colour |
| Careful repointing | Smooth transitions |
| Selective cleaning | Reduces contrast |
Cost Considerations
| Solution | Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Localised tinting | £300–£700 |
| Repointing junctions | £400–£800 |
Blending techniques help extensions look intentional rather than added-on.
Seasonal Timing for Brick Improvements 📅
The time of year can affect both results and longevity.
Best Seasons for Exterior Brick Work
| Season | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Spring | Ideal conditions |
| Summer | Fast drying times |
| Autumn | Good for repairs |
| Winter | Limited suitability |
Why Timing Matters
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Proper curing |
| Rainfall | Reduced staining |
| Frost risk | Prevents damage |
Planning work during suitable conditions ensures the best visual and structural outcome.