Why we use it
BCG uses reclaimed brick when the house needs depth, variation, and a more settled relationship to Baton Rouge precedent.
Character
No two faces are identical. Edges soften, color shifts from run to run, and the wall reads as a hand-built surface rather than a uniform product.
What we look for
Sound units, consistent sizing, appropriate absorption, compatible mortar, and enough quantity to avoid a patchwork result.
Design considerations
Mortar color, joint profile, bond pattern, wash, and adjacent trim all decide whether the brick feels quiet or busy.
Installation considerations
Flashing, weeps, drainage cavities, ties, and cleaning methods matter as much as the brick itself.
Common mistakes
Using distressed brick without studying proportion, mixing incompatible lots, and treating masonry as a veneer without a drainage strategy.
Maintenance + aging
Reclaimed brick can age beautifully when detailed to dry. Harsh cleaning and incompatible coatings can damage the surface.
