Used brick typically costs $0.50-$2.50 per brick, or about $250-$900 for a pallet of roughly 400-600 standard bricks. The cost of used brick depends on cleanliness, age, color, quantity, freight distance, and whether the project also needs a mason to install it.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common used brick | $0.50 each | $1.25 each | $2.50 each | Price varies by condition and lot size |
| Reclaimed or antique brick | $1.50 each | $3.50 each | $8 each | Rare colors, makers, and intact mortar can cost more |
| Used brick per square foot | $3.50 | $9 | $18 | About 7 bricks per sq ft, materials only |
| Used brick pallet | $250 | $600 | $1,500 | Often 400-600 bricks; delivery may be extra |
| Installed brick veneer | $15 per sq ft | $28 per sq ft | $45 per sq ft | Includes typical labor and materials, not structural rebuilding |
What a standard used brick project usually costs
For common reclaimed brick in usable condition, buyers often pay $0.50-$2.50 per brick, with an average around $1.25. At roughly seven standard bricks per square foot of wall face, that works out to about $3.50-$18 per sq ft for brick alone. The lower end usually means a large local lot with mixed colors or cleaning needs; the upper end reflects sorted, attractive brick sold in smaller quantities.
A 100-square-foot face-brick project needs about 700 bricks before waste. A practical order may include 5%-10% extra for cuts and breakage, bringing the purchase to 735-770 bricks. That puts the brick budget near $370-$1,925 at common used-brick rates, before mortar, delivery, or installation.
For a typical 100-square-foot wall, budgeting about $900-$2,000 for brick, mortar, and local delivery is reasonable before professional installation. A new veneer installation can raise the all-in total to roughly $1,500-$4,500, depending on wall preparation, access, and regional labor rates.
Assumptions: Standard modular brick, approximately 7 bricks per sq ft, normal access, and a local purchase. Specialty handmade or oversized units are not included.
How brick, sorting, and delivery shape the quote
Used-brick quotes may bundle brick, pallet handling, and delivery, or list each charge separately. Ask whether the stated price is per brick, per pallet, or per square foot, and confirm how many usable bricks the seller guarantees. Pallet counts and brick sizes vary, so a low pallet price can be misleading if the lot contains many broken units.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High | What changes the charge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick material | $0.50 each | $1.25 each | $2.50 each | Condition, color, quantity, and sorting |
| Cleaning and grading | $0.10 each | $0.35 each | $0.75 each | Mortar removal and quality selection |
| Pallet or handling | $20 | $50 | $120 | Reusable pallet, loading, and warehouse handling |
| Local delivery | $75 | $175 | $400 | Distance, truck size, unloading, and access |
| Masonry labor | $40 per hour | $75 per hour | $125 per hour | Market, skill, wall height, and job complexity |
Cleaning can be included in a higher per-brick price or charged separately. Brick with hardened mortar may need labor-intensive scraping, while brick with clean faces is ready sooner. Delivery commonly rises when the truck must travel more than 25-50 miles, make multiple trips, or unload by hand rather than placing pallets near the work area.
Compare the usable-brick price, not just the advertised price per unit. For example, 500 bricks at $0.60 each cost $300, but if 20% are unusable, the effective cost is $0.75 per usable brick before freight.
Why brick condition, size, and age change the price
Condition is one of the strongest pricing variables. Clean, intact common brick often falls around $0.75-$2.50 each; mixed demolition brick with chips, staining, or mortar remnants may sell for $0.25-$1.25 each. Brick with cracks, spalling, or severe face damage can be unsuitable for exposed walls even when it remains useful as fill or landscaping material.
Size also affects the count needed and sometimes the price. Standard modular brick measures about 7 5/8 by 2 1/4 by 3 5/8 inches, with mortar joints bringing the wall coverage to about seven bricks per sq ft. Oversized or nonstandard brick may require different spacing and more cutting; confirm dimensions before estimating quantity, especially when matching an existing wall.
Age and provenance can add value, but not every old brick is a premium brick. Salvaged brick from a recognizable factory, historic building, or limited-color run may cost $3-$8 each, and rare examples can exceed that. Ordinary older brick without a traceable source generally costs closer to standard reclaimed rates.
Lot size matters as well. Buying 1,000 or more matching bricks from one demolition may bring the unit price down to $0.50-$1.50, while a carefully sorted order of 100-200 pieces can cost $1.50-$4 each. Require a sample or clear photos when color match and face condition matter.
Regional freight and reclaimed-brick supply across the U.S.
Prices vary with local salvage supply and trucking. In areas with frequent brick construction and demolition, nearby inventory can be 10%-20% below the national midpoint. Rural buyers or customers far from salvage yards may pay 15%-35% more after freight, especially for small orders that cannot fill a truck.
Older cities in the Northeast and Midwest may offer more reclaimed brick choices, but historic colors and branded brick can still command a premium. In parts of the Mountain West, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, limited local stock may make delivery the largest added cost. These are general market patterns rather than fixed regional rates; a specific lot, season, and distance can shift the quote substantially.
For a pallet order, ask for the delivery charge to the exact address and find out whether the driver can unload with a liftgate or forklift. A $125 delivery within 15 miles may be economical, while a 100-mile haul can add $300-$700 or more depending on truck capacity and unloading requirements. Nearby pickup can save money only when a suitable vehicle and safe loading plan are available.
How many hours does reclaimed-brick installation take?
A mason may lay about 30-60 face bricks per labor hour on a straightforward, accessible wall, though production varies with pattern, mortar joints, cuts, and brick irregularity. A 100-square-foot veneer area contains about 700 bricks, so basic laying may require roughly 12-24 labor hours, plus setup, mixing, cleanup, and any substrate preparation.
At $40-$125 per hour, that laying time alone implies roughly $480-$3,000 in labor. Many contractors quote by the square foot instead, commonly around $12-$30 per sq ft for labor on a standard veneer job. Complex arches, corners, high walls, and matching historic mortar can push labor above those rates.
Used brick can slow installation because dimensions vary or mortar must be removed before reuse. A crew may need to sort and blend the bricks as it works, adding several hours to a small project or a day or more to a larger one. Ask whether the bid includes washing, sorting, cutting, mortar cleanup, and protection of nearby surfaces.
For budget planning, separate masonry labor from brick purchase and delivery. A low material quote does not guarantee a low installed price if the lot needs extensive cleaning or careful color matching.
Three realistic used-brick budgets by project size
The examples below use typical common reclaimed brick rather than rare antique stock. Totals are planning estimates, not contractor bids; local labor, site access, taxes, and delivery can change them. Each example includes a modest allowance for breakage and ordinary mortar, but excludes major wall repairs.
| Project | Brick quantity and rate | Labor assumption | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden edging, 80 bricks | 80 at $1.25, plus 10% extra | DIY; about 2-4 hours | $150-$350 with mortar and local pickup |
| 50-sq-ft accent wall | About 370 bricks at $1.25-$2 | 12-20 hours at $60-$95 | $1,100-$2,700 installed |
| 200-sq-ft exterior veneer | About 1,470 bricks at $0.75-$1.75 | 35-60 hours at $65-$110 | $4,000-$10,000 installed |
The small edging example assumes simple placement on a prepared base and no structural wall. The accent wall assumes ordinary access and a sound substrate. The exterior veneer allows for professional labor and a larger delivery, but extensive flashing, sheathing repair, scaffolding, or code work can raise the final amount.
Use measured wall area and actual brick dimensions to refine these examples. A 10% waste allowance is more prudent for intricate patterns, cuts, or uneven reclaimed units than for a straight, simple wall.
When used brick costs less than new brick or repair
Used brick can be a good material-price choice when a project needs a weathered appearance, a large matching lot is available nearby, and the bricks are sound. New standard brick may cost roughly $0.60-$2 each, sometimes less than sorted reclaimed brick. New units can also simplify ordering and reduce cleaning or sorting labor, so the lowest purchase price is not always the lowest completed-project cost.
For a small repair, matching used brick may be worth a higher unit price because a few replacements can blend better with an aged wall. A mason may charge a minimum service fee of $150-$400 for a short repair visit, even if only 10-50 bricks are installed. If a wall has loose sections, deep cracks, or moisture damage, a qualified mason should assess the underlying cause before replacement brick is purchased.
Brick described as reclaimed is not automatically suitable for every use. Some old brick is softer or more porous than modern units and may not meet requirements for exposed, load-bearing, or below-grade applications. Confirm intended use with the supplier or contractor, and check local building requirements for structural work.
Compare the finished cost and suitability, not the age of the brick alone. A new brick with a close color match may be less expensive overall when reclaimed stock requires cleaning, special freight, or additional installation time.
Which add-on charges commonly raise a brick order?
Beyond the brick itself, a project may need mortar, cleaning, base preparation, waste removal, and equipment. Mortar and basic consumables often add about $1-$4 per sq ft, while a dedicated cleaning or mortar-removal service can add $0.10-$0.75 per brick. These charges vary by method and the condition of the salvage lot.
Removal of an existing wall is a separate expense, commonly around $4-$12 per sq ft for straightforward demolition and disposal. Difficult access, interior protection, reinforced construction, or hazardous-material concerns can raise the price. If existing brick is being salvaged for reuse, careful removal and sorting may cost more than ordinary demolition because the crew must avoid breakage.
Equipment rental or special unloading may add $75-$300 or more for a small job. A forklift or pallet jack may be needed for heavy loads, and a truck that cannot reach the work area may require hand carrying. Delivery companies may also charge for waiting time, restricted access, or a second trip.
Ask for every freight, handling, cleaning, and disposal charge before approving the order. A written quote should state the brick count, usable condition, pallet deposit if any, delivery method, and who is responsible for unloading and leftover material.
How to lower a reclaimed-brick quote without sacrificing fit
Measure the project carefully and order from a single lot when possible. A larger, consistent order can reduce the per-brick price and avoid the extra freight of topping up later. Include a realistic waste allowance, but avoid buying several hundred unnecessary bricks if the supplier accepts returns or if a second lot may not match.
Choose the grade that fits the use. For a garden border or hidden backing, mixed brick may be adequate; for a visible fireplace surround or exterior feature wall, pay for a sorted face grade only where appearance matters. Ask whether the seller offers a discount for uncleaned brick, and compare the savings with the cost of labor or tools needed to remove old mortar.
Keep the design simple where possible. Straight runs, standard dimensions, and fewer corners reduce cutting and installation hours. Scheduling during a contractor’s less-busy period may help with availability, though weather and regional demand make savings unpredictable. Comparing at least three written quotes can reveal whether one estimate includes cleaning, delivery, mortar, and waste while another does not.
The most reliable savings come from matching brick grade to the visible use and controlling delivery distance. Do not trade away structural suitability or required weather protection for a lower material price.