White Brick Or Red Brick – Which Color Is Better?

Sometimes it seems as if the world is made up of an endless succession of “either/or,” binary choices. Every day, we get to choose between dozens. For example, do you want…

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Coffee or Tea?

Beef or Chicken?

Boxers or Briefs?

To complicate the situation even further, homeowners have another dilemma to resolve: white brick or red? The answer to this conundrum has many ramifications, especially when one realizes that homes and commercial buildings built with brick can be usable for hundreds of years. 

While not a matter of life or death, the color of brick has practical and aesthetic ramifications that can last for generations!

What This Means for You — Here is some good news. There is almost no practical downside to brick construction, whether it is white or traditional colors such as red. Brick offers lower maintenance costs, has better insulation, and enjoys excellent climate and fire protection. The color is up to you. Choosing the best color involves evaluating the many aesthetic considerations and the availability of white brick, which can vary from region to region. The checklist that follows can help with that color decision. White or red? Read on.

Are you trying to decide whether to build with white or traditional red brick? Have your architect or builder consider the range of brick from Acme. Click here to get started.

When It’s Time to Choose, Is it White or Red Brick?

Acme Winterstone vs. Acme Quorum

After all the practical factors have been considered – lower maintenance costs, safety issues related to fires or weather, money saved on utilities, and costs of construction – the architects, homebuilders and, of course, their clients will often choose brick. It is in the final phase of this planning process that the “fun” decision comes front and center: What color of brick should be chosen, white or red?

The choice is not as simple as it seems. Why? There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of shades of both white and red brick. There are, however, several general considerations, and most of these are based on design objectives. 

White brick and red brick offer distinct aesthetic advantages and disadvantages. For example, white brick provides a bright, modern look, while red brick offers a classic, timeless appeal.

Here is a more detailed checklist, listing the pros and cons for both groups.

White Brick Advantages: 

• Aesthetics: White brick creates a clean, airy, and contemporary feel, making spaces appear brighter and larger. 
  
• Versatility: The white hues complement various architectural styles, from modern to traditional. 
  
• Resale Value: In some markets, white brick can be seen as a desirable and modern option, potentially increasing a property’s appeal and resale value. 
  
• Durability: It is a durable and low-maintenance option. 

White Brick Disadvantage 

• Cost: White brick can be more expensive than traditional red brick because its availability is more limited than red brick. 

Red Brick Advantages

• Timeless Appeal: The look of red brick is classic, and it complements a wide range of architectural styles.
   
• Color Variations: Most residential brick have significant color variations and this is a distinct advantage for architects and homeowners.
  
• Cost: Red brick can be more affordable than white brick because there are many more variations of this color and thus greater availability. 

Red Brick Disadvantages

• Aesthetics: Some clients find red brick to be outdated or less desirable than white brick, especially in modern architectural styles. 

The decision between white and red brick often comes down to individual taste and the desired aesthetic of the building. Homeowners should also consider the climate and environmental conditions in the area, as this can affect the long-term maintenance of the brick. 

Budget is always an important consideration. White brick may be more expensive initially, but its long-term maintenance costs may be lower.  

Manufacturing Factors That Determine Brick Color

Acme brick firing in a tunnel kiln at one of our 15 brick plants.

According to several brick industry sources, the color of clay brick is primarily determined by four key factors. The most important one is the mineral composition of the clay. The raw clay naturally contains different minerals and chemical elements that impart a base color to the brick. Iron oxide is the most significant determinant of color, especially red tones. High iron content, especially in an oxidizing firing atmosphere, produces various shades of red and pink. Excess iron oxide can lead to darker hues like black or dark purple. Higher lime (calcium carbonate) content typically results in bricks with a yellow or white color, while manganese oxide contributes to brown colors.

Another factor is the firing temperature. The temperature at which the bricks are fired in the kiln significantly impacts the final color. Higher temperatures generally lead to darker shades and increased strength and density. Controlled temperature ranges are crucial to achieve the desired colors and prevent overfiring which can cause shrinkage and undesirable changes. Rapid cooling can also influence the final brick color.

The amount of oxygen present in the kiln during firing affects the chemical reactions of the minerals and thus the brick color. Minerals absorb oxygen, and excess oxygen in the kiln causes richer hues like the typical red brick. Conversely, reducing oxygen leads to discoloration and darker or unique colors like brown, gray, green, or black. This technique is also known as “flashing” or reduction firing.

Brick manufacturers such as Acme can also influence color by adding pigments or applying coatings. These include sand coatings, ceramic glazes, or slurries, which can be applied to the surface to achieve a wider variety of colors. Mineral pigments can be added to the clay mixture to achieve specific colors throughout the brick body, such as black, tan, buff brown or white. 

Another factor in establishing a unique “look and feel” of brick color is through the choice of the mortar. As the Brick Industry Association notes, “One of the most impactful ways to transform the look of your home from ordinary to extraordinary is by considering mortar color as part of the design. Mortar color can create a profound visual contrast with the brick, making the brickwork stand out and adding visual appeal to your exterior. Lighter mortar colors can make dark-colored brick appear brighter, while darker mortar colors can soften the appearance of brick.”

Architects and builders can change mortar color for different walls of brick. Easy access to this tool is found on the Virtual Mason page of the Acme Brick website.

Acme Winterstone with white, gray, black, and buff mortar.

Acme Quorum with white, gray, black, and red mortar.

To Paint or Not to Paint

This Fulshear, TX home features Romabio Classico Lime Wash in Silver Lining from Acme Brick Tile & Stone.

Especially in renovation projects on existing properties, painting traditional red-hued brick white is a simple solution. In recent years, many architects, home renovation designers and social media influencers have favored the “European look” made famous originally on the PBS series “Downton Abbey.”

This has led to a groundswell of interest about what the colors, textures, and even the chemical composition of these paints should be. As we have noted in a previous post, there is a serious safety issue with “painted” brick that many homeowners have never considered. This has led influencers and homeowners to take a long, hard look at mineral-based products such as Romabio limewash. 

“Based on the number of customers who click on our stories about ‘painted brick,’ it is clear homeowners are interested in what types of products work best to enhance the look of our brick,” said Britt Stokes of Acme Brick. “Romabio products have fundamentally changed the dynamics of masonry paint. 

“While most paint products are acrylic or latex and use petroleum-based ingredients as their primary binder, Romabio begins with potassium silicate and clean, mineral-based technology for their traditional mineral-based paints. They manufacture exceptional paints and finishes with the best ingredients available.

“Brick naturally breathes and allows moisture to escape the exterior wall. Acme Brick recommends against using any paint on brick that will seal the surface – like latex paint, for example. Many paint companies make special paints and primers for brick masonry that will change the appearance of the home but still allow the wall to breathe. The bad news here is that once painted, a brick wall is difficult or impossible to restore to its original appearance.”

For a quick primer on this safe and lovely way to use this limewash, click here.

White or Red?

Whether it’s white or red, the benefits of brick construction have been extolled by homeowners and builders for thousands of years. Yes, it may take a few days to decide on the “look” you are seeking, but having more choices is always better than fewer. Plus, if you can’t make up your mind, why not consider pink or rose-colored brick?

Whichever color you choose, this is one of those win/win situations. Enjoy!

Do you need some inspiration for other home improvement products? Acme is more than just brick. Click here and prepare to be inspired!