Having leftover bricks can leave you wondering what to do with them. Stacks of unused materials often sit in garages or yards, taking up space without a clear purpose.
Instead of letting them go to waste, you can turn those bricks into affordable and functional projects that add charm to your home or business.
At Batchelder & Collins, we supply the brick and stone products you need to bring these home improvement ideas to life.
Benefits of Reusing Old Bricks
Reusing or recycling bricks helps both your home and the environment. By giving leftover materials new life, you reduce landfill waste and limit the demand for new production.
Repurposing also saves money. A stack of bricks can quickly become a garden path, birdbath, or planter without the expense of new supplies. Bricks are highly durable, making them ideal for landscape design, garden walls, and other lasting projects. Many homeowners value reclaimed bricks for their distinctive color and texture, which add character and authenticity to outdoor and indoor spaces.
DIY Projects With Leftover Bricks
Leftover bricks can be transformed into practical and creative projects for your yard or home. There are plenty of ways to reuse materials you already have. This article will touch on different ideas, from brick structures to unique art ideas using or incorporating brick into your garden and home.
Build a Brick Path
A brick path is a simple way to repurpose leftover materials. Whether leading to your backyard, front door, or garden, brick walkways add rustic charm and lasting value to your property.
Create a Brick Seating Area
If you already have or plan to build a brick firepit, consider using leftover bricks to create a matching seating area. Add cushions or pillows, and you’ll have a comfortable outdoor space to enjoy by the fire.
Make a Raised Garden Bed
A raised garden bed can be built with just leftover bricks for a short version. If you’re looking to build something a little taller, all you need to do is add some mortar! You can choose any size or shape, making it customizable for the space you have available.
Build a Brick Fireplace
A brick fireplace offers both function and style, indoors or outdoors. For fire-facing areas, be sure to use firebrick and heat-resistant mortar designed for high temperatures. Standard bricks are best used on the outer-facing portion for aesthetic appeal. Batchelder & Collins supplies quality bricks in a variety of colors and textures that can help you create a fireplace suited to your space and style.
Use Bricks as Herb Garden Markers
Herb gardens are both practical and rewarding, but some plants can be difficult to tell apart. Leftover bricks make simple, durable markers — just label them with paint or a marker and place them beside each plant. The bricks will withstand the test of time!
Build a Brick Birdbath
A brick birdbath is an easy way to reuse leftover materials. Stack bricks to your preferred height and width, add mortar for stability, and place a bowl on top to hold water. This simple project attracts birds and adds charm to your yard.
Create Decorative Brick Bookends
With just a few leftover bricks, you can craft unique bookends. Try spray painting for a polished look, then add patterns and colors to match your decor. For even longer-lasting functionality and extra customization, add a coat or two of spray sealer/finish like polyurethane; just be sure to do the work outside. Simple and sturdy, these bookends combine function with creativity.
Turn Bricks Into Garden Art
Bricks don’t have to be structural — they can be decorative, too. With weather-resistant paints and finishing/sealing products, you can add color to flowerbeds, pathways, or garden borders. You can even add a seasonal flair to bricks by coloring them and designing them for holiday displays! Stencils, freehand designs, or mosaics give plain bricks personality and make your outdoor space more vibrant.
Create a Brick Barbecue Pit
A brick fire pit is a practical weekend project for leftover bricks. Stack them in a circle or square, leaving gaps for airflow, to create a safe and sturdy outdoor cooking area. For frequent use or if you plan to burn for longer periods, using refractory bricks, also known as fire bricks, inside the structure helps withstand higher heat. Whether large or small, this type of brick fire pit adds long-term value and functionality to your outdoor living space.
Build a Brick Compost Bin
Leftover bricks can be stacked into a simple compost bin. Arrange them in a square or circle, leaving small gaps for airflow. A lower side makes it easier to turn or scoop compost. Durable and ventilated, this design is a sustainable way to recycle both food scraps and building materials.
Add Brickwork Around a Mailbox
Leftover bricks can transform a mailbox into a standout feature. A pedestal or border creates a polished, welcoming look. Mortar makes the design permanent, while dry-stacking lets you change it over time. For extra style, bricks can be painted or sealed to match your home.
Design a Mini Brick Patio
A small stack of leftover bricks can become a charming patio. Level the ground, add a sand or gravel base, and lay the bricks in patterns such as herringbone or basketweave. The result is a versatile space for a chair, table, or potted plants. You could even use this space as a base for a pizza oven! Just be sure the ground is compacted well and flat, to support the oven’s weight. Batchelder & Collins offers a wide selection of bricks and pavers if you need additional material or want to shop for something new! We’re here to help you complete outdoor projects like this across Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads.
Conceal a Spare Key Inside a Brick
A hollow brick can serve as a discreet hiding spot for a spare key. Placed among other bricks in your yard, it blends in naturally. Using a small waterproof container keeps the key safe from moisture while remaining accessible when needed.
Creative Brick Planters and Candle Displays
Bricks can be used to create simple lanterns, planters, or candle holders that work well indoors or outdoors. Cored or hollow bricks provide natural openings that can safely hold LED candles, tealights, succulents, or small herbs without any cutting or carving. When stacked or placed individually, bricks offer a sturdy base that adds visual weight and balance to walkways, patios, shelves, or tabletops.
These pieces can be left natural for a rustic look or painted to match your decor. The soft glow from LED candles adds warmth and atmosphere without wiring, while plants bring in texture and color. With minimal effort, bricks become versatile decorative accents that feel intentional and functional rather than purely ornamental.
Create a Simple Brick Garden Bench
First, you want to ensure the ground is level and resistant to settling and erosion. You can do this by compacting the ground around your planned bench. On both ends of the structure, stack bricks with mortar in between to serve as supports. Then add a top such as a concrete slab or sealed piece of wood. This straightforward design works well in a shaded spot or garden corner, adding seating without major cost or effort. Batchelder & Collins offers durable brick and stone products to help complete outdoor features like this.
Outline Flowerbeds With Bricks
Upcycled bricks make excellent garden edging for flowerbeds and around mulched trees. Placed flat, upright, or staggered, they define beds, retain soil, and keep pathways neat. This simple project adds structure and timeless style with minimal effort.
Build a Brick Waterfall Feature
Bricks can be used as the base or walls of a backyard waterfall. Add a liner, pump, and natural stones to complete the design. The result is a calming water feature that turns your yard into a retreat. Batchelder & Collins can supply durable brick and stone materials to support water-focused landscape projects like this.
Build a Brick Herb Spiral
A brick spiral is a space-saving way to grow various herbs. The spiral shape creates levels with different growing conditions, with more sun exposure at the top and more shade near the base. Practical and attractive, this design adds a striking focal point to any garden while helping you grow healthier herb plants.
Create Garden Steps With Bricks
In a sloped yard, bricks can be used to create steps for safe and attractive access. Level the ground and secure the bricks with gravel or mortar for stability. Integrated with plants and stones, brick steps blend naturally into the landscape.
Indoor Projects With Leftover Bricks
Bricks are just as useful indoors as they are outside. Smaller ideas include using them as candle holders, bookends, or even sturdy doorstops. Larger projects, such as an exposed brick wall or fireplace surround, add warmth and character to a room.
Batchelder & Collins provides a wide selection of bricks, veneers, and stone products that can support both functional and decorative indoor projects. Whether you want a small accent or a full feature wall, our team can help you choose the right materials to match your space.
How Do I Clean Old Bricks for Reuse?
To clean old bricks, begin with a stiff brush to remove dirt and loose mortar. For stains, try mild detergent or a vinegar-and-water solution. Pressure washers should be used with care — use a low setting and fan tip to avoid damaging the brick. For stubborn residue, diluted muriatic acid is effective, but only with gloves, eye protection, and proper ventilation. Always rinse thoroughly and never mix with other cleaners.
How to Care for Reused Bricks
Reclaimed or leftover bricks can last for decades if properly maintained. Before starting any project, check each brick for cracks or crumbling, and set aside damaged ones for non-structural uses. Cleaning with a stiff brush and mild detergent helps preserve their natural look, while applying a sealant can add protection against moisture and weather.
Batchelder & Collins carries cleaning and sealing products that work well with reclaimed bricks. By preparing and maintaining your materials, you can extend the life of your projects and keep them looking their best.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
For more than 100 years, Batchelder & Collins has provided bricks, stone, and pavers to homeowners and contractors throughout Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads. With deep knowledge of masonry and landscaping materials, we help customers select the right products for their projects. Beyond supplying materials, our team is committed to guiding you toward practical solutions that fit your vision.
Testimonials
“What an amazing place. I brought in a brick that was from my 10yr old house… they matched it pretty well. They have 2 yards full of brick and stone.” — Jacqueline K.
“I love this place. They always have what I need and all the staff is so very helpful ! Keep up the good work.” — Debra L.
“Very helpful staff. Helped me in deciding how many and of which bricks to get. Very quick in and out process they have set up.” — Victor P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Sell Old Bricks?
Yes. If bricks are in good condition, they may be sold to salvage yards, reclaimed brick suppliers, or through online marketplaces such as Facebook Marketplace and eBay. The value depends on the brick’s type, age, and rarity. Some buyers may even offer pickup for larger quantities.
Why Should People Reuse Old Bricks?
Reusing bricks helps reduce waste and lowers costs. Many homeowners also value the weathered look of reclaimed bricks, which adds unique character to gardens, patios, and restoration projects.
Where Else Can I Donate or Recycle Old Bricks?
Charities, community groups, and construction recycling centers often accept used bricks. Salvage yards can repurpose them, and online platforms like Craigslist, Freecycle, or local Facebook groups help connect you with people looking for materials.
How Do I Cut or Shape Old Bricks Safely?
Score the brick with a chisel and hammer, then tap to split. For precise cuts, use a circular saw with a masonry blade. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a dust mask — silica dust from cutting bricks can be harmful. Wet cutting or dust collection tools can help minimize airborne particles.
Where Can I Find More Old Bricks?
Architectural salvage yards, reclamation companies, and online listings are excellent sources. For an exact match, brick matching services can help identify the right size, color, and texture. In some cases, custom replicas are available.
Start Your Next Brick Project With Batchelder & Collins
Leftover bricks don’t have to sit unused in the garage or yard. From raised garden beds to fire pits and patios, there are countless creative ways to repurpose them. Batchelder & Collins provides the materials and guidance you need to bring these projects to life.
Call 757-625-2506 or reach out through our online contact form. Serving Norfolk, Williamsburg, and Hampton Roads, our team is ready to help you turn your ideas into durable, functional projects with the right brick and stone products.
