Brick Industry Association (BIA) member manufacturers around the country have reported that residential and commercial brick trends include whites, light grays, ivories, rough-hewn textures, glazed brick and larger brick sizes. “As an abundant natural resource made in America, brick options continue to evolve for virtually endless aesthetic flexibility,” said Ray Leonhard, BIA’s president and CEO.

“Our whites, ivories, and light grays are being requested more and more, either as a full project or to complement a darker, more traditional brick on a project,” said Dawn Henning, director of marketing and retail sales for General Shale. “Secondly, thin brick is probably the biggest trend that is catching on everywhere. I get requests from all over the world for our thin brick.” 

In addition to grays and creamy neutrals as base colors, Triangle Brick adds that modern farmhouses and bungalows are pairing brick with subtle exterior tones. Larger brick sizes are also trending, according to Stephanie Kennedy, marketing manager at Redland Brick Inc., The Belden Brick Co. The company’s Cushwa plant now offers Molded Roman face brick with longer and more linear dimensions than those of standard modern brick.

Acme Brick Co. echoes the trends regarding colors, textures and sizes. “We are still seeing a trend to lighter colors or whitewashed-looking brick,” said John Brewer, Acme’s Central Texas regional sales manager. “Residentially, King Size brick is still the largest in demand. Everyone wants a very rustic, beat-up finish.”

Belden Brick reports that demand for thin brick and glazed brick also continues to rise, along with clay pavers in diverse sizes. “Thin brick continues to sell,” said Mark Britko, Belden’s manager of strategic markets, whose company has expanded its glazed brick offerings and capabilities. Trends also include clay paver patterns using other sizes with the normal 4 x 8 pavers. Recent residential trends also include kitchens, dining rooms and exposed brick walls adjacent to sleek, industrial interior finishes.  

For additional information, visit www.gobrick.com.