Black Bricks

Why choose black bricks?

From moody monochrome exteriors to dramatic interior accents, black bricks offer a depth of colour that standard red or cream masonry simply can’t match. They absorb light, enhance shadow lines and pair effortlessly with timber, metal or concrete cladding. For renovators painting brick black or architects specifying factory-fired dark clays, the material delivers:

• Timeless aesthetics – Suitable for minimalist, industrial and heritage-inspired designs.
• Low maintenance – Dark tones disguise dirt and weathering.
• Thermal mass – Masonry stores heat, improving energy performance when detailed correctly.
• Fire resistance – Essential for many BAL-rated regions.

Key specification factors

1. Colour depth & finish

Not all black bricks are jet black. Variations range from charcoal and graphite to blue-black and black ash brick. Finishes may be smooth, wire-cut, glazed or tumbled. Review supplier data sheets and request sample panels to see how mortar colour and lighting affect the final look.

2. Size & format

Standard 230 × 110 × 76 mm units suit most cavity walls, but designers often select slimline or elongated bricks for modern elevations. Larger formats reduce vertical joints, highlighting the long horizontal lines typical of black brick wall trends.

3. Mortar colour & joint style

A raked joint with grey mortar will emphasise shadow, while flush-jointed black mortar gives a sleek, monolithic surface. Discuss joint profiles early with your bricklayer for consistent results.

4. Structural & acoustic performance

Check compressive strength (MPa) and durability ratings against Australian Standard AS 3700. Heavy clay units also provide excellent sound attenuation—valuable for high-density urban sites.

Design inspiration

Popular applications include:

• Full black brick house façades contrasted with timber soffits.
• Red brick houses with black trim or black roof on red brick house for updated kerb appeal.
• Interior feature walls behind fireplaces, stair voids or kitchen islands.
• Garden walls combined with corten steel and native planting.

For more ideas, browse the entire Cladding & Facades category.

Installation & workmanship tips

Dark bricks highlight mortar smears, so keep walls covered until acid cleaning. Use clean, potable water to avoid efflorescence, and specify damp-proof courses carefully to protect interior finishes. More guidance on thermal detailing can be found in this government resource on thermal mass.

Complementary cladding & façade products

Mixing materials breaks up large elevations and adds textural interest. Explore:

• timber cladding for warm contrast.
• metal cladding in matte black or zinc for industrial edge.
• masonry and stone inserts to soften hard lines.
• fibre cement panels for budget-friendly accents.
• pre-cladding systems that speed up builds.
• render & plaster systems to create smooth contrasts.
• concrete cladding for brutalist statements.
• flashing penetrations that keep water out.
• uPVC cladding for low-maintenance secondary skins.
• eaves and soffits in contrasting colourways.
• glazed facade systems to bounce light off dark brick planes.
• composite cladding with integrated insulation.
• facade screens that filter sunlight.
• exterior decorative mouldings for traditional detailing.
• green facades to soften dark surfaces with vegetation.
• weatherboard cladding for cost-effective extensions.
• timber shingles that age gracefully beside black masonry.

Cost & procurement

Factory-coloured black bricks generally command a 10–20% premium over standard reds, while glazed options sit higher again. Bulk orders may qualify for volume discounts, so obtain quotes early. ArchiPro lets you compare suppliers, order samples and request project pricing on one dashboard.

Next steps

Ready to elevate your project? Browse the full range of black bricks below, save products to your board and send a single enquiry to multiple manufacturers. Your statement façade starts here.