Green Bricks

A designer’s guide to choosing green bricks

The term green bricks usually refers to one of two things: bricks coloured in rich green hues, and bricks manufactured with lower environmental impact. On ArchiPro you can source products that satisfy both definitions—delivering bold aesthetics and genuine sustainability credentials for residential and commercial projects.

Key aesthetic considerations

• Tone & depth – From subtle sage to dark emerald, consider how light will interact with the brick surface throughout the day. Darker shades can create dramatic accents, while lighter greens pair beautifully with warm timber cladding.
• Finish – Wire-cut textures, smooth glazing or tumbled edges each influence the personality of a wall. Glazed bricks are ideal for a statement dark green brick wall in hospitality or retail fit-outs.
• Bond pattern – Stretcher, stack or Flemish bonds can emphasise colour variation and shadow. Mixing greens with neutral or charcoal bricks lets you develop patterns without repainting later.

Sustainability checkpoints

Architects specifying eco materials often ask, “Are these bricks really green?” Look for:

• Recycled content – Many Australian kilns now incorporate post-industrial waste or reclaimed clay, reducing embodied carbon.
• Low-energy firing – Some green brick companies use biomass kilns or electric furnaces powered by renewables.
• Local sourcing – Bricks transported shorter distances lower overall footprint. Use suppliers close to your site where possible.

For more detail on the environmental performance of masonry, see the Australian Government’s YourHome brick guide.

Specification checklist

Before locking in a product, run through this quick list to avoid costly surprises:

• Size & compliance – Verify that nominal dimensions align with AS/NZS 4455 for structural clay masonry.
• Durability rating – Exposure classes matter, especially in coastal regions where salt can dull colour over time.
• Thermal mass – Green bricks, like all dense masonry, provide excellent thermal lag; factor this into your energy modelling.
• Mortar selection – Light grey or white mortar often makes coloured bricks pop, while matching pigment delivers a more monolithic look.

Installation & after-care

Professional laying is critical to avoid efflorescence that can make bricks turn green for the wrong reasons. If algae appears, follow these steps:

1. Identify moisture source—leaks, poor flashing or rising damp.
2. Clean gently with a pH-neutral solution; harsh acids can strip the glaze.
3. Apply breathable sealer if the wall faces persistent shade.

Need help? Many suppliers on ArchiPro offer maintenance guides and can recommend cleaners specialising in cleaning green off bricks.

Comparing cladding alternatives

Not sure if coloured bricks are the right call? Explore other façade materials available under our Cladding & Facades category:

• Timber cladding – Warm, renewable and ideal for pairing with green masonry accents.
• Metal cladding – Lightweight and contemporary; contrasts beautifully with textured bricks.
• Masonry and stone – Natural stone or concrete blocks for complementary feature walls.
• Fibre cement cladding
• Pre-cladding systems
• Render plaster systems
• Concrete cladding
• Flashing penetrations
• uPVC cladding
• Eaves and soffits
• Glazed façade systems
• Composite cladding
• Facade screens
• Exterior decorative mouldings
• Green facades
• Weatherboard cladding
• Timber shingles

Next steps

Ready to specify? Use ArchiPro’s filters to compare price, lead time and sustainability ratings, then click “Request a quote” or “Order a sample” to engage suppliers directly. Because all vendors are pre-vetted, you save hours of research and can move forward with confidence.