TL;DR
Get home appliances delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Hunker report describes reclaimed bricks as an alternative to mulch or gravel for edging along a home’s exterior. Reusing bricks may keep material out of landfill and reduce demand for newly fired bricks, but supply, price and installation needs vary.
Hunker has reported on reclaimed brick edging as a rustic alternative to mulch or gravel around homes, pointing to potential reuse and curb-appeal benefits. The approach can also create a more defined border, but the report cautions that reclaimed bricks may be costly and their installation is more involved than placing loose landscaping material.
The report says reclaimed bricks can keep usable building materials out of landfill and slightly reduce demand for new bricks. Producing clay bricks requires firing, which the report says generates carbon dioxide; it does not quantify the emissions savings associated with using reclaimed material.
Brick edging may help separate planting areas from the home and contain greenery that could otherwise spread toward the building. Hunker contrasts the fixed brick border with gravel landscaping, which it says may look less tidy over time. These are practical and aesthetic considerations, not claims that brick edging will suit every site or eliminate maintenance.
Supply can be unpredictable because reclaimed bricks vary in size, age and appearance. The report suggests looking at demolition sites, salvage yards and online marketplaces, or buying from suppliers. It warns that bricks with historic or distinctive character can command a premium. As a rough planning example, it estimates that a straight 50-foot facade would take about 150 bricks if the edging used two rows of bricks averaging eight inches long; actual quantities depend on brick dimensions and layout.
A Reuse Option With Trade-Offs
For homeowners comparing edging materials, reclaimed brick offers a way to reuse an existing product rather than buying new landscaping supplies. The potential environmental benefit is tied to reuse and reduced demand for newly fired bricks, but the source gives no emissions calculation, lifecycle comparison or guarantee that a particular project will have a lower overall footprint.
Cost and labor also affect the choice. Reclaimed stock may be expensive or difficult to source in sufficient quantities, while preparing a stable edge involves excavation and a prepared base. The report says this is not as straightforward as spreading mulch or gravel and recommends hiring a professional for installation unless the homeowner has relevant experience.
Products Worth Considering
Philips Hue Play Screen Sync and 65-Inch Play Gradient Smart TV Light Strip
Ring Alarm 5-Piece Wireless Security System
Samsung QN65LS03FAFXZA 65 The Frame QLED 4K Art Mode Vision AI Smart TV (2025)
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
From Salvaged Brick to Finished Border
Hunker describes a process that starts with collecting enough bricks and cleaning them, particularly when they still have mortar attached. It recommends using a hammer and cold chisel to remove stuck mortar, followed by a wire brush. The report also discusses a diluted muriatic acid bath for remaining mortar or stains, specifying ten parts water to one part acid and warning that acid must be added to water, never the reverse. Acid handling requires appropriate protective equipment and careful adherence to product safety instructions.
For installation, the report lists digging out soil, compacting paving sand, adding stone dust and laying the bricks; mortaring is optional in its description. Since site conditions and local requirements can differ, the article’s outline is not a substitute for a contractor’s assessment. One practical compromise it suggests is for homeowners to source and clean the bricks, then hire a professional to lay them.
““Unlike edging with gravel or mulch, this is not a simple weekend DIY project.””
— Hunker report
Costs and Site Conditions Vary
The report does not provide current prices, a typical project budget or a measured comparison of installation and maintenance costs against mulch and gravel. It also does not establish how much carbon emissions a specific reclaimed-brick project would avoid. Those outcomes depend on where bricks are sourced, how far they are transported and what the installation requires.
It is also unclear how well the proposed edging would perform on any particular property. Soil, drainage, frost, slope and the condition of the bricks can affect the design and durability. The source does not give a universal specification for base depth, drainage or permits, so homeowners should ask a qualified paving contractor about local site requirements before work begins.
Check Supply Before Installation
Homeowners considering the option can first measure the intended border, then check reclaimed-brick dimensions and available quantities before settling on a layout. They should compare supplier prices with salvage options and inspect bricks for condition. The 150-brick estimate in the report is only an example based on a 50-foot straight facade and two rows of average eight-inch bricks.
Before installation, a paving contractor can assess the site, prepare a suitable base and explain any local requirements. Anyone cleaning bricks with chemicals should follow the product label, use appropriate protective equipment and handle and dispose of materials safely. The source does not identify a scheduled follow-up or additional research; actual costs and performance will depend on each project.
Key Questions
What makes reclaimed brick edging an alternative to mulch or gravel?
It creates a defined, fixed border along a home, while reusing bricks that might otherwise be discarded. Hunker presents it as a rustic visual option, not a universal replacement for other landscaping materials.
How many reclaimed bricks might a 50-foot frontage need?
Hunker estimates about 150 bricks for a straight 50-foot facade using two rows of bricks averaging eight inches long. The actual count will change with brick size, spacing and the chosen design.
Are reclaimed bricks cheaper than new materials?
Not necessarily. The report says reclaimed bricks with historic or distinctive character can sell at a premium. It provides no current price comparison with new brick, mulch or gravel.
Can homeowners install the edging themselves?
The report describes excavation and preparation of a sand and stone-dust base, and says the work is more involved than placing mulch or gravel. It recommends professional installation for people without bricklaying experience.
Does reclaimed brick edging have a proven environmental benefit?
Reuse can keep bricks out of landfill and may reduce demand for newly fired bricks, whose production emits carbon dioxide. The report provides no project-specific emissions data or quantified environmental comparison.
Source: hunker.com
