Hot trends in fired clay brick show preferences for whites, grays and lighter colors, thin brick, rustic/weathered textures and larger brick sizes, according to an industry trade group.
Brick Industry Association (BIA) member manufacturers around the country report that residential trends include whites, light greys, ivories, rough-hewn textures, glazed brick and larger brick sizes. “Our whites, ivories, and light greys are being requested more and more, either as a full project or to complement a darker, more traditional brick on a project,” says Dawn Henning, director of marketing and retail sales, General Shale.
Larger brick sizes are also trending, says Stephanie Kennedy, marketing manager at Redland Brick Inc., The Belden Brick Company. The company now offers Molded Roman face brick with longer and more linear dimensions than those of standard modern brick.
Acme Brick Company echoes trending colors, textures and sizes. “We are still seeing a trend to lighter colors or white-washed looking brick,” says John Brewer, Acme’s Central Texas regional sales manager. “Residentially, King Size brick is still the largest in demand,” he said. “Everyone wants a very rustic, beat-up finish.”
The Belden Brick Company reports that thin brick and glazed brick also continue to rise, along with clay pavers in diverse sizes. “Thin brick continues to sell,” says Mark Britko, Belden’s manager, 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 8s. Recent residential trends also include kitchens, dining rooms and exposed brick walls adjacent to sleek, industrial interior finishes.
