Where to Buy Recycled & Second Hand Bricks in Sydney

Where to Buy Recycled and Second Hand Bricks in Sydney

Finding quality recycled bricks in Sydney can be surprisingly tricky. While there is no shortage of demolition sites producing second-hand bricks, the quality varies enormously. Buying from the wrong source can leave you with cracked, cement-contaminated bricks that crumble in your hands. This guide helps you find reliable sources for quality recycled bricks and explains what to look for before you buy.

Where to Source Recycled Bricks in Sydney

Specialist Recycled Brick Suppliers

Your best option is a specialist supplier who sources, cleans and grades recycled bricks before selling them. At Stone Front, we stock a curated range of recycled red bricks, recycled brick pavers and reclaimed bricks that have been checked for quality and cleaned of excess mortar.

The advantage of buying from a specialist is consistency. You know what you are getting, the bricks have been inspected, and you can order the quantity you need with confidence that the batch will be uniform.

Demolition Yards and Salvage Yards

Sydney has several demolition and salvage yards, particularly in the western suburbs and around industrial areas like Smithfield, Revesby and Wetherill Park. These yards accumulate materials from demolition sites and sell them at variable prices. The quality can range from excellent to poor, so you need to inspect carefully and be prepared to sort through stock.

Direct from Demolition Sites

Occasionally, demolition contractors will sell bricks directly from a site. This can be cost-effective, but timing is everything as you need to buy when the bricks become available, which may not align with your project schedule. Quality control is entirely on you, and you will typically need to arrange your own transport.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace regularly list second-hand bricks. Prices vary wildly, and you should always inspect before buying. Be cautious of listings that do not specify whether the bricks are from lime mortar or cement mortar buildings, as this distinction is critical. Our ultimate guide to recycled bricks explains why lime mortar bricks are the only ones worth buying.

What to Look for When Buying Second Hand Bricks

Lime Mortar vs Cement Mortar

This is the single most important factor. Bricks from lime mortar buildings (generally pre-1960s) can be cleanly reclaimed without damage. Bricks from cement mortar buildings are almost always fractured during demolition and will fail prematurely. If a seller cannot confirm the mortar type, walk away.

Visual Inspection

Look at the bricks carefully before purchasing. Quality recycled bricks should be:

• Intact: No major chips, cracks or spalling on the face
• Clean: Most of the old mortar should be removed. Some residual lime mortar is acceptable and adds character
• Consistent: For a uniform wall or paving job, bricks should be reasonably similar in size, colour and condition
• Solid: Tap two bricks together. A clear ringing sound means the brick is solid. A dull thud suggests internal damage

Size Consistency

Older bricks vary in size depending on when and where they were made. Standard modern brick size is 230 x 110 x 76 mm, but heritage bricks can be imperial size (roughly 225 x 110 x 73 mm) or other non-standard dimensions. If you are matching existing brickwork, measure your existing bricks first and find recycled bricks that match.

Recycled Brick Pricing in Sydney

Prices for recycled bricks in Sydney vary depending on the source, quality and type. Here is a general guide:

• Recycled red bricks: From $1.20 per brick at Stone Front. These are cleaned, sorted, lime mortar bricks in good condition
• Recycled brick pavers: From $1.50 per brick at Stone Front. Selected for flat surfaces and consistent thickness
• Reclaimed bricks (mixed): From $0.90 per brick at Stone Front. A varied selection of colours and origins
• Demolition yard bricks: Typically $0.50 to $1.50 per brick, but quality is inconsistent
• Private sales (Gumtree etc.): Highly variable, from free (you pick up and clean) to $1.00+ per brick

How Many Bricks Do You Need?

For a single-skin brick wall, allow approximately 50 bricks per square metre. For brick paving laid flat (on the stretcher face), allow approximately 38 bricks per square metre. Add 5 to 10 percent for wastage and cutting.

Delivery and Collection

Bricks are heavy. A standard pallet holds around 400 to 500 bricks and weighs close to 1.5 tonnes. Consider how you will get them to your site:

• Supplier delivery: Stone Front offers delivery across the greater Sydney region. We can place pallets exactly where you need them with our crane truck
• Self-collection: If you have a trailer or ute, you can collect from our yard. Keep in mind that 500 bricks weigh around 1.5 tonnes
• Courier and freight: For smaller quantities, courier services can handle a few boxes of bricks

Why Buy from Stone Front?

At Stone Front, we take the guesswork out of buying recycled bricks. Our bricks are:

• Sourced exclusively from lime mortar buildings
• Cleaned and sorted by our team
• Available for inspection at our yard before you buy
• Competitively priced with transparent per-brick pricing
• Available for delivery or collection across Sydney

Browse our range of recycled red bricks, recycled brick pavers and reclaimed bricks, or read our ultimate guide to recycled bricks in Sydney for more information.