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If a patio, path, or fireplace is on your to-do list, the cost of new bricks can surprise you. Many homeowners start at big-box retailers and quickly hit a high price tag. Fortunately, affordable alternatives exist. This guide points to the best places to find low-cost and reclaimed bricks, plus practical tips to inspect, haul, and save.
Top online marketplaces to buy cheap bricks
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Online platforms often offer the best deals, especially for bulk pickups. Search smart and you can score bricks for a fraction of the retail price.
- Facebook Marketplace: Filter by distance and keywords. Sellers frequently list surplus materials to clear space. You can often negotiate and find near-free offers.
- Craigslist: A classic for local building materials. Look in “materials” or “free” sections for bricks and pallets.
- OfferUp and Nextdoor: Good for neighborhood listings and quicker replies than larger sites.
- eBay and Etsy: Useful for specialty or historic bricks shipped to you. Expect higher prices for rare finds.
- Buy Nothing groups: Locals give away unused items. Availability is hit-or-miss but can yield free bricks.
Tip: Ask for clear photos and exact counts before you travel. Confirm whether bricks are loose, on pallets, or still mortared together.
Local sources: salvage yards, ReStores, and municipal outlets
Physical locations can offer steady stock and the chance to inspect bricks in person.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: These nonprofit resale shops often carry donated building materials. Prices are usually below retail.
- Architectural salvage yards: Ideal for historic or reclaimed bricks with character. Prices vary by rarity.
- Landscaping suppliers and reclamation centers: Some sell used bricks removed from demolition projects.
- Municipal transfer stations or dumps: Certain municipalities resell recovered construction debris, including bricks.
Where to look first in your area
- Call ahead to confirm inventory and hours.
- Subscribe to local salvage or ReStore newsletters for new arrivals.
- Drive past demolition sites and ask contractors if they have excess materials.
How to inspect used bricks before buying
Not all used bricks are suitable for every project. A quick inspection can prevent costly surprises.
- Check for large cracks or crumbling faces. Avoid bricks that flake or powder.
- Look for spalling, deep chips, or heavy mortar that won’t come off easily.
- Examine a few samples for consistent size and color for visible projects.
- Tap bricks; a solid sound usually indicates better integrity than a dull thud.
- For outdoor use in cold climates, prefer dense bricks with no visible frost damage.
Logistics, pricing, and saving strategies
Plan ahead to cut costs on hauling and handling.
- Price by pallet or per brick. Bulk purchases usually lower the per-unit cost.
- Negotiate pickup and delivery. Sellers sometimes include delivery for a fee.
- Bring straps, blankets, and a helper when loading. Secure bricks to avoid damage in transit.
- Factor in cleaning time if bricks have old mortar. Mechanical chipping tools speed the process.
- Buy extra to allow for breakage and cutting during installation.
