The Art and History of Los Angeles Used Bricks Brought to you by Alex Ventura
When it comes to fixing masonry in the city of Los Angeles, custom masonry expert and founder Alex Ventura frequently relies on real used bricks. Surprisingly, these historic bricks are highly sought after and are actually far more expensive today than brand-new manufactured bricks.A Century of History Real used bricks are characterized by their age—many were made by hand over 100 years ago. Th
ey have lived past lives in multiple installations, from the sides of buildings to factory smoke stacks. Unlike new bricks, which can undergo color changes after they are installed, real used bricks are valued because they do not change much once they are set in place.
The Secret to Salvaging
What makes a real used brick salvageable? The secret lies in the mortar. Originally, these bricks were put together using lime-based mortars. Because lime mortar is relatively weak, it allows the bricks to be taken apart without breaking. In contrast, modern cement-based mortars bond with so much strength that trying to break a brick free will usually destroy it. This historical use of lime mortar leaves a white powdery stain and residue on the salvaged bricks, a feature that is actually considered highly desirable by most people.
Signatures of the Past
These historic bricks are often highly textured, irregularly shaped, and feature prominent stamps. If you look down while walking on a real used brick patio, you will frequently see the names of historic manufacturers like the Simon's brand, Davidson, or the LA Brick Company stamped directly onto the face. They also come in a myriad of colors, ranging from light oranges to deep wine reds, depending on how much radiant heat they absorbed in their previous installations. However, Alex Ventura advises against using the light orange bricks, as they are often too soft and can deteriorate quickly.
The Artistic "Clinker" Brick
One of the most fascinating varieties of used bricks is the "clinker". Because used bricks were often installed inside factory smoke stacks, those closest to the heat source absorbed extreme amounts of heat for decades. This intense baking causes a process called vitrification, where the clay of the brick literally turns into glass. Clinkers look like they are half clay and half obsidian, featuring a highly baked, twisted face. These deeply artistic and sometimes almost black bricks were heavily favored by the famous architect Greene, who used them to build pillars and walls in his architectural masterpieces in Pasadena.Today, you can still find these remarkable pieces of Los Angeles history at local masonry yards like Prime Building Material, Central Valley, and Balboa Brick in the San Fernando Valley.
