At Premier Brick we are always seeking to educate and inform our clients better and faster and at a deeper level!
Dark coloured bricks have definitely been on trend in recent years but in our view they are much more trouble than they are worth!
Sure, there are some great looking homes out there with black and Charcoal brick but for every nice looking house there seem to be 9 shockers!
In the below article I lay out some of the problems and challenges that you are likely to encounter if you choose to go down this route.
Black and charcoal-coloured bricks have become a major trend in modern architecture. They create a sleek, bold, and high-contrast look that many designers and homeowners love. But while they look incredible in a showroom or a freshly built display home, the reality of maintaining black and charcoal bricks is far more challenging than most people realize.
From efflorescence and staining to dust buildup, scratches, and mortar inconsistencies, these bricks have some serious drawbacks that can make them a maintenance nightmare. If you’re thinking about going for a dark brick exterior, here’s what you need to know before making a decision you might regret.
1️. Higher Installation Costs & Limited Availability
Black and charcoal bricks are often considered a premium product, making them more expensive than standard red or tan bricks. Some brick manufacturers don’t stock them in large quantities, leading to potential supply chain issues and longer wait times.
These bricks require more careful handling during transport and installation to avoid marks and scratches, which further increases costs and slows down the building process.
2️. Longer Curing Time for Mortar Joints
Because black bricks absorb so much heat, the mortar can dry too quickly in hot weather, which can lead to cracking, shrinkage, and weaker joints. If laid in cooler weather, they hold moisture longer, increasing efflorescence risk.
3️. They Can Look Dated Over Time
While trendy now, black bricks might not age well. Architectural styles shift, and what looks ultra-modern today may look harsh or uninviting in a decade.
4️. They Absorb Heat Like Crazy
Darker colours absorb far more heat than lighter ones, and black bricks are no exception. On a hot day, black bricks can reach scorching temperatures, radiating heat into the home and making indoor spaces uncomfortably warm.
🔥 Higher cooling costs – Expect to run your air conditioning more often, leading to increased energy bills.
🔥 Temperature swings – Even in cooler climates, black bricks hold onto heat for longer, impacting indoor comfort.
🔥 Surface burns – On extremely hot days, black bricks can become dangerously hot to the touch, posing a safety risk for kids and pets.
5️. They Show Efflorescence Worse Than Any Other Brick Colour
One of the biggest issues with black and charcoal bricks is how badly they show efflorescence—the unsightly white, powdery residue that appears on brickwork.
Efflorescence occurs when moisture in the bricks and mortar carries dissolved salts to the surface. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind a chalky white deposit, which stands out dramatically on dark bricks.
This problem is often caused by:
💧 Moisture in the mortar joints – New brickwork contains excess water, which draws salts to the surface as it evaporates.
💧 Groundwater absorption – Poor drainage or improper sealing can lead to bricks pulling up moisture from the soil.
💧 Rain and humidity exposure – Water washing through the brickwork can react with minerals inside, creating more efflorescence.
While efflorescence is not structurally damaging, it’s an aesthetic nightmare that can require constant cleaning, chemical treatments, or sealing to manage. And unfortunately, it often keeps coming back unless the moisture issue is fully resolved.
6️. They Highlight Magnesium and Iron Bleed Stains
In addition to efflorescence, black bricks are also notorious for showing magnesium and iron bleed stains, which can be even harder to remove.
🟠 Magnesium Staining – This appears as milky white or grey streaks, often in areas where water exposure is high. It’s caused by magnesium-rich water reacting with the brick surface, leaving behind a stubborn, cloudy residue.
🟠 Iron Bleed (Rust Stains) – Many bricks naturally contain iron. When moisture interacts with iron particles in the brick or the mortar, rust-coloured stains can appear. This is especially common near mortar joints, weep holes, or anywhere metal components (like ties and fasteners) are present.
These stains can be extremely difficult to remove, often requiring acidic cleaners or special treatments. Unfortunately, aggressive cleaning methods can also damage the brick surface, making future staining even worse.
7️. They Show Cobwebs, Dust, and Grime More Than Other Bricks
One of the unexpected downsides of black and charcoal bricks is how badly they attract and highlight dust, cobwebs, and grime.
🕸️ Cobwebs become highly visible – Spiders love textured surfaces, and dark bricks provide the perfect backdrop for cobwebs to stand out. What might be invisible on a lighter-coloured brick sticks out like a sore thumb on black bricks.
🌬️ Dust buildup is obvious – In dry, windy areas, black bricks quickly develop a layer of dust, dulling their sleek appearance. Unlike lighter bricks, which can disguise some of this buildup, dark bricks make every speck of dust visible.
🌧️ Water stains and streaks appear more pronounced – Rain and water runoff can leave noticeable streaks, making regular cleaning essential.
8️. Poor Performance in Cold Climates
🌡️ Black bricks expand and contract more in extreme temperatures, leading to cracks and long-term structural issues.
🌨️ Freeze-thaw cycles cause spalling, where water trapped in bricks freezes, expands, and causes them to flake apart.
Are Black and Charcoal Bricks Worth It?
While black bricks make a bold design statement, they come with serious drawbacks, including:
❌ High heat absorption
❌ Extreme visibility of efflorescence, stains, and scuff marks
❌ Dust, cobweb, and water streaking issues
❌ Difficult maintenance and cleaning
❌ Potential long-term fading and aging concerns
❌ Higher handling and installation costs due to marking and scratching risks
Alternatives to Consider
✅ Darker-toned bricks with a textured surface
✅ Mid-tone grey bricks with dark accents
✅ High-quality UV-resistant coatings
Would you still choose black bricks, or do these challenges change your mind? Let us know in the comments below! ⬇️
Written by Bernard Powell – Brick Consultant
Premier Group NZ
