So, you want a white brick house? It’s a timeless classic, and we don’t blame you. If you’re planning your new construction build, there are several things to consider when choosing the perfect white brick.

The first is whether you prefer natural white brick or painted brick. Each option has its own advantages and considerations:

  • Natural White Brick: Made white during the manufacturing process, retaining the look and unique textures of natural clay brick. With proper care (no pressure washing!), natural white brick maintains its pristine look indefinitely. It saves time and money on building projects and provides a durable, fade-resistant, low-maintenance option.
  • Painter Bricks: Crafted for painting with little to no coating on the natural clay for better paint adhesion. Painter bricks come in various sizes and textures, making them versatile for different design needs. One advantage of using a painter brick is that you’re able to color match an exact shade of white. That said, it’s crucial to use a masonry paint like Romabio. It’s our go-to and can be color-matched to all the popular brand names like Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore.

Mortar Color Matters

Deciding between ivory and white mortar for your white brick house depends on the brick’s undertones and the look you want to achieve. Naturally, you might think that pairing white mortar with white brick would result in the brightest look, but that’s not always the case.

Here’s a simple guide:

  • For White Bricks with Warm Tones: Ivory mortar is often used to make white bricks that contain shades of ivory or warm undertones pop! Ivory mortar provides a subtle contrast that can create a brighter, more dynamic appearance. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for a softer or more cohesive look with a warmer white brick, opt for white mortar. Avalon brick is a prime example of this.
  • For White Bricks with Cool Tones: For white bricks with cool undertones and little texture variation (like North Highland), use white mortar to achieve a bright, crisp appearance. Ivory mortar, in this case, results in a softer, duller look, sometimes making the brick appear off-white.

Color Guides

Check out our brick color guides for detailed information on undertones, shades, and textures! Whether you choose natural white brick for its durability and low maintenance or opt for the painted brick, the result will be charming.