CALIFORNIA BRICKS

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my brick worth?

The price for most old bricks regardless of age is the current price for used brick, usually ranging from 20 cents to $1.00. Common, face, and paver bricks are at the lower end of this price range and firebricks are at the upper end. To brick collectors of the International Brick Collectors Association, a brick has no monetary value; one brick is worth another brick in trade only. The rare exceptions among some collectors are bricks associated with famously historic buildings or events and accompanied by well-documented proof, such as the Chicago Stadium brick or "Don't Spit on Sidewalk" brick, which can range in value from several dollars to several tens of dollars.

Where can I find old brick?

Old bricks are found where ever they were dumped in the past, such as in landfills, ravines, streams, lakes, bays, backyards, ditches, roadsides, or along the shoreline. Abandoned building sites, industrial sites, and brickyards are also good hunting grounds for brick. But be sure to get permission to collect on private property. Current building material yards and demolition sites may offer old brick for sale. Yard sales or giveaways by private parties are also worth checking.

Where can I get a thousand old paver bricks for my patio project?

Contact your local building material yards for large quantity purchases or search on the internet for anyone selling or giving away pavers.

Do you sell bricks?

No.

Do you buy bricks?

No, I'm not a brick dealer. I may purchase a brick of interest at a building materials store or garage sale for less than a dollar, but I prefer to find or trade for the bricks that I collect.

What is the purpose of your brick website?

To provide information about bricks made in the past that are of interest to archaeologists, historians, architects, builders, and brick collectors. Archaeologists and collectors want to know about the bricks that they find, such as who made the brick, when, and where. Historians want to know about the type and date of brick structures and the history of their local brickmakers. Architects and builders want to identify and match bricks in their restoration or building projects. I'm trying to figure out how to identify the brickmakers of unknown bricks and so this is my database.

Your website is only for California bricks. Are you planning to include other states?

This should be done for the whole country. It's a big job. California is a preliminary testing ground for this site to see if it is feasible and if there is enough interest in the subject. If it succeeds, it may expand to other states.

Please send responses to Dan Mosier at danmosier@earthlink.net.