Reclaimed Antique Bricks from Europe

De Opkamer is a family-owned company based in Made in the south of the Netherlands, specialising for over 25 years in reclaimed building materials – and in particular in reclaimed antique bricks. We started our business a quarter of a century ago trading old bricks and have built up deep expertise in sourcing, cleaning and supplying original European bricks for high-quality projects worldwide.

Our reclaimed bricks are salvaged from 18th and 19th century historic buildings across Europe. We work on demolition projects ourselves or in partnership with specialist demolition companies to recover bricks that would otherwise be lost. The result is a carefully selected range of genuine antique bricks with the rich patina and character that only time can create.

Family-Owned Reclamation Yard with 25+ Years of Experience

De Opkamer is a second-generation, family-run reclamation business. For more than 25 years we have been active in the trade of reclaimed building materials, and our story began with reclaimed bricks. What started as a small local operation has grown into an international business, supplying reclaimed materials to architects, builders, developers and private clients around the world.

Because we are a family company, many of our clients value the long-term relationships and direct contact with a small, knowledgeable team. You speak to the people who know the material, have seen the demolition sites and understand what matters on a building site or restoration project: consistent quality, reliable quantities and deliveries that arrive on time.

Sourcing Bricks from Historic European Buildings

For more than two decades we have been travelling throughout Europe in search of historic buildings that are scheduled for demolition. These are often 18th and 19th century townhouses, farm buildings, industrial properties and other structures with handmade or early machine-made bricks that are no longer produced today.

Depending on the project, we either carry out the dismantling of the masonry ourselves with our own team, or we work closely together with a demolition contractor. In both cases, the goal is the same:

• to salvage as many bricks as possible in good, reusable condition,
• to keep the bricks separated by type and colour,
• to document the origin where practical for clients who value provenance.

Once the bricks have been recovered from the site, they are transported to our storage yards and workshops in Made, where the cleaning and selection process begins.

Cleaning, Sorting & Palletising in Our Workshops in Made

In our workshops in Made each batch of reclaimed bricks is carefully cleaned and prepared for reuse. Our team removes old lime mortar and cement residues from the bricks – often referred to as “hand-cleaning” – to achieve a good, clean bedding surface while maintaining the original patina and aged surface.

After cleaning, the bricks are:

• sorted by size, colour and type to ensure consistent batches,
• checked visually so that broken or unsuitable pieces are removed,
• stacked and palletised – typically in units of approx. 1,000 bricks per pallet.

This level of preparation makes it easier for bricklayers and contractors to work efficiently on site. The bricks arrive ready to use, with a realistic mix of shades and surface textures that create a truly authentic result in the finished project.

Colours, Types & Formats of Our Antique Bricks

Over the years we have built up a versatile range of antique and reclaimed bricks in different colours and formats. Depending on availability, our stock typically includes:

• Yellow reclaimed bricks – often associated with traditional Dutch and Belgian façades.
• Orange and mixed red-orange bricks – ideal for warm, rustic walls and farmhouses.
• Classic red reclaimed bricks – suitable for many period and contemporary projects.
• Dark and almost black old bricks – perfect for dramatic contrasts or accent walls.

Many of our bricks are handmade or early machine-made clay bricks with slightly irregular shapes and rounded edges. This gives them a softer appearance and a depth of colour that modern products rarely achieve. Because these are reclaimed, original bricks, every batch has its own character – something our clients appreciate when they want a genuinely aged look rather than a “new made to look old” effect.

Applications: New Build, Restoration, Paving & Floors

Reclaimed bricks are used in many different ways. Our clients use our antique bricks for:

• New build homes and extensions where a historic or “established” appearance is desired.
• Renovation and restoration of period properties, farmhouses and barns.
• Garden walls, outbuildings and courtyards for a cohesive traditional look.
• Paving – for driveways, patios, terraces, garden paths and courtyards.
• Interior brick floors in kitchens, hallways, wine cellars and rustic living spaces.
• Feature walls and fireplaces where the brick itself becomes a design focal point.

Because our bricks are original, reclaimed materials, they integrate naturally into existing buildings and landscapes. Their slightly irregular surfaces and weathered edges create visual interest and an immediate sense of history. For structural use and compliance with local regulations, we recommend that your architect or engineer assesses the suitability of reclaimed bricks for your specific project.

Photographed, Documented & Listed Online for Global Clients

Once a batch of reclaimed bricks has been cleaned, sorted and palletised, it is photographed and documented in our yard. We record typical sizes, colours and any special characteristics of the bricks and add this information to our online catalogue.

This means that architects, designers, builders and private clients worldwide can select reclaimed bricks remotely. If you share your project type, area in square metres or square feet and preferred colour range, we can help you calculate quantities and suggest suitable batches from our current stock.

In-House Crating & Worldwide Shipping (ISPM 15 Compliant)

For our international clients we offer a full-service packing and shipping solution. Reclaimed bricks are heavy and valuable, so safe packaging is essential. Our in-house team prepares pallets and, where required for overseas transport, custom wooden crates compliant with ISPM 15 regulations for international shipments.

Depending on the destination, we can ship your reclaimed bricks:

• by road freight within Europe,
• by sea freight in containers for overseas destinations,
• or by air freight for smaller, time-sensitive orders.

For many of our worldwide clients we provide an all-inclusive shipping service that can include:

• palletising and/or crating according to ISPM 15 standards,
• transport booking with reputable carriers,
• export documentation and customs formalities,
• transport insurance tailored to the value of the shipment,
• coordinated delivery so that the bricks arrive on site in line with your construction schedule.

If required, we can ship reclaimed bricks together with other items from our collection – for example reclaimed stone flooring, antique terracotta tiles, stone troughs or garden ornaments – in one consolidated shipment.

Why Choose De Opkamer for Reclaimed Bricks?

• 25+ years of experience in reclaimed masonry and building materials.
• Family-owned business with direct, personal communication.
• Original European reclaimed bricks from historic 18th and 19th century buildings.
• In-house cleaning, sorting and palletising in our workshops in Made (NL).
• Reliable quantities and batches selected for consistency of size and colour.
• Worldwide shipping with ISPM 15 compliant packing, export documents and insurance.

FAQ – Reclaimed Antique Bricks

Are your bricks genuinely antique and reclaimed?

Yes. Our bricks are genuine reclaimed bricks salvaged from historic 18th and 19th century buildings across Europe. We do not sell newly manufactured imitation “antique” bricks. Each batch is recovered from real buildings, cleaned and prepared for reuse in our workshops in Made in the Netherlands.

Can reclaimed bricks be used for both new build and restoration projects?

Absolutely. Many of our clients use reclaimed bricks for new build houses, extensions and garden walls to give a project an immediate sense of age and character. They are also ideal for restoration and renovation of period properties, where matching the look and feel of existing masonry is essential. For structural applications, your architect or engineer should always confirm suitability for your specific project and local regulations.

Do you supply reclaimed bricks for paving and interior floors?

Yes. Our antique bricks are often used as reclaimed paving bricks for driveways, patios, courtyards and garden paths. They are also popular as brick floor tiles in kitchens, hallways, wine cellars and other interiors where a rustic, traditional atmosphere is desired. We can advise on typical laying patterns and quantities based on your drawings or measurements.

How are the bricks cleaned and packed?

After demolition, the bricks are transported to our workshops in Made, where we hand-clean them to remove old lime and cement residues. We then sort, visually check and palletise the bricks, typically in units of around 1,000 pieces per pallet. For international shipments we can combine pallets with custom timber crating that complies with ISPM 15 requirements.

Do you ship reclaimed bricks internationally?

Yes. We regularly ship reclaimed bricks to clients in the UK, USA, Switzerland, Australia and other countries. Our team can arrange transport, export documentation, customs clearance (where required) and transport insurance. Shipments can be delivered to a port, freight terminal or directly to your building site, depending on the destination and the services available.

How can I choose the right reclaimed bricks for my project?

If you share your project type, area to be covered (in m² or ft²), preferred colours (for example yellow, orange, red or dark/black) and location, we can suggest suitable batches from our current stock. We are happy to provide additional photos and information so you can make a confident choice for your project.