Expert: Joan Miller - 6/1/2010

Question
My husband and I need to add on to our existing garage.  Our home was built in the 50's with exterior of red brick.  The garage will be extended out 8 feet.  We cannot match the existing brick and would like to use a stone exterior.  Do you have any suggestions of stone exterior that would coordinate well with the red brick?  
Thanks so much,
Jan Ledyard

Answer
Thank you for your question Mrs. Ledyard.

Building bricks from the 50's, 60's and 70's are very hard to match indeed. Even though companies as the BELDEN brick company that still make clay bricks that often look like those of the past, still have that little something that doesn't make it a perfect match. Other customers have also been concerned with the masonry joint that may not look alike either.

Turning to masonry stone is the perfect solution. I would like to recommend stones in natural colors, such as in the family of grays with a slight touch of charcoal ranges to give it that extra touch of value to your home. Not only the stone will stand out but it will also give back some value to the existing brick on your home.

Quarry stones, for instance, that vary from 4'' to 6 '' high, available in variable lengths is very popular with clay red brick. Don't choose stones that are either too high, or too long. That category of stone may give it a "heavier" look, it is important to not "crush" the look of the house either.

Hoping this helps. Good luck with your project.

Regards,

Joan Miller