How To Choose Brick Siding Combinations: What Works Best

Gray, beige, tan and muted green siding are the safest matches for red brick, while navy or charcoal give a bolder contrast. Match the siding to your brick's undertone, then finish with white or cream trim to tie the two together.

You can preview these combinations on a photo of your own house with the Renoworks siding visualizer.

Introduction

When you're looking to enhance your home exterior, few design choices pack as much punch as a well-planned brick siding combination. Brick adds timeless character, while the right siding color and material bring balance and curb appeal. If you're wondering how to pair these elements effectively, whether you have red brick, brown brick, or gray brick, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll discover actionable tips on choosing colors, materials, and accents to create a harmonious look you'll love for years.

Why Does Siding Color Matter on a Brick House?

Brick is hard to change, so the siding color decides whether your exterior feels balanced or stark.

Brick is one of the oldest and most durable building materials, prized for its strength and classic beauty. Yet on its own, brick might feel too traditional or stark. Pairing brick with siding, such as vinyl siding, wood, or even fiber cement, gives you a chance to:

• Enhance curb appeal: A cohesive color palette can highlight your home's architecture.
• Introduce contrast or harmony: Balance the warmth of red brick with cool gray siding, or keep it subtle with tan or beige siding against brown brick.
• Show off personal style: Whether you prefer a bold accent or a neutral look, you can customize your home exterior with trim, doors, and other details.

Think of it this way: your brick home is the main event, while the siding acts as a supporting character that can either complement or contrast the star of the show.

Understanding the Basics: Brick and Siding 101

What Is Brick Siding?

When most people say "brick siding," they often refer to either:

• Full brick construction, where the brick is the structural wall of the home.
• Brick veneer, which is a thinner layer of brick attached to the exterior for aesthetics.

Both types give that timeless look but have different installation methods. For our purposes, we'll simply consider "brick" as your home's visible foundation material. Your job is to find the perfect siding color to pair with it.

Popular Siding Materials

Choosing a siding material depends on your budget, climate, and preferred style:

• Vinyl Siding
  • Pros: Budget-friendly, low maintenance, wide paint palette availability.
  • Cons: Less impact-resistant than other materials.
• Fiber Cement / Engineered Wood
  • Pros: Extremely durable, can mimic wood textures.
  • Cons: Typically higher installation costs.
• Wood Siding
  • Pros: Natural, warm appearance; easy to paint or stain.
  • Cons: Requires regular maintenance and sealing.
• Stone or Stone Veneer
  • Pros: Adds luxurious detail and texture when paired with brick.
  • Cons: Can be more expensive and heavier to install.

If you're working with an architect or contractor, ask about the type of siding that best suits your local weather conditions, as well as your personal taste.

How Do You Match Siding to Your Brick's Undertones?

Decide whether your brick reads warm (red or brown) or cool (gray), then pick siding that blends with that undertone or deliberately contrasts it.

Evaluating Brick's Undertones

Brick naturally has undertones. Some appear warm and brown, while others can read cool and gray. Before picking your siding color, take note of your brick's base hue:

• Red Brick: Can range from soft terracotta to a deep burgundy.
• Brown Brick: Often has earthy undertones, pairing well with beige or tan siding.
• Gray Brick: Usually neutral to cool, making it a great backdrop for bold siding colors like navy or green.

By identifying these color nuances, you can find a color combination that complements, or deliberately contrasts, your brick.

Choosing the Right Siding Shade

Light vs. Dark: Dark siding can make the brick stand out, while light siding can help your home look larger and more airy.

• Beige or Tan: Offers a softer transition from brown brick or red brick, creating a cohesive, subtle look.
• Gray or Blue: Creates a striking contrast against warmer brick tones, adding a modern twist.
• Green Siding: If you have red brick, a muted green can provide a unique but surprisingly natural contrast.

What Trim and Door Colors Go With Brick?

White trim works with almost any brick and siding pair, and a bold front door in navy, black or red adds personality.

Accent colors, often found on trim, shutters, or your front door, pull your home's exterior together. A few examples:

• White Trim: Classic choice that brightens almost any color scheme.
• Bold Accent Doors: If you have neutral siding, consider a colorful front door, like blue or even black, for extra flair.
• Muted Tones: For a more reserved look, keep your trim in a lighter shade of your siding color to create a soft, cohesive aesthetic.

What Siding Colors Go Best With Brick?

The best pairing depends on your brick: neutrals for red brick, earth tones for brown brick and crisp contrasts for gray brick.

Let's explore some tried-and-true combinations to inspire your home exterior makeover.

What Color Siding Goes With Red Brick?

Gray, beige and tan siding are the most reliable matches for red brick, with a black or navy door to finish the look.

• Gray Siding: This pairing highlights the rich warmth of red brick and can feel quite modern if you add crisp white trim.
• Beige or Tan Siding: Softens the vividness of red brick while keeping the overall look inviting.
• Bold Accents: A black or navy front door can tie everything together, especially if you use matching furniture accessories on your porch.

What Color Siding Goes With Brown Brick?

Brown, tan or stone siding keeps brown brick cohesive, and white or cream trim stops it from feeling heavy.

• Brown Siding: Creates a monochromatic palette, great if you want a subdued, cohesive look. Add lighter trim or shutters for definition.
• Stone or Stone Veneer: Layering stone with your brown brick can add texture and visual interest, especially if the stone is lighter or has a contrasting pattern.
• Neutral Trims: White or cream trim can keep the design from feeling too heavy.

What Color Siding Goes With Gray Brick?

White or light siding gives gray brick a clean modern look, while charcoal or dark green siding makes it pop.

• White or Light Siding: Emphasizes the clean lines of the brick; an excellent choice for modern architecture.
• Dark Vinyl Siding: Charcoal or dark green siding can make gray brick pop, providing a striking, more contemporary aesthetic.
• Accent Doors: A bold front door in bright red or teal can be a conversation starter.

Can You Use Bold Siding Colors With Brick?

Yes, muted green or navy siding works with red brick as long as trim and door colors stay simple.

• Green Siding With Red or Brown Brick: Adds a pop of personality without clashing, especially if you choose a muted, earthy green.
• Blue or Navy Siding With Red Brick: Creates a patriotic or coastal vibe, ideal for homeowners looking for something a bit different.
• Avoid Overcrowding: If you go bold with siding, keep your trim and front door colors simpler to maintain balance.

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Practical Considerations: Maintenance, Durability, and Budget

Maintenance & Durability

• Brick: Generally low-maintenance, but you'll need to check for mortar issues and potential water damage over time.
• Siding: Vinyl siding is relatively easy to clean; wood siding will need repainting or restaining; fiber cement is durable but might require periodic inspection.
• Moisture Concerns: Ensure proper flashing and sealing where siding meets brick to prevent water infiltration.

Painting or Refinishing Brick

• Paint Brick: While it can modernize the look, painting brick requires the right primer and paint to avoid trapping moisture. Consider the long-term commitment: once you paint brick, it's not easy to revert to the original look.
• Siding Repaint: If you already have siding installed, repainting it (for wood or fiber cement) can be more cost-effective than a full replacement. Just confirm paint compatibility.

Budget & ROI

• Cost Factors: The price tag for replacing or adding siding depends on labor, materials, square footage, and any structural changes.
• Long-Term Value: A beautiful color combination that boosts curb appeal can pay off if you decide to sell. Prospective buyers often appreciate a well-maintained, aesthetically pleasing exterior house.

Bringing It All Together

Creating a Cohesive Aesthetic

You don't need to overhaul your entire home exterior to see big results. Simple tweaks, like adding white trim, repainting your front door, or refreshing your furniture accessory choices, can give your brick-siding combo a polished look. A quick tip is to gather paint and siding swatches, compare them against your brick, and see how they fare in different lighting conditions.

Working With Professionals

If your project is more complex, such as combining different types of siding or dealing with structural updates, consulting an architect or experienced exterior contractor is wise. They can guide you on which siding material best suits your region, how to handle specialized tasks (like painting brick), and ways to maintain a cohesive look.

Quick Reference: Brick & Siding Color Combinations

Below is a snapshot of popular combinations and suggested accent colors:

Common Questions

Should siding be lighter or darker than red brick?

Either works. Lighter siding makes the home feel larger and lets the brick read as an accent, while darker siding makes the brick stand out. Avoid a shade too close to the brick, which can look flat.

Does gray siding go with red brick?

Yes. Gray is one of the most popular pairings because its cool tone balances the warmth of red brick. Add white trim for a modern look, or a black or navy door for contrast.

Does green siding go with red brick?

Yes, if you choose a muted, earthy green such as sage or olive. Green sits naturally next to red brick without clashing. Keep the trim neutral so the two colors don't compete.

What trim color goes with red brick?

White or cream trim is the classic choice and brightens almost any combination. For a bolder, more modern look, black trim against lighter siding works well.

How can I test siding colors against my brick?

Hold siding samples or paint swatches right next to the brick and look at them in morning, midday and evening light. Colors shift a lot between shade and sun, so check before you commit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right brick siding combination is all about balance, both visually and practically. By considering your brick's undertone, the siding material, and how accents like trim, front doors, and furniture accessories play into the overall theme, you can create a stunning home exterior that offers lasting curb appeal.

Whether you're leaning toward neutral colors for a traditional look or craving a bold statement piece, your final decision should reflect your personal style, budget, and maintenance preferences. If in doubt, don't hesitate to consult a reputable pro. An architect or exterior design specialist can help tie everything together seamlessly.

Remember, with the right approach and a little creativity, you can transform your brick home into a show-stopping masterpiece that stands out for all the right reasons. Go ahead and explore your paint palette. You've got this!

Related Articles

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