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The Best Brick Stain Colors To Beautify Your Home

  • srcustommasonry
  • Jun 25, 2025
  • 7 min read
The Best Brick Stain Colors Guide

If you’re looking to update your exterior without losing the natural character of your brick, exploring different brick stain colors is a great place to start. Unlike paint, brick stain enhances the existing texture and allows the surface to breathe. Whether you want to make a bold statement with dark tones or create a timeless look with whitewash, there’s a wide range of popular colors to choose from. 


In this guide, we’ll talk about the most popular options to help you find the perfect color for your next exterior upgrade. And if you’re looking for professionals to stain your brick exterior, S&R Custom Masonry has you covered. We offer custom masonry services to customers along the Wasatch Front! 








Exterior Brick Stain Colors


Just because you have a brick home doesn’t mean you can’t change the exterior color. Brick stain is a specially formulated liquid that penetrates the surface of brick to change its color without covering up the natural texture. Unlike paint, which sits on top of the surface, brick stain soaks in, providing a color that will last for a long time. 


When choosing your exterior brick stain colors, it’s important to note that the color of the brick can affect the end product. Brick stains tend to be translucent, although you can find some that are more opaque. Additionally, the porosity of the brick will affect the final result. It’s a good idea to do a test on a small area to make sure you like the look. 


So what brick stain colors are the best? Here are some of the most popular stains to choose from.


Charcoal Gray/Black


Charcoal gray and black are having a moment in home design. Even if you have a brick home, you can jump on this trend with brick stain. Black or dark gray create a bold, modern look that pairs well with all dark colors or a light trim for contrast. 


Some popular stain colors to consider include:



Red


Red brick is a classic choice that works well for traditional, rustic, or historic homes. You pretty much cannot go wrong with red brick stain colors, which can enhance natural red tones or restore brick that is faded. Red brick looks beautiful paired with green landscaping and brown, gray, black, or white details. 


Some popular red stain colors to consider include:



Brown


Brown brick stain colors are a popular option for homeowners who want to give their exterior a warm, earthy look. Staining your brick in shades of brown can complement a wide variety of home styles, from rustic and craftsman to modern farmhouse. Brown stains are very versatile. They can tone down overly bright red or orange bricks, restore faded surfaces, or add rich, neutral color to lighter masonry. 


Some popular brown stain colors to consider include:



White


White brick stain has become a go-to option for homeowners who want a clean, bright look. White stain allows both the texture and variation of the brick to show through while providing a lighter, updated finish. It’s especially popular for modern farmhouse, coastal, and cottage-style homes, but it also works well for traditional homes looking to brighten up dark or dated brick. 


Some popular white brick stain colors to consider include:


  • White, Cinder, or Hidden White by Stayntech

  • White Rock by PPG

  • Ice White or Ultra Pure White by Behr


Beige


If you want to lighten your brick exterior while keeping a warm appearance, beige brick stain is a great choice. Unlike stark white or bold colors, beige offers a subtle look that blends with nearly any architectural style. Beige brick is a great choice for ranch homes, bungalows, Mediterranean designs, and transitional exteriors. 


Some popular taupe brick stains to consider include: 



Blue-Gray


Often seen on coastal homes, modern farmhouses, and contemporary designs, blue-gray brick stains help neutralize warm red or orange bricks, offering a cooler appearance. The result is a muted, elegant finish that pairs beautifully with bold and neutral accents. 


Some popular slate blue brick stains to consider include:



Sage


If you’re looking to update your brick with a unique touch of color, sage brick stains are a great way to keep things soft and understated. This muted green-gray tone is earthy and organic, blending beautifully with both traditional and modern styles. Sage stain looks especially good paired with white trim and natural materials. 


Some popular sage brick stain colors to consider include:






How Much Does It Cost to Stain Exterior Brick?


The cost to stain your exterior brick depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the quality of the materials used, the cost of labor, and the amount of prep work needed. On average, it costs between $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot to stain your bricks. A small area, like an accent wall, will cost you between $500 to $1,500 while a full home with 2000 square feet of brick surface will range between $3,000 to $9,000. 


If you opt to do it yourself, you could save as much as 50% on the cost of the project. However, if your brick is in bad shape or your home is more than one storey, you may want to consider hiring professionals to handle the job. 


How Long Does Exterior Brick Stain Last?


Exterior brick stain often lasts between 15 to 20 years, but can last even longer with proper application and maintenance. Brick stains outperform paint because the stain penetrates the brick, rather than sitting on the surface. This makes it more durable and resistant to common issues like peeling or flaking. 


Some factors that can impact the longevity of your brick stain include:


  • Quality of products: A high-quality, UV-resistant stain will last much longer than a cheap product. 

  • Proper surface prep: Before staining, the brick surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned so that the stain can adhere to the brick. 

  • Brick condition: Older, deteriorating brick may absorb stain unevenly or require more maintenance to look good. 

  • Climate: Harsh sun, heavy rain, or freeze-thaw cycles can shorten the lifespan. 

  • Pro vs DIY: Hiring experienced professionals usually provides longer-lasting results than doing it yourself. 

  • Sealer use: Some stains allow for sealing, which can extend the lifespan further. 


Does It Peel?


Unlike paint, brick stain does not peel, which is one of its biggest advantages over paint. Stain penetrates the brick’s surface instead of sitting on top. It bonds with the porous masonry, allowing the brick to breathe. Because moisture can escape naturally through the brick’s pores, there is no trapped water to cause blistering or peeling. 


Is It Cheaper than Painting?


Yes, but only when you look at it from a long-term point of view. The cost to stain your exterior brick is often more at first than painting your brick. If you go for the cheaper initial option of painting, you’ll need to repaint in about 5 to 10 years. On the other hand, brick staining can last 20 or more years, which saves you money in the long run. 


Is It Better Than Painting?


Yes, staining your brick is generally better than painting. When brick is painted, it can’t breathe. This can trap moisture beneath the surface, which leads to issues like peeling and blistering. Worse, it can cause the brick to crumble and break down. Brick stain, on the other hand, allows the brick to breathe so that it doesn’t have these issues. 


Pros and Cons of Brick Staining


Some of the benefits of brick staining include:


  • Preserves brick texture: Stain penetrates the brick, which allows the natural texture and character to show. Paint, on the other hand, creates a thick coating that can hide the texture. 

  • Long-lasting: High-quality brick stains can last 15 to 20 years, resisting peeling, flaking, and fading better than paint. 

  • Breathability: Stains allow moisture to escape, which reduces the risk of trapped moisture that can lead to mold, efflorescence, or brick damage. 

  • Customizable: With so many brick stain colors to choose from, you can create an aesthetic that you love. 

  • Low maintenance: Compared to painted brick, stained brick requires less upkeep over time, with minimal need for touch-ups. 

  • Curb appeal: Fresh stain can significantly enhance the appearance of old or faded brick and boost your home’s curb appeal. 


Some of the cons of brick staining include:


  • Not suitable for all bricks: If you have highly damaged, sealed, or glazed bricks, they may not be able to absorb the stain well enough. 

  • Permanent: Once applied, stain soaks into the brick, making it hard to reverse. However, you can easily stain on top of previous coats of stain, making it possible to change the color. 

  • Time consuming: It takes a lot of time to properly apply brick stain. Before you apply the stain, you have to prepare the surface so that the stain can adhere. 

  • Initial cost: Quality brick staining, especially by professionals, can be expensive upfront. 


Brick Stain Colors Conclusion


If your home is in need of a refresh, using brick stain is a great way to update your exterior. From trendy sage or classic white, you have tons of brick stain colors to choose from.  


If you’re looking for professionals to stain your exterior bricks, you can count on S&R Custom Masonry. We serve customers from Ogden down to Provo with our custom masonry services. Whether you need brick staining, brick wall reconstruction, foundation structures, or anything else, we can handle all your masonry needs. Contact us today for an estimate! 






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