10 Creative Uses for Bricks

Bricks are well-known for their durability and versatility, often outlasting their original purpose. When that happens, bricks can be repurposed in various ways to add new functionality and visual appeal throughout your home.

This guide highlights 10 creative and useful applications for leftover bricks, ranging from practical fixes and upgrades to stylish design elements.

1. Weigh Down a Tarp Over Firewood

A simple yet effective method to keep your wood pile dry is by using bricks to secure a waterproof tarp. Place several bricks along the lower edge of the cover, spacing them evenly to prevent wind from lifting the tarp. This technique not only keeps your firewood dry but also extends the life of your tarp by preventing it from flapping in the wind and wearing out prematurely.

In addition, using bricks to weigh down a tarp further keeps unwanted pests from finding a way beneath the cover, keeping your firewood free from insects and small creatures. When positioned correctly, the bricks will maintain the tension in the tarp and keep it snugly wrapped around the woodpile, offering comprehensive protection against rain, snow, and wind.

2. Create a Tiered Planter

Upgrade a large terra-cotta pot to a tiered planter by using bricks. This tiered arrangement not only adds depth to your garden but also allows you to combine plants with different sunlight and water requirements in a single container. Follow the steps below to create this planter:

1. Choose a large terra-cotta pot, approximately 17 inches in diameter.
2. Stack two bricks in the bottom of the pot.
3. Place a smaller 10-inch diameter terra-cotta pot on top of the bricks.
4. Fill both pots with high-quality potting soil.
5. Plant a variety of flowers, herbs, or succulents in each tier.

Using colorful flowers in the top tier and trailing plants in the bottom can create a cascading effect that adds elegance and vitality to your outdoor or indoor space.

3. Craft a Tea-Light Holder

Create a charming and rustic tea-light holder with a single brick. This project not only serves as a unique decorative piece but also provides a practical way to anchor outdoor tablecloths on windy days. 

To make your own brick tea-light holder:

1. Use a hole saw with a 1 1/2-inch carbide-tipped masonry bit.
2. Drill two holes about 1/2 inch deep into the brick, making sure they’re just deep enough for a standard tea light to rest securely.
3. Clean the brick thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
4. Place a tea light in each opening.

For added safety, we recommend applying a heat-resistant sealant around the edges of the holes to protect the brick from potential heat damage. You can customize these tea light holders by painting the bricks in different colors or adding decorative patterns with stencils, making them a versatile addition to your decor.

4. Secure a Downspout

When a section of your downspout becomes detached near the ground, use a brick as a quick temporary fix to minimize the risk of water pooling and potential structural damage.

Follow these steps to secure a loose downspout:

1. Carefully reinsert the detached section into its proper position.
2. Place a brick on each side of the downspout to stabilize it.
3. Make sure the bricks are positioned to allow proper water flow.

5. Store Workshop Pencils

Use a brick to create an efficient and tip-proof holder for your workshop pencils. The brick’s weight keeps everything in place, providing a stable base that prevents pens and pencils from tipping over and scattering across your workspace. 

To make your own pencil holder:

1. Select an older building brick, as its clay tends to be softer and easier to drill.
2. Use 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch masonry bits to drill a row of small holes into the brick.
3. Space the holes evenly for a neat appearance.
4. Clean the brick thoroughly after drilling to remove any dust or debris

6. Create a DIY Drainage System for Plants

Improve drainage in your potted plants by creating a DIY drainage system using brick shards. This technique allows excess water to drain freely while preventing soil from washing out when you water your plants. It’s particularly useful for large containers or plants that require excellent drainage. The porous nature of brick also helps regulate moisture levels within the pot, promoting healthier root systems and more vibrant plant growth.

 To create this drainage solution:

1. Break up small pieces of brick with a hammer.
2. Wrap the brick shards in landscape fabric to create a permeable bundle.
3. Place the wrapped brick shards at the bottom of your pot before adding soil.

7. Flatten a Chicken While Cooking

Using the brick-flattening method, also known as “brick chicken,” you can achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy skin. The weight of the bricks presses the meat against the cooking surface, resulting in evenly cooked, tender meat with crispy skin.

To use this cooking method:

1. Butterfly your chicken by removing the backbone and flattening it.
2. Wrap two bricks completely in aluminum foil.
3. Place the prepared chicken on a preheated grill or skillet.
4. Set the foil-wrapped bricks on top of the chicken.

This method works well for both outdoor grilling and indoor cooking in a cast-iron skillet. For added flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand or season it generously before cooking.

8. Elevate a Hot-Water Tank

Elevate your hot water tank with paver bricks to protect it from potential water damage. This simple precaution can prevent rust damage and keep the pilot light functioning in case of minor flooding. 

To elevate your hot water tank:

1. Purchase several sturdy paver bricks.
2. Clean the area around your hot water tank.
3. Carefully lift the tank and place the paver bricks underneath, making sure the surface is stable and level.

The elevation increase will simplify cleaning, enhance air circulation, and prolong the tank’s efficiency and lifespan. Always consult a professional if you’re unsure about moving or adjusting your hot-water tank.

9. Keep Balloons Tethered

Bricks can help anchor helium-filled balloons from floating away at outdoor events. To tether your balloon, tie the ribbons from helium-filled balloons securely around a brick. Decorate the bricks to match your event’s decor, or use colorful ribbons that complement your party theme. For added safety, place the brick-anchored balloons away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards.

10. Make Bookends

Transform ordinary bricks into charming literary bookends that highlight your favorite classics. This creative DIY project adds a distinctive touch to your bookshelf while keeping your collection beautifully organized. Consider personalizing the bricks with intricate designs or quotes from the books, making your bookends conversation pieces and practical items.

To create your literary bookends:

1. Clean and dry the bricks thoroughly.
2. Apply a base coat of acrylic paint in a color that complements your decor.
3. Use a calligraphy pen to write the title and author of your chosen book on the brick.
4. Add decorative elements inspired by the book’s cover or themes.
5. Apply a clear sealant to protect your design.