--- title: "9 Genius Ways to Upcycle Old Bricks" description: "Before you haul those old bricks to the dump, check out these creative ways to repurpose them around your home and garden." date: "2022-08-10" modified: "2022-08-10" authors: - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/upcycle-old-bricks/" categories: - "DIY" --- # 9 Genius Ways to Upcycle Old Bricks ![12 Ways to Upcycle Leftover Bricks]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Is that old pile of [bricks]() leftover from a previous project creating an eyesore on your property? While you can certainly pay someone to haul them off to the local landfill, a better option is to put those bricks to good use. This versatile building material can be used for a surprisingly broad range of projects, from a path through the garden to a [backyard fire pit]() to a secret hiding spot for a spare key. Read on to find out all the ways you can repurpose those old leftover bricks. **RELATED: [How to Clean Brick, Indoors and Out]()** ## 1. Build a Fire Pit ![uses for old bricks - fire pit]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* If you have a good number of leftover bricks, use them to [create a fire pit](). You can build an elevated fire pit like the one shown above by first constructing a base to hold a small horizontal fire pit pan like [this highly rated option available at Amazon](). Create a secure edge [around the flames]() by using fireproof bricks and mortar; then fill the pan with gravel or [reflective fire glass]() for just the right ambiance in your outdoor space. ## 2. Edge Your Garden ![12 Ways to Upcycle Leftover Bricks]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Bricks are great options for creating edging around landscaping. They [keep mulch from migrating]() out into the yard when it rains and create an attractive break between landscaped areas and your yard. Dig a trench around the area you want to edge and embed the bricks so they stay in place. ## 3. Drop One in the Toilet Tank ![uses for old bricks - reduce water use in toilet]() *Photo: Jenny Stanley* If you happen to live in an older home with an original toilet that guzzles water, you can make it more efficient by placing a brick in the [toilet tank](). The brick will reduce the volume of water in the tank, requiring [less water to fill it](). For this trick to work, you’ll need to place the brick on its end so that it rises above the low fill line. It’s also a good idea to place the brick in a plastic bag to prevent it from breaking down and damaging the toilet’s plumbing and mechanical parts. **RELATED: [10 Smart Ways to Upcycle Old Tablecloths]()** ## 4. Protect Your Water Heater ![12 Ways to Upcycle Leftover Bricks]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Use those old bricks as a base for your water heater if it happens to be located in the basement. Placing the water heater on bricks elevates it above the basement floor, [protecting the water heater from rust]() should [water collect]() around its base. ## 5. Create a Garden Path ![old brick garden path]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* If you don’t mind some digging, use the bricks to create a walking path through your garden or yard. Don't have enough bricks for a continuous path? Group six to eight bricks together to create a square or rectangular [stepping stone](). Once you’ve decided on a pattern, embed each stepping stone into the ground by digging out a section of yard or garden that matches the size of each stepping stone. ## 6. Use Them as Wheel Chocks ![uses for old bricks - tire chocks]() *Photo: Jenny Stanley* Unless you park that trailer on a perfectly level spot or block the wheels, it can potentially roll away. Wood blocks are one solution. Bricks, which are heavier, are a better one. Use old bricks to keep your trailer from rolling away by wedging the brick in front or behind the wheel. ## 7. Fashion a Candle Holder ![12 Ways to Upcycle Leftover Bricks]() *Photo: [etsy.com]()* Add [rustic farmhouse flair]() to your home by repurposing an old brick as a candle holder. Lay the brick on its side and then add tealights or other small candles to the three holes that run through it. A brick candle holder is a clever (and cheap!) centerpiece for a [farmhouse-style]() dining table. ## 8. Build Raised Garden Beds ![12 Ways to Upcycle Leftover Bricks]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Old bricks provide an easy way to [build raised beds]() for a garden. Arrange the bricks in a circular or square shape, then fill the bed with soil. For lower raised beds you can simply stack the bricks. For higher beds, you’ll need to [use mortar]() to join the bricks so the wall will be strong enough to hold in the soil. ## 9. Conceal Your Spare Key ![uses for old bricks - hiding place for spare key]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* If you're constantly losing your house keys, you’ll appreciate this clever use for an old brick. Place an old brick in an inconspicuous place in your landscaping, and put a small container holding a [spare key]() in one of the brick’s holes. The brick won’t stand out to would-be intruders, and the hole makes it easy to locate the key for those in the know. **RELATED: [Solved! The Purpose of Weep Holes in Brick]()** ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()