That gorgeous cedar siding looked perfect on the model home. But now you're standing in front of your brick house with colour samples, realizing none of those magazine-worthy combinations work with what you've got.
The brick is staying put. It's solid, expensive to replace, and frankly, still has decades of life left. But those red-orange tones are fighting with every siding sample you've brought home.
After installing siding on thousands of Ontario brick homes since 1972, we've seen this scenario play out countless times. Most homeowners make one critical mistake: they choose siding colours in isolation instead of working with the existing brick. Your brick isn't just some obstacle to work around—it's the foundation of your home's entire colour story.
Understanding Your Brick's True Colours
Before grabbing siding samples, take a good hard look at your brick. And I mean really look at it – preferably in different lights throughout the day. Most people see "red brick" and stop there, but brick is rarely just one flat colour.
Even the most basic red brick contains multiple shades and undertones:
- Red brick with brown or burgundy undertones often pairs best with warm neutrals like taupe, greige, or mushroom tones.
- Orange-toned brick works well with softened neutrals that lean warm rather than cool.
- Brown brick complements beige, tan, or earthy grey browns.
- Multi-coloured brick can often guide you toward one dominant shade to echo in the siding.
Take a close-up photo of your brick and examine it on a large screen. You'll spot hues you never noticed before – maybe flecks of charcoal, subtle burgundy streaks, or bits of tan. These hidden colours are your secret weapon for choosing siding that looks like it was always meant to be there.
Colour Combinations That Actually Work with Brick
After 50+ years of putting siding on Ontario homes, we've seen what works. Here are the combinations that consistently deliver:
1. Grey Siding with Brick
Many homeowners are drawn to grey siding, but not all greys work with brick. Cool or stark greys often create too much contrast with warm brick tones. The easiest way to tell: look at your mortar. If it reads beige or tan, your brick is pulling warm — and you need a grey that does the same.
Greige, taupe-grey, and mushroom tones blend naturally because they share those warm undertones. A true cool grey, by contrast, will fight your brick no matter how good it looks on the sample card. This approach works especially well when you have decorative brick details you want to highlight, like columns or an elaborate entryway.
2. Burgundy for Sophisticated Harmony
Sometimes the best approach is to embrace your brick rather than contrast with it. Burgundy or deep red siding that pulls from the darkest tones in your brick creates a sophisticated monochromatic look. This approach is particularly effective when your brick is used as an accent rather than the dominant exterior material.
Separated by crisp white trim, burgundy siding complements brick without competing with it. This colour choice feels rich and purposeful rather than like an afterthought.
3. Earthy Brown for Seamless Transition
Brown siding paired with either red or brown brick creates a warm, inviting feel that's especially suited to rustic or traditional homes. The earthy palette feels organic and grounded – perfect for homes surrounded by natural landscapes.
Brown is remarkably versatile with brick. With red brick, it adds depth and warmth. With brown brick, it can create either a seamless flow or a subtle contrast depending on the specific shade chosen.
Avoiding Common Colour Mistakes
Just as important as knowing what works is understanding what doesn't. Here are the mistakes we see most often:
Too Much Contrast
While contrast can be striking, too much creates visual tension. If your brick has warm undertones, avoid cool whites or stark greys that fight against the warmth. Instead, choose colours with similar undertones to create harmony.
Ignoring Architecture
Colonial, Victorian, and contemporary homes all demand different approaches to colour. What looks appropriate on a century home might feel jarring on a modern build. Consider your home's architectural style when selecting your palette.
Your home doesn't exist in isolation. Take a walk around your neighbourhood and observe which combinations work well on comparable homes. Ontario neighbourhoods often feature similar architectural styles and brick types, providing a real-world showroom of what works—and what doesn't.
Pay particular attention to homes with your same brick colour but different siding choices. This gives you a preview of how your options will look at full scale, something no small sample can provide.
Forgetting About Trim
Most homeowners focus exclusively on the siding-to-brick relationship, completely forgetting about trim. The truth is that your trim colour can make or break the entire combination. White trim creates a clean transition between brick and siding, while coloured trim can either blend or create purposeful separation.
When testing your siding samples, include sample trim pieces in white and off-white options. You might discover that a siding colour that seemed "off" with bright white trim looks perfect with cream or beige trim.
This small detail often makes the difference between a jarring combination and a harmonious one. Never choose your siding colour without considering how the trim will work with both materials.
Overlooking Climate Effects
Ontario's harsh weather affects how colours appear. Bright colours fade faster in our intense sun, while dark colours absorb heat (potentially increasing cooling costs). Materials like vinyl expand and contract with temperature changes, which can affect how colours look throughout the seasons.
Your Siding Material Changes Everything
The same colour looks different depending on the material it's applied to. A warm greige on smooth vinyl reads very differently than that same shade on a textured profile. Before you commit to a colour, make sure you're looking at samples in the actual material and finish you're installing — not just a paint chip or a photo.
This matters more with brick than almost any other exterior combination. The texture and sheen of your siding affect how it reflects light, which in turn affects how it reads against your brick throughout the day.
The Sample Method That Actually Works
After decades in the siding business, one thing is clear: there's a dramatic difference between theory and reality when it comes to colour matching. Here's a foolproof testing method that goes far beyond simply holding up small samples:
The Three-Panel Test
Rather than testing one sample at a time, create three large temporary panels (at least 2' x 2') of your top colour choices. Place these panels against different sections of your brick exterior simultaneously. This allows you to:
- Compare options side-by-side rather than relying on memory.
- See how each colour looks in identical lighting conditions.
- Notice how colours interact with different sections of your brick.
Observe these panels for at least two full days, taking photos at different times. You'll quickly see which option consistently looks best in changing light.
Making Your Final Decision
Still feeling uncertain about which colour to choose? Here's how to make your final decision with confidence:
Get large samples – Those tiny colour chips are nearly useless. Ask for large siding samples you can hold up against your brick at different times of day.
Test in natural light – View your samples in morning, midday, and evening light. Colours change dramatically throughout the day, especially in our northern latitude.
Visualize the whole picture – Consider how your roof, landscaping, and architectural details will interact with your colour choice.
Trust experience – Work with professionals who understand Ontario's specific climate challenges and have experience creating successful brick/siding combinations.
The Perfect Pair Awaits
The right siding colour transforms your brick from a design challenge into a distinctive asset. By understanding your brick's undertones and choosing complementary colours, you'll create an exterior that feels cohesive, intentional, and uniquely yours.
Whether you opt for subtle coordination with warm grey, seamless flow with earthy brown, or rich harmony with burgundy, the right siding colour is waiting to bring out the best in your brick home. And with professional installation from Rick MacDonald Siding, Windows, and Doors, you'll enjoy that perfect combination for decades to come.
Ready to find your perfect brick and siding match? Contact us for a free consultation and let our 50+ years of local expertise guide your decision.
Wondering if it's time to replace your siding completely? Check out our guide to help you make an informed decision.
