21 Detached Garage Ideas Brick Edition
Detached garages are more than just a place to keep your vehicles out of the weather — they can become multi-purpose spaces that reflect your style, complement your home’s architecture, and even serve as workshops, guest suites, or studios. If you’re drawn to the strength, low maintenance, and timeless appeal of brick, you’re in good company. Brick garages can be both beautiful and practical, and they add a distinct character to your property.
Here are 21 thoughtfully designed detached garage ideas using brick that you can adapt to suit your space and needs.
1. Classic Red Brick Garage
A red brick garage never goes out of style. This design draws on traditional architecture and often pairs beautifully with colonial, Georgian, or craftsman-style homes. It’s known for its earthy, warm tones that blend into a wide range of landscaping styles, from structured hedges to wildflower gardens. You can enhance the aesthetic by adding carriage-style black doors, decorative lantern lights, and white trim that contrasts with the brick. This timeless look adds both charm and curb appeal, especially if you mirror details from your main house to create a cohesive appearance.
2. Brick with Arched Doorways
Arched garage doors can dramatically elevate the look of your brick garage, lending it a European, old-world charm. This design is especially striking with tumbled or antiqued bricks that mimic vintage masonry. Whether you choose wood doors for a rustic finish or modern metal with arched top panels, the curve softens the strong lines of a typical garage. Add wrought iron hardware, flower boxes, or a cobblestone driveway to complete the Mediterranean or French country vibe. It’s a perfect way to make your garage feel inviting rather than utilitarian.
3. Two-Story Brick Garage
Maximize your footprint with a two-story detached garage. Not only does this design give you space for cars, but the second level can serve as a home office, guest suite, gym, or rental unit. The brick exterior ensures excellent insulation and structural integrity, while also adding an upscale look. Dormer windows and a pitched roof can make the second story feel like a natural extension of the home rather than an afterthought. If you’re short on lot space but need more square footage, this is a smart, flexible solution.
4. Brick and Wood Combination
Pairing brick with wood creates a dynamic balance between rustic and refined. Use brick as the structural base and incorporate wood in areas like the garage doors, eaves, and upper facade. Natural wood brings warmth and texture, especially when stained or left raw for a more organic look. This combo is perfect for craftsman, lodge, or modern rustic homes. It also works well in wooded or rural settings, where blending with nature is part of the charm. Consider using reclaimed wood for sustainability and added character.
5. Modern Minimalist Brick Design
Minimalist doesn’t have to mean boring. A modern brick garage can use sleek, neutral-toned bricks — like smooth gray, black, or white — paired with clean lines, large windows, and flush garage doors. Strip away unnecessary ornamentation to highlight the materials themselves. Consider metal or glass doors for a streamlined look, and integrate smart lighting and motion sensors to modernize the exterior. This garage design is ideal for contemporary homes and urban settings, offering a bold yet understated curb appeal that ages gracefully.
6. Brick Garage with Green Roof
A green or living roof turns your detached garage into a mini eco-oasis. It’s not only environmentally friendly — improving insulation, reducing stormwater runoff, and cooling the area — but also visually softens the brick’s hard edges. Brick, being a naturally heat-resistant material, pairs well with the thermal benefits of a green roof. This is a great option for homeowners who value sustainability and want to integrate nature more closely into their space. Add climbing vines or a vertical garden on one brick wall for added greenery.
7. Detached Brick Garage with a Breezeway
A breezeway is a covered walkway connecting your garage to your home, and it can be both a design feature and a practical addition. On rainy or snowy days, it provides shelter between your house and garage, and it also creates a visual bridge that ties the two buildings together. A brick breezeway adds architectural cohesion and allows for decorative elements like arched walkways, lighting, or pavers. It can be open-air or enclosed with glass or screens, depending on your climate and style preferences.
8. Brick Garage with Dormer Windows
Dormer windows not only add visual interest to the roofline, but they also increase usable space and bring natural light into the upper level. This is especially useful if your garage includes a loft, studio, or apartment. Dormers give a sense of balance and make the garage feel more like a home than a storage unit. When combined with red or earth-tone bricks, white-trimmed dormers can make the structure pop while still feeling traditional. It’s a charming, functional detail that makes a big difference.
9. Vintage Industrial Brick Garage
Channel the charm of an old firehouse or warehouse with a vintage industrial brick garage. Use reclaimed or dark-colored bricks and add details like black metal framing, exposed beams, and pendant lighting. This style works particularly well for garages that double as workshops, artist studios, or man caves. Sliding barn-style doors, metal signage, and industrial light fixtures complete the look. It’s a bold design statement with a nostalgic edge that appeals to creatives and tinkerers alike.
10. Brick Garage with Matching Home Exterior
For homeowners who value symmetry and design harmony, matching your detached garage’s brick to your house creates a seamless visual connection. Whether your home has red brick, whitewashed brick, or a more unique color blend, using the same or a complementary brick pattern on your garage helps it blend into the overall property layout. Add matching roof shingles, trim, and windows for a unified appearance. This approach increases your home’s resale value and creates a polished, cohesive aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a brick detached garage more expensive than other materials?
Yes, brick tends to be more costly upfront compared to materials like vinyl, wood, or metal. However, its durability, low maintenance, and fire resistance often make it more cost-effective over time. Brick also adds more value to your property due to its premium look and lasting structure.
Can I build a brick garage myself?
While it’s possible for experienced builders, masonry work requires precise skills, including foundational work, leveling, and proper mortar application. Most homeowners should hire a licensed contractor or mason to ensure structural integrity and compliance with local building codes.
Will a brick garage increase my home value?
Absolutely. A well-built brick garage can significantly increase your home’s appraisal value. Not only does it add usable space, but its durable and attractive materials also appeal to buyers who value quality construction.
What maintenance does a brick garage need?
Brick is low maintenance, but it should be inspected every few years for signs of mortar wear, cracks, or efflorescence (a white salt deposit). Repointing (replacing old mortar) and sealing may be necessary to keep it structurally sound and visually appealing.
Can a brick garage be eco-friendly?
Yes. Brick is a natural, recyclable material with high thermal mass, which means it can help regulate indoor temperatures. You can also add sustainable features like solar panels, green roofs, or rainwater collection systems to increase its eco-efficiency.
Conclusion
A brick detached garage offers more than just protection for your vehicle — it’s an opportunity to enhance your property’s value, style, and function. From classic red brick to modern minimalist designs, brick provides endless possibilities for customization. Whether you need extra living space, a workshop, or a beautifully designed storage area, a well-planned brick garage can elevate your lifestyle and your home’s architecture.
