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The Chief Bricks Journal

Real-world advice replaces fluff here.

Explore expert insights on reclaimed materials, design trends, installation guides, case studies, and the history behind the bricks and stones that shape today’s best projects.

HistoryStones
Cobblestone vs. Belgian Block, What's The Difference?

Cobblestone vs. Belgian Block, What's The Difference?

The terms Cobblestone and Belgian block are often used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct types of paving materials with different characteristics and histories.

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BricksHistory
History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

History of Brick Manufacturing in the Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley in New York has a rich history of brick manufacturing that stretches back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

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BricksHistory
Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

Brick Making Process In The Hudson Valley In The 1800s and 1900s

In the 1800s and 1900s, the brick-making process in the Hudson Valley was heavily influenced by the region's natural resources and advancements in technology.

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BricksHistory
What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

What Makes The Hudson Valley Bricks So Special?

Bricks reclaimed from the Hudson Valley are especially prized for their high quality, durability, and historical character.

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StonesStories
Reviving History: The Renovation of St. Michael's Church with Reclaimed Jumbo Cobblestones

Reviving History: The Renovation of St. Michael's Church with Reclaimed Jumbo Cobblestones

Chief Bricks supplied New York reclaimed jumbo cobblestones for the renovation and upgrade of St. Michael's Church, Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York.

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BricksHistory
10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

10 Facts About Billions of New York Bricks

How original New York bricks came to build the area's strongest, most durable and classic-looking architecture and why reclaimed and recycled brick is still widely used in construction today.

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BricksStories
Reclaimed Hudson River Bricks - A Signature of New York Contemporary Architecture

Reclaimed Hudson River Bricks - A Signature of New York Contemporary Architecture

Designers choose reclaimed Hudson River red brick for many of New York City's most skillfully renovated contemporary homes. Let's explore why an artful array of mixed batches and colors of original New York brick accomplishes the most authentic-looking facade. Spoiler alert: It can't be achieved with new materials.

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