The Best Places To Buy Budget-Friendly Bricks That Aren't Home Depot Or Lowe's

When you're shopping for bricks, you can always count on big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe's to have these basic building materials in stock. But if you don't live near one of these retailers or are looking for a cheaper alternative, where should you go? No matter where you're located, there are plenty of places to find budget-friendly bricks — including local building and landscaping companies, online marketplaces (like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace), and salvage stores.

If you're open to using reclaimed bricks, you'll have even more buying options. Plus, used bricks often cost less than brand-new ones, making them great inexpensive supplies for your next home building project. For example, when we browsed the Craigslist pages in a few different U.S. cities, we found many people were selling or giving away used bricks for free — as long as you pick them up. You'll need a wheelbarrow or dolly, but it's still a pretty budget-friendly option.

Facebook Marketplace is known as the ultimate furniture-shopping tool, and the same applies to "Buy Nothing" groups, which let you furnish your home on a budget. But like Craigslist, these places are also excellent resources for scoring free or cheap goodies in your area — including bricks and other building supplies. Even if you live in a rural area, you can find your neighbors getting rid of these unwanted items. Keep in mind that while many sellers are legitimate, you should always exercise caution when picking up items from someone you've met online.

If you'd prefer to buy bricks from a retailer (that isn't Home Depot or Lowe's), you've got plenty of options there, too. To find local stores selling bricks, turn to your favorite search engine and look for building supply, landscaping, or DIY stores. Sometimes, these stores will also have discount bricks or pavers for sale. Even if a company's website indicates that they have bricks in stock, it's smart to call ahead and confirm this — especially if you plan on buying a lot of them.

Aside from online marketplaces and local suppliers, you might be able to find bricks at your nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore. If you aren't familiar, these shops are basically a cross between a thrift store and a home improvement store. People looking to de-clutter can donate all kinds of items (including furniture, appliances, and building materials) — which Habitat for Humanity then sells. Plus, the proceeds support the organization's mission of building affordable homes in local communities. As a result, you can feel even better about choosing these secondhand stores to save money on your home renovation project.

In some places, there are also regional stores that sell salvaged building materials to the public. One example? The ReUse People. This nonprofit operates in several states, including California, Texas, and Washington. If the ReUse People doesn't serve your area, you can look for a similar organization that does to score a deal on your next project.