If you are ordering Acme Old Francisco brick expecting a perfectly uniform pinkish-orange, you are setting yourself up for a costly disappointment. I rejected a full truckload—around 12,000 bricks—in late 2023 for a project down in Columbus, Georgia, because the color blend was off. Not defective, just wrong. The distributor argued it was 'within spec.' It was not our spec. Understanding what this brick actually looks like and how it behaves can save you a headache, a re-order, and a tense phone call with your supplier.
The Core Conclusion: Old Francisco is a Range, Not a Color
Here is the single most important thing to know: Acme Old Francisco is a blended brick. You are not buying a single color; you are buying a mix of red, pink, orange, and brown hues, with a distinct dark 'flash' on some faces. The official name is 'Old Francisco,' and it aims to replicate the look of historic, reclaimed brick. The problem is that 'historic' can mean many things, and every production run can shift slightly.
If your mental image is a uniform peach tone, you will hate it. If you want a wall that looks like it has been standing for a century—with variation, character, and a few dark spots—this is exactly the brick you need. The key is knowing which version you are getting before it arrives on your jobsite.
Why I Rejected the Batch (And How You Can Avoid It)
I didn't fully understand the value of a physical sample until that 2023 incident. We had ordered 'Acme Old Francisco' for a multi-family development in Columbus. The digital render looked perfect. The salesman's sample—a single brick—looked good. The problem was that the majority of the load was dominated by dark brown and purple tones, with almost none of the lighter orange we had expected. The architect rejected it on the spot.
Here is what went wrong:
- We relied on a single brick sample. A single brick tells you the range, not the blend. You need to see a panel—at least 4x4 feet—to understand how the mix reads from a distance.
- The distributor claimed the variation was 'inherent to the product.' They were technically correct: Old Francisco does have variation. But the ratio of dark to light was way off (think 80% dark vs. the 50/50 we had seen in previous jobs). The batch did not match the advertised aesthetic.
- We did not have a written spec for the blend ratio. We said 'Old Francisco.' The supplier heard 'anything with a flash.' We were using the same words but meaning different things.
How to Inspect Acme Old Francisco Brick (A Checklist)
I review about 200+ unique masonry deliveries annually. Here is my checklist for Old Francisco specifically:
1. The 20-Brick Spread Test
When the truck arrives, randomly select 20 bricks from different pallets. Lay them out in a single row. You are looking for:
- Color range: Do you see all the expected tones (pink/orange/red/brown/dark flash)?
- Dominance: Is one color taking over? If 14 of 20 bricks are dark brown, the blend is too heavy on one end.
- Flash consistency: The dark 'flash' should look natural, not like a paint spill. It should cover roughly 20-40% of the brick face.
2. The Wet-Dry Test
Masonry looks dramatically different when wet (like after rain) versus dry. Wet a couple of bricks with a spray bottle.
- Dry: The Old Francisco should look slightly dusty, textured, and muted in color. The lighter oranges and pinks are more apparent.
- Wet: The colors will deepen significantly. The dark flash will become almost black. The red tones will pop. The wall will look richer and more dramatic.
Make sure your client and architect are happy with both looks. I have seen people reject a beautiful wall because they only saw it dry and were shocked by the color change after a rain.
3. The 'Three-Foot' and 'Thirty-Foot' Rule
A brick looks different up close versus from a distance.
- Up close (3 feet): You see the individual character, the flash, and the texture.
- From a distance (30 feet): The individual bricks blend into a single 'color' or texture. This is where the blend ratio matters most. A wall with too much dark will look like a solid brown mass from across the street.
Ask your supplier for a photo of a completed wall of Old Francisco from at least 30 feet away. Do not just look at close-ups.
Acme Brick in Columbus, Georgia: What You Need to Know
The Columbus, Georgia distribution center is a key hub for this product. As of Q1 2024, they have been managing inventory differently than some other Acme locations. Based on my interactions, here is the situation:
- Availability varies monthly. Old Francisco is a popular 'blend,' and if they are out of a certain color base, the blend shifts. I recommend calling the Columbus yard directly and asking, 'What is the current blend ratio on your Old Francisco stock?' Do not just ask if they have it.
- Demand is seasonal. Spring and early summer are peak. Orders placed in March might come from a different production batch than orders placed in July. Check the production date code on the pallet (it is usually stamped on the shrink wrap or the pallet tag).
- Consider a 'blend specification' clause in your contract. I now write into every contract for blended brick: 'Supplier must provide a 4x4 foot sample panel for approval prior to production. Rejection is permissible if the delivered blend deviates more than 20% from the approved sample.' This protects you. It is not aggressive; it is professional.
Boundary Conditions: When Old Francisco Might Not Be Your Best Choice
Honestly, I love this brick for certain applications, but it is not for everyone.
- Don't use it if you want perfect uniformity. If your design calls for a clean, modern, single-color look, pick something like Acme's 'Alamo' or a smooth red brick. Old Francisco will drive you crazy.
- Don't use it for small, covered accent walls. The beauty comes from the play of light and shadow. A small, covered wall (like a tiny mailbox post) will not show the range. It will just look messy.
- Consider the mortar color carefully. A white mortar will make the color variation pop. A dark brown or charcoal mortar (think 'Autumn') will make the wall look more uniform and traditional. Test this on your sample panel before committing.
I'd rather spend 10 minutes explaining the blend ratio now than deal with a $45,000 rejection later. An informed buyer asks better questions and gets better results. Trust me on this one.
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