Bricks

Bricks are rectangular shaped blocks of hard material, usually clay, that are laid in rows and columns to build structures.

There are different varieties of bricks depending on their role in the construction process.

Firstly there are three ways that bricks can be shaped:

Solid

These are bricks that are flat on all sides, a perfect rectangle.

Frogged

These have an indented, smaller rectangle on the top. Frogged bricks should always be laid with the frog at the top so that the load is spread equally across the width of the brick, not just across the edges.

Perforated

A perforated brick has holes through from top to bottom.

The photographs below show the 3 different types explained.

The most common way of making bricks is to add water to the clay, shape the material using a mould and then harden the shape using heat.

Depending on the type of brick and its manufacturing process, it can be shaped using a highly automated machine, or one at a time by hand. Some bricks are hardened using a kiln and some are left to dry in the hot sun. 

These are attractive bricks that are used externally. They are the part of the building that is most visible, so they are more aesthetically pleasing.

Wire Cut bricks are produced in great numbers and are sliced into shape by a wire, in a similar way to cheese. These are cheap because the process is highly automated.

Stock bricks are shaped in a mould, this way the shape is a little more irregular than wire cut, and they are slightly more expensive.

Handmade bricks are also made in a mould. Because they are made by human hands and not a machine, the wet clay isn't pressed as hard into the mould, meaning that small lines and creases are visible on the brick. As each brick is unique, these are more expensive and desirable for specialist projects.

Fletton or London bricks are made from a specific clay only found in the South east of Great Britain. Small amounts of coal can be found in the clay which burns when the brick is in the furnace. Because of this, less fuel is needed meaning they cost less to produce and the coal deposits leave characteristic marks on the finished brick.

Commons

These are the bog-standard, cheap, filler bricks that are used where they will not be seen, therefore their appearance is not important. they are purely utilitarian. However, they can be used as facing bricks if you aren't worried about looks.

Engineering

Tough, strong and long-lasting. They are resistant to water, damp or frost qnd are hard-wearing, this makes them suitable for toughr jobs such as sewers and groundworks. With this brick, they are good performers but unfortunately not good lookers.

Reclaimed

Bricks that have been salvaged from old buildings. They are a variety of ages, shapes, sizes and colours. If you don't know what you're looking for, it is important to consult a specialist to help, as these bricks can be expensive and tiresome to clean, prepare and sort. There is often a lot of waste with reclaimed bricks - if you want the look but not the hassle, try looking at reproduction reclaimed bricks.

Bullnose Bricks

A bullnose is a kind of brick that has one, some or all of its corners rounded off. In the picture, you will see that bullnose bricks have been used to create a soft and attractive curve to the edge of the steps.

Cants

Cant bricks are usually used when you want a contrast to the facing brick and want to create a design feature with crisp, clear lines. Cant bricks are often used as corner details, copings, cills, around windows and doors and pier work. You can purchase single and double Cants.

Radial Bricks

Radials are special bricks used to create curved walls. Radial brickswere invented in Europe in the 19th century and were used to build chimneys. Nowadays, radial bricks can be used to create a feature.

Cills

A cill brick looks like a normal sized brick that has been laid diagonally with the bottom corner flattened off. It creates an attractive detail around cills.

Quoins

Quoins are the corner stones of brick or stone walls and can be structural or decorative in purpose. A building that has quoin detailing to the corners looks strong and firm. Quoins are usually used in a contrasting colour or material to the rest of the wall and gives the impression that it is securing the two sides together.