


Wastage can be high and you may need to discard a few.Ĭoncrete has a tough, hard surface which is extremely resistant to every day impacts and abrasion. Reclamation yards are a good source of second-hand bricks but getting the quantity and quality can be difficult. If you’re looking to replicate the look of a building or need to due to a planning condition. You can also achieve a more bespoke look with a range of colours as well as sizes - but this is reflected in the price and they cost around four times as much as machine-made.īest for replicating an original building Handmade bricks have a rougher, open texture and feature an attractive creased face. Handmade varieties offer more flexibility as they can be made up as standard or nonstandard sized bricks, creating and instantly characterful and charming look. The clay is rolled in sand then ‘thrown’ skilfully by hand into a mould. If you want to match existing bricks or you’re building in a conservation area for example, handmade bricks provide an authentic look. This was originally done by hand but is now generally a machine-made process.īest for an authentic look and building in conservation areas Soft mud bricks are made by dropping the clay into sand-coated moulds, which produce a sanded face with slight creases. This is a more modern method of brick making. Extruded bricks tend to characteristically have holes in the bed - these means less energy is required for drying and the bricks are lighter so easier to handle. The column of clay is then wire-cut and, to keep it smooth, isn’t modified before drying and firing in the kiln. The clay is extruded (pushed out) into a column. If you’re looking for a smooth finish then an extruded or wire-cut clay brick could be a good choice. You can also choose cement and lime as materials should you wish. To get you started, we’ve put together a few pointers to help you narrow down the options.Ĭlay bricks are a type of brick that offers a cost-effective and sustainable option with little to no maintenance required. The colour, size, texture and bond will all need some serious consideration to make sure you get the aesthetics right. Whatever the project, selecting bricks is one of the most important decisions you’ll face as it is not something you can readily change.
