Facing Bricks
The Ultimate Guide to Facing Bricks: Selecting the Perfect Finish for Your Project
Facing bricks are the visible "skin" of your building or wall, making them arguably the most important choice in any construction or landscaping project. At dbmdiy.com, we understand that finding the right brick involves balancing aesthetics, performance, and budget.
This guide covers everything you need to know about facing bricks—from key performance qualities to the wide variety of styles and colours available—ensuring you boost your property's value and curb appeal.
What Makes a Facing Brick Different?
Facing bricks, often referred to as house bricks or architectural bricks, are specifically designed for their appealing look and durability in external and internal applications.
Unlike engineering bricks, which are primarily chosen for high structural qualities like extremely high compressive strength (e.g., $125\,N/mm^2$) and very low water absorption (below 4.5%), facing bricks offer a far wider choice in:
- Aesthetics: Unmatched variety in texture, colour, and finish.
- Versatility: Suitable for everything from a full house build to a simple garden wall or retaining feature.
While they may have slightly higher water absorption than their engineering counterparts, the best quality facing bricks still offer excellent durability and longevity.
Essential Performance Qualities of Facing Bricks
Choosing a brick isn't just about colour; it's about making sure it can withstand the UK climate. When selecting your facing brick, always prioritise these critical factors:
Essential Details: Special Shapes and Sizes
Special Shape Bricks
Beyond the standard rectangular unit, special shape bricks are essential for finishing details, corners, and features, ensuring a professional and durable build. These units, such as bullnose bricks (rounded edges), cant bricks (sloping angles), and plinth bricks (for changes in wall depth), are vital for architectural finishes on walls, window sills, and capping.
Size Guide: Metric vs. Imperial
Bricks are available in various standard sizes, which is a key consideration when working on an extension:
- Metric Size: The UK standard is 65mm (height).
- Imperial Size: Commonly used for older properties, typically available in 65mm and 73mm (height).
If you are extending an older property, an **imperial brick** may be necessary to ensure a perfect match with existing masonry.
The Tradesman Range
The term Tradesman Range typically applies to the most popular, readily available, and cost-effective **facing bricks** (often Wirecut bricks). These are essential for large-scale, volume projects where performance and budget are the primary drivers, offering reliable quality without the premium costs associated with handmade or deeply textured options.
Finding the Perfect Colour
The choice of colour is vital for matching existing properties or achieving a desired aesthetic. Our extensive brick library includes all popular options, from plain tones to unique multis:
- Warm Tones: Red bricks, buff bricks, and multi-red/orange options.
- Cool/Contemporary Tones: Blue bricks, dark grey bricks, and black bricks.
- Finishes: Options range from plain colour to smoky or multi-coloured patterns, and even bricks with an antique-looking or weathered finish.
Expert Services for Your Project
Choosing from hundreds of options can be overwhelming. We're here at dbmdiy.com to make the process simple:
- Brick Matching: If you are working on an extension or repair, our experts can assist with brick matching to seamlessly blend the new structure with your existing property.
- Alternative Options: We can help you find suitable **alternative options** from leading manufacturers like Ibstock, Wienerberger, Forterra, Michelmersh, and Vandersanden to meet your specification and budget.
Your Complete Building Material Solution
Beyond the extensive range of facing and engineering bricks, **dbmdiy.com** is your one-stop shop for everything you need to complete your project, offering nationwide supply:
- Insulation Wholesale: High-quality PIR insulation boards, glass wool, and acoustic insulation at wholesale pricing.
- Timber and Board Materials: The UK’s leading online supplier of high quality construction and joinery materials, trusted by trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. We offer unbeatable value without compromising on quality.
Whether you're looking for metric 65mm straight-edged wirecut bricks or 73mm tumbled, antique stock bricks, dbmdiy.com has the expertise and inventory to supply your project nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Facing bricks are designed to be visible and improve the appearance of a property while offering durability and weather resistance. Engineering bricks are mainly used for structural applications because of their high compressive strength and low water absorption.
Common types include wirecut bricks, stock bricks, pressed bricks, handmade bricks, facing bricks, engineering bricks, and special shaped bricks.
Wirecut bricks are machine-manufactured bricks cut from a continuous clay column, creating sharp edges and a modern uniform appearance suitable for contemporary builds.
Stock bricks have a more traditional appearance with softer edges and textured finishes, making them popular for period properties and heritage-style developments.
Engineering bricks are commonly used for structural applications such as foundations, retaining walls, damp-proof courses, and load-bearing areas because of their strength and low water absorption.
We supply standard UK 65mm bricks, 73mm bricks, imperial brick sizes, and specialist brick formats.
Special shaped bricks are designed for corners, arches, curves, copings, and decorative detailing.
Brick slips are thin brick facings used for feature walls, fireplaces, commercial spaces, and decorative cladding applications.
We supply red, buff, yellow, grey, blue, brown, black, and multi-tonal brick colours.
Yes — most facing bricks supplied by dbmdiy.com are suitable for UK weather conditions and external applications.
Yes — our team can help match bricks for extensions, repairs, renovations, and restoration projects.
Yes — we offer nationwide delivery across the UK for bricks, insulation products, and building materials.