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 primarily designed to be visible and enhance the visual appeal of a property, balancing aesthetics, durability, and design. **Engineering bricks**, in comparison, are chosen for high structural qualities, such as extremely high compressive strength (e.g., $125\,N/mm^2$) and very low water absorption, making them ideal for structural work, often hidden from view.
There are four main types of facing bricks available: **wirecut** (uniform shape, cut from a clay slab), **pressed** (moulded using pressure), **stock** (less uniform than wirecut, typically automated), and **handmade** (most rustic and traditional appearance, made by hand).
One of the most important qualities for a durable facing brick in the UK is **durability and weather resistance**, particularly its **frost resistance (F-Rating)**. The majority of facing bricks supplied by dbmdiy.com have an **F2 category** rating, indicating good frost resistance suitable for long-lasting masonry construction.
Colours range from traditional **red and yellow** to modern **black, grey, and white**, often with multi-coloured or variegated shades available.
Popular textures include **smooth** (simple and sleek), **sandfaced**, **rough** (natural and organic look), and **rustic** (adds character and charm).
Finding the right high-quality, durable, and cost-effective facing brick can be challenging, whether you are a property developer, bricklayer, or homeowner. Our sales team is here to help you navigate technical specifications (like frost resistance and water absorption) to ensure you find the most suitable brick to match your chosen design and requirements.
Yes, we offer **nationwide delivery** for bricks and related materials. Standard delivery for 99% of products is typically **2-5 working days**.