Facing Bricks | Bricks | Bricks Supplies

Facing Bricks 

The facing bricks are, as the name implies, made for use as a facade, the outside of a wall. Unlike other structural brickwork, these bricks have a very clean and uniform appearance. 

Since their essential use is to make the appearance of the structure stylish and charming, confronting blocks are made of various sorts of materials.

What is Face Brick?

The visually visible veneer of a brick wall is seen as the brick face of the wall. In many construction groups built many years ago, the entire wall was made up of many strings of bricks. A brick wyth is a single vertical layer of brick. The brick walls of old buildings can consist of multiple layers of brick and will diminish as the building rises. Therefore, in this type of masonry, the front or visible brick layer was called the wall facing brick.

The facing bricks on the wall were the most accessible aspect at the time of construction. In modern construction, installing a single layer of brick cladding on the secondary wall of brick, wood, or light metal framing is a more common construction method. In this masonry method, the facing brick was a single layer of shell or brick placed on top of the inner material. This brick is referenced as a face brick.

How Much do Different Types of Brick cost?

Facing brick prices vary on the type of brick. The cheapest types of bricks are considered to be wire-cut or extruded. They cost around euro 250 per 1,000 and euro 400/1,000.

Handmade bricks are a bit costlier than wirecut facing brick. They cost around euro 600 per 1,000.

Types of Face Bricks

Facing bricks are available in different designs, varying from traditional to modern styles, with colours and textures as well.

Facing bricks are the most popular type of brick and have been the facing material of choice in the UK for thousands of years, particularly in the residential market. 

They are mainly used for the exterior walls of a building and are therefore generally chosen for their aesthetic qualities, but they must also be resistant to weathering.

Extruded Bricks 

Extruded bricks are also called Wirecut bricks. The extruded method is the most popular brick-making method, as it can quickly produce a large number of bricks, around 20,000 bricks per hour. The clay is forced through an extrusion head to form a continuous column of material in the desired width and depth. 

This manufacturing process produces hard, dense bricks with a more consistent size and shape, a sharper height, and a more contemporary look. Extruded bricks come in a wide variety of styles, including smooth, drag, rolled, honed, or even glazed.

Soft Mud 

Soft Mud bricks are also called Stock bricks. Soft mud bricks have a more traditional or reclaimed look and offer a softer, warmer brick aesthetic, without compromising technical performance.

Soft Mud bricks are available in a traditional ground finish or in a crafted texture that features a "frog" indentation rather than perforations as in extruded bricks. Water struck Soft Mud Bricks are made using water instead of sand to loosen the clay from the moulds, creating a distinctive textured surface. As with all other manufacturing processes, the wet bricks are then dried and fired.

Engineering Bricks 

Engineering bricks are made to withstand more extreme conditions, such as continual dampness or freezing. Engineering bricks have high compressive strength and low water absorption. They are used for their physical properties, not their appearance, and are classified based solely on those properties. Traditionally used in civil engineering, they are best suited for applications where strength and resistance to frost and water are important.

Common Bricks 

Common concrete bricks are made by forming a mixture of cement and aggregates, which is pressed into moulds before hardening. Different colours can be added at this stage to make them appear as close to clay as possible, like traditional bricks. 

Common bricks were just clay and not built to exacting standards, which made life a bit difficult when assembling the bricks. Since then, things have changed for ordinary bricks as they are now manufactured to meet certain standards for sizing, compressive strength, and cold resistance.

Red Facing Bricks 

Red facing bricks are types of facing brick with a traditional red colour. Typically, when bricks come to mind, we think about red bricks. Red face bricks come in a standard size of 215x100 and are available in sand-faced or stock textures. 

Red bricks are most commonly used in the north of England. Red-facing bricks are a rather popular choice for residential construction as they can be more attractive.

Yellow Facing Bricks 

Yellow facing bricks are another popular type of facing brick. Facing brick is the most popular type of brick they are commonly used for external walls for both residential and commercial construction. There are colour variations from white to cream and yellow to red and brown bricks. 

The colour of the brick is indigenous to the area. Eg, Red bricks are common in the north and yellow bricks and creams are common around Cambridgeshire and London. 

Stock Facing Brick

Stock Facing Bricks are made from high-quality concrete and appear to be rough around the edges. With a traditional look that is reflective of a waterstruck or soft mud bricks, concrete blocks have the added benefit of dimensional accuracy and ease of construction. This textured brick with uneven edges can add a premium quality to a home or construction project.

To ensure a strong and professional finish, combine facing bricks with:

• Enhance structural builds with Concrete Blocks
• Protect against moisture with Damp Proof Membrane

Frequently Asked Questions About Facing Bricks

1. What are facing bricks?

Facing bricks are high-quality bricks specifically designed to be visible on the external face of a building. They are manufactured to offer both durability and an attractive finish, making them ideal for exterior walls and façades.

2. What are facing bricks used for?

Facing bricks are commonly used for:

• External walls of houses and buildings
• Garden walls and boundary walls
• Feature brickwork and decorative finishes
• Landscaping projects such as raised beds

They are chosen for both structural support and visual appeal.

3. What is the difference between facing bricks and common bricks?

Facing bricks are designed for appearance and weather resistance, while common bricks are typically used for internal or hidden structures where aesthetics are less important. Facing bricks provide a consistent finish suitable for visible surfaces.

4. Are facing bricks durable?

Yes, facing bricks are highly durable and manufactured to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, frost, and wind, making them suitable for the UK climate.

5. What types of facing bricks are available?

Common types include:

• Wire-cut (extruded) bricks for a smooth, modern finish
• Handmade bricks for a traditional, rustic appearance
• Stock (soft mud) bricks for textured finishes
• Glazed bricks for decorative applications

Each type offers unique aesthetics and performance characteristics.

6. What colours and finishes do facing bricks come in?

Facing bricks are available in a wide range of colours, including red, brown, buff, grey, and multi-tonal blends, along with finishes such as smooth, textured, or tumbled for different design styles.

7. Are facing bricks suitable for structural use?

Yes, facing bricks can be used as part of structural walls, particularly in traditional brick and block construction, where they form the outer visible layer while blocks provide internal support.

8. Do facing bricks require maintenance?

Facing bricks are low maintenance. Occasional cleaning and checking of mortar joints will help maintain their appearance and long-term durability.