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Bricks - A Basic Introduction
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Brick Sizes
Modern metric bricks in the UK are sized to create a modular format. The standard brick size is 215 x 102.5 x 65mm (face x bed x end), so, with a standard 10mm wide joint, this gives a working size of 225mm x 75mm.
Types of bricks
There are literally thousands of different bricks, but they can be broken down into a handful of basic types. The vast majority are made from clay and are kiln-fired.
Facing Bricks
Quality, durable bricks with an attractive appearance for external use above ground.
Facing Bricks are made up of 4 sub categories
Wirecut
The clay is continuously extruded to a required size and shape and then cut into individual bricks by means of a wire, much like a cheese is cut by cheesewire. Thousands of variations in colour and texture. Usually the cheapest facings available as the manufacturing process is highly automated.
Stock
The clay is wetted to a so-called "soft mud" and then moulded to shape, before being allowed to dry prior to firing in the kiln. Much of the process is automated. Tend to be slightly irregular in shape. Usually a bit more expensive than wirecuts.
Handmade
Usually made on a bench, in a mould, much as described above for a stock brick. Because the clay isn't firmly compacted by machine, each brick normally has distinctive creasing known as a 'smile'. Very desirable, and the most expensive of the facings, but well worth it on prestige jobs
Fletton
Also known as 'London Bricks'. A unique facing brick manufactured from the Lower Oxford clay found only in SE England. This clay contains coal traces, which burn during firing, reducing the amount of fuel needed for the kiln, which not only keeps down costs but also produces some interesting effects in the bricks themselves.
Commons
A cheap 'fill' brick, designed to be utilitarian rather than attractive. Having said that, some have a charm of their own and are perfectly fine for smaller jobs.
Engineering
The workhorses of the brick family. Tough, strong, hard-wearing but not usually very pretty. They have excellent resistance to frost and to water, making them ideal for groundworks, sewer works and retaining walls. You pay for the performance.
Concrete or Calcium Silicate
Popular in areas where good brick-making clay is scarce. Cheap and cheerful sums them up.
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Brick Astra Buff 215 x 100 x 65mm
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Brand: Vande Moortel CREA 1023
Available from stock
Size: 215 x 100 x 65mm
Price: per each
57 bricks per m2
Please note this product is only available for local delivery, or collection. 'Local Delivery' is within an approximate 50 mile radius of HP3 9AJ. If your postcode is not listed on the 'Delivery method' drop down menu in the checkout page, we unfortunately will not be able to deliver to you and your order will not be processed.
If your postcode is not listed, please contact our sales team who will be happy to price for a delivery to you
This product is not available for delivery via a courier and will not be processed if you select 'Courier service' as a delivery method
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£0.30
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Brick Class B Engineering 215 x 102.5 x 65mm
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Engineering bricks are used for their performance characteristics rather than their appearance and are most suited for groundworks, manholes and sewers, retaining walls and other situations where strength and resistance to frost attack and water are the most important factor
Available from stock
Size: 215 x 102.5 x 65mm
Price: per each
60 bricks per m2
Please note this product is only available for local delivery, or collection. 'Local Delivery' is within an approximate 50 mile radius of HP3 9AJ. If your postcode is not listed on the 'Delivery method' drop down menu in the checkout page, we unfortunately will not be able to deliver to you and your order will not be processed.
If your postcode is not listed, please contact our sales team who will be happy to price for a delivery to you
This product is not available for delivery via a courier and will not be processed if you select 'Courier service' as a delivery method
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£0.35
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Brick Harvest Buff Multi 215 x 102.5 x 65mm
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Brand: Wienerberger
Available from stock
Size: 215 x 102.5 x 65mm
Price: per each
60 bricks per m2
Please note this product is only available for local delivery, or collection. 'Local Delivery' is within an approximate 50 mile radius of HP3 9AJ. If your postcode is not listed on the 'Delivery method' drop down menu in the checkout page, we unfortunately will not be able to deliver to you and your order will not be processed.
If your postcode is not listed, please contact our sales team who will be happy to price for a delivery to you
This product is not available for delivery via a courier and will not be processed if you select 'Courier service' as a delivery method
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£0.50
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