Understanding UK Brick Dimensions & Types: A Comprehensive Guide
Does Brick Size and Type Matter?
When it comes to designing and constructing commercial buildings, brick size does indeed matter. Nowadays, bricks in the UK are made to a standard size, and these sizes affect multiple aspects of a commercial project. Brick sizes can affect how a building looks, how it is designed and how the bricks can be laid.
There are all sorts of types of UK bricks, from handmade bricks to glazed bricks, and it’s crucial to choose them wisely and ensure the brick dimensions and sizes will fit the design layout.
Brick suppliers Modular Clay Products work with leading manufacturers to source bricks for a wide range of commercial projects, and here we offer a guide to common types and sizes of UK bricks.
What is the Standard Brick Size in the UK?
So just how big is a brick? The UK’s most commonly used bricks are standard house bricks, sized 215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm. Easy to handle and stack, they can be cut to size for a custom fit if necessary.
However, there’s always a 10mm allowance for mortar joints between bricks, so technically speaking, the standard UK brick size is 225mm x 112.5mm x 75mm.
Having a standard brick size makes it easier for architects and engineers to work out how many bricks are needed for a project. Working out these sizes of bricks also helps to identify the right brick bonding patterns.
If you’re considering a project with a unique brick bond, knowing these sizes will significantly help. For example, if you’re not laying bricks lengthways in the standard stretcher bond, and instead, laying bricks height wise or depth wise. The length of the brick with mortar (225mm) is the same size as two brick depths (112.5mm) and three depths (75mm), which is helpful for creating unique designs.
Why are Standard Brick Sizes Needed?
Considering the vast range of bricks out there available on the market, from blue engineering bricks to red clay facing bricks, from white brick slips to grey clay brick pavers, there are benefits of having them cut to specific dimensions.
Primarily, these standard sizes are easier for builders to work with. If the modular bricks are too small, they use too much mortar, which adds to the overall cost. Contrastingly, labour slows down if bricks are too big as they are more difficult to move around.
By using these UK brick sizes, the majority of projects can be completed smoothly. Having these standard dimensions helps you to identify how many bricks are needed and how long it will take to lay them, ahead of time.
Modular Clay Products can supply bricks in standard UK sizes, but thanks to our partnerships with many leading manufacturers across the world, we can source specials in specific other dimensions if you require them. See our latest case study on how we helped architects Stanton Williams obtain a German-sized brick for the Zayed Centre for Research in London.
UK Brick Types Dimensions Table
| Standard Bricks | 215 x 102.5 x 65mm |
| Engineering Bricks | 215 x 102.5 x 73mm |
| Facing Bricks | 215 x 102.5 x 65mm |
| Fire Bricks | 230 x 114 x 76mm |
| Air Bricks | 150 x 75 x 50mm |
What are the Main Types of Bricks?
Facing Bricks
Commonly used as exterior cladding, facing bricks have a pleasing appearance and so are commonly used to build walls. Available in a variety of textures, colours and finishes, they are durable and long-lasting; made from a mix of clay and natural materials fired at high temperatures.
Wirecut Bricks
A staple of modern construction, wirecut bricks come in the different shapes and sizes needed to meet various building requirements. They’re perfect for use in construction projects where exact measurements are important because of their precise and uniform shapes.
Engineering Bricks
For those heavy-duty construction projects like load bearing walls and foundations that need to withstand extreme weather conditions, engineering bricks fit the bill. Strong and durable, and are resistant to damage from heavy loads and impacts also ideal for use in high-traffic areas, as they are resistant to damage from heavy loads and impacts.
Handmade Bricks
Handmade bricks are often used in traditional and period-style buildings and can add character and charm to a property. Made by hand-moulding sand and clay into their desired shape, handmade bricks are often used in traditional and period-style buildings. Because they are hand moulded each brick is unique with slight variations in size and shape.
Stock Bricks
These are hand made bricks made on stock boards and are smaller than other types of bricks. They’re known for their distinctive, rough-textured appearance and often used in older, traditional buildings.
Waterstruck Bricks
They are created by using atomised water when moulding the brick. This process creates a lightly textured surface, adding character and depth to the brick which is often used in traditional-style buildings.
Long Format Bricks
Often used in period-style buildings, long format (or Roman) bricks are used in period style buildings as they can provide character and charm to a property. They’re long and narrow bricks often used in arches or other curved features.
Glazed Bricks
Durable and low-maintenance, glazed bricks’ ceramic coating means they are mainly used to add colour to a building project for aesthetic purposes.
Slip Bricks
Slip bricks are often used in construction projects to add the appearance of a brick wall without the weight and cost of full-sized bricks. They are thin cuts of brick fixed to cladding panels and come in various sizes and finishes and can be used to achieve a variety of design effects.
Special Types of Bricks
Special-shaped bricks come in many different types, including bullnose bricks, curved bricks, and arched bricks – for use in projects where a unique look is desired, such as garden walls, arches, and fireplaces. Special-shaped bricks are also commonly used in projects where a curved or rounded look is desired, as they can be used to create smooth, curved lines and curves.
In conclusion, brick type and size definitely matter to the aesthetic and functionality of a commercial building. If you’re considering what brick size and type to choose, then speak to Modular Clay Products.
Choosing the Right Brick Size
Choosing the right brick is a crucial aspect of a construction project to get right, as it determines the look of a home. Before choosing the right brick to match your home you need to understand the different types of brick sizes available, in order to make an informed decision about which type of brick is most suited. Consider the size and shape of the structure, the strength and durability necessary, and the overall look you want to achieve.