When it comes to building materials, bricks have been the backbone of the building industry for centuries. The very first bricks were produced in 7000BC in Southern Turkey. They were made of mud and dried in the sun. Over the years, brick producing methods have been refined and now there are a plethora of options when it comes to building with bricks, from standard machine-made metric bricks to imperial handmade bricks UK.
The type of brick used in a project not only influences the visual appearance of a building but also dictates how it relates to its surrounding environment. But with tone, texture and form to think about, not to mention colour, it can be a tough decision with literally thousands of variations to choose from!
A good place to start is to consider whether handmade bricks or machine-made bricks are best for your project. Both have their pros and cons, so we’ve put together a little guide to get you started.
Handmade Bricks UK
Handmade bricks UK are usually made in moulds on a bench. The clay is rolled in sand then ‘thrown’ skillfully by hand into the mould. As the clay isn’t firmly compacted into the mould by a machine, each brick has a rougher, more intricate creasing pattern on the faces, known in the brick trade as a ‘smile’. This means you can achieve a more bespoke, characterful look as each brick is entirely individual with subtle variations in texture and shape.
However, this level of authenticity comes at a price. Handmade bricks UK can be double the price of their machine-made counterparts which can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your project. But for a period property renovation or restoration, handmade bricks can often be the best fit; and if working in an area with a lot of heritage properties, they may even be a mandatary requirement by planning officers.
Machine made bricks
When it comes to machine-made bricks, the clay is extruded (pushed out) into a column of clay which is then wire-cut. It is put into the kiln for drying without any modifications to achieve a smoother finish.
‘Stock bricks’ are another type of machine-made brick. They are produced by adding water to the clay so that it becomes a “soft mud” which is then moulded into the desired brick shape prior to firing in the kiln. These bricks tend to be slightly irregular in shape and are cheaper than wire-cut bricks.
For more modern developments, machine made bricks are usually the preferred option as they are significantly cheaper than handmade bricks UK and are more uniform in shape creating a cleaner finish. Machine-made bricks are available in a huge range of colours, textures and finishes and can even be tumbled to replicate the appearance of traditional handmade bricks.
Which brick is for me?
The decision to opt for handmade bricks or machine-made bricks is likely to be influenced by a range of factors, from the age of the property to the surrounding environment. For heritage properties or building projects in conservation areas, handmade bricks UK offer more flexibility and variety, providing instant character and charm so can be well worth the extra cost. For more contemporary projects, machine made bricks offer crisp, clean lines that are difficult to replicate using the handmade method.
Both handmade and machine-made bricks are equivalent in terms of durability, so it really just comes down to cost and aesthetics. The good news is, with such a huge range of options available you’re sure to find the perfect brick for your project.
