Understanding bricks

You can order new bricks through builder's and brick merchants, or direct from a manufacturer. Most suppliers offers a brick-matching service, and manufacturers can provide specials and arches.

Beware brick registration, where the merchant registers your quote with the manufacturer, so you will find it difficult to get a cheaper price elsewhere. Be on guard and give out your details sparingly.

The ultimate choice is handmade bricks, which have an appealing distinctive texture but are expensive. You could instead specify machine-thrown simulated handmade, which are cheaper, but still have a good character.

Cheaper options include: stock bricks, which are machine moulded and have a slightly irregular shape; wire-cuts, which have a smooth, regular shape; and concrete and sandlime bricks, which are characterless in appearance, but far cheaper that the other options.

Reclaimed bricks add instant period character to a new build or extension. However, they are often in imperial or random sizes. Even though they are expensive, their durability might be questionable.

Bricks are graded either FL, FN, ML or MN. The first letter relates to frost resistance (F: very frost resistant; M: Medium). Use F bricks below the DPC, for cills and chimneys. The second letter relates to salt content (low and normal). L will reduce the risk of efflorescence.

Brick types

Common brick	Engineered brick	Waterstruck brick	Wirecut brick
Handmade brick	Reclaim brick	Stock brick	Imperial brick

source: Which