Choosing bricks for your projects can be overwhelming due to the many different types of bricks that you can choose from in the market. 

So, do we identify the different brick types? There are three primary types of bricks—engineering bricks, facing bricks and common bricks. Each of them has sub-categories that have distinct identification. The engineering bricks, for instance, are categorised into three classes and are typically smooth red colour.

However, many different brick variations, styles, and manufacturing methods are used in each brick type, creating diversified bricks suitable for various projects. This is why bricks can provide various aesthetic effects and production qualities.

To know more about these variations, styles and processes, you may proceed to our guide below.

Identifying the Different Types of Bricks

As said above, there are three types of bricks, and these are the following:

• Engineering bricks
• Facing bricks
• Common brick

Now, let’s start with the identification of engineering bricks.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks are practically used for their material attributes rather than aesthetics. These bricks possess low water absorption and high compressive strength.

Other than that, they’re also resistant to water and frost attacks. They’re traditionally utilised in civil engineering and other fitting applications where material strength is essential.

The engineering bricks are practically used in the following:

• Manholes
• Sewers
• Ground-works
• Damp-proof courses
• Retaining walls

These bricks are also classified into three classes—A, B, & C.

Among the three classes, A is the strongest, and B is the common one. Class A engineering bricks own a compression strength greater than 125N/mm² and less than 4.5% water absorption.

Meanwhile, Class B engineering bricks contain a compression strength higher than 75N/mm² and less than 7% water absorption. This type of brick commonly has a smooth red colour but is also available in blue.

Next on the list is the facing bricks.

Facing Bricks

Facing bricks are undoubtedly one of the most popular brick types in the United Kingdom today. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they’re also fire-resistant.

This brick type is also apt for the latest trends, making it traditional while having modern architectural design elements with a story. Facing bricks have a wide range of designs and textures that you can choose from to bring out the character of your static structure.

This type of brick is generally chosen for its aesthetic features and weather resistance. They’re typically for external walls use because of their existing characteristics.

If you’re currently looking for different types of bricks for houses, facing bricks can be one of your best options for your external walls. The brick price may differ for every manufacturer, but aside from this aspect, look for the brick design and material to get the overall look you want. 

Furthermore, there are two types of facing brick—soft mud (stock bricks) and extruded (wirecut bricks). 

Soft Mud Bricks (Stock Bricks)

Soft mud bricks or stock bricks possess a more traditional appearance. They provide a softer and warmer brick aesthetic without sacrificing technical performance.

These bricks are available in traditional sanded finish or handmade/creased texture. Waterstruck soft mud bricks, for instance, are water rather than sand to release the clay from the mould, creating a peculiar textured finish.

The same as other manufacturing processes, wet bricks are dried and fried.

Extruded Bricks (Wirecut Bricks)

Extruded bricks are a modern type of facing bricks. This brick type has become relatively famous over the past decades and tends to be more uniform in size and shape than soft mud bricks.

This brick type comes in diverse textures like the following:

• Sanded textures
• Dragedwired textures
• Roller textures
• Rustication
• Glazes

The next stop: common bricks.

Common Bricks

Common bricks are the least used brick type in the United Kingdom. This is due to their lower compressive strengths that aren’t up for heavy loads. 

Most of these bricks are commonly for internal brickwork use only. They also tend to be of low quality and aren’t ideal for below-the-ground use.

Taking All Into Account

Though there are only three primary brick types, brick identification can be challenging at first. This is because they have diverse variations, styles and construction processes, making several aesthetic effects and qualities.

However, searching and identifying bricks has never been this easy with a platform like Search A Brick. On this platform, you can quickly find the best bricks for your different projects smoothly.

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