Facing Bricks

What Are Facing Bricks?
Facing bricks, also known as façade bricks, are a type of brick that is specifically designed for use on the external walls of buildings. These decorative and durable bricks do away with the time-old idea that traditional brick walls have to be dull and boring. On top of their aesthetic appeal, they also offer a weather-resistant exterior finish. 

Facing bricks are typically made from clay or other ceramic materials, and they are produced in a variety of colours, textures, and sizes to suit different architectural styles and design preferences.

Although clay-facing bricks offer a wide range of colour options, including buff bricks, concrete-facing bricks typically have a uniform grey appearance.

Facing bricks are generally larger and more attractive than standard bricks, and they are available in a wide range of finishes, such as smooth, textured, glazed, or patterned. 

They are also designed to be easy to install and to provide good thermal insulation and sound insulation properties. 

Types of Bricks

All of our facing bricks are alike in their purpose to enhance the exterior of your building while providing excellent structural strength and durability. 

However, not all bricks are created equal. Each brick is shaped and crafted differently through a variety of production techniques.

Let's explore the three most popular types of bricks below. 

Wirecut Facing Brick

Clay bricks manufactured with a wirecut facing technique boast an unmistakable, raw aesthetic. 

Unlike a Waterstruck or stock brick that is placed in moulds or compressed manually, the wire-cut brick is created through a machine-pressed process. 

The process of creating such brick involves pressing clay into a long column shape before it is then cut to size with nozzles and cutting benches that allow for various shapes and sizes of brick production. 

As an end result, wirecut bricks (also referred to as extruded bricks) tend to be smooth on their sides with sharp angles.

Waterstruck Bricks

Waterstruck bricks are revered for their unique look and light texture, which is obtained through a special moulding procedure. This unique moulding technique utilises atomised water to attain its outcome, promptly saturating the clay for a one-of-a-kind, subtly textured brick. 

Unlike traditional clay bricks that are moulded and then fired in a kiln, waterstruck bricks are formed by using water as a releasing agent to separate the clay from the mould. The resulting brick has a textured surface that is smoother and more uniform than wirecut bricks.

Stock Bricks

Manufactured using the same soft mud techniques that were used to make bricks centuries ago, stock bricks evoke a timeless and elegant look with their unique ‘frog’ indentation inlay. 

These classic-looking bricks offer an age-old charm that is unrivalled by other types of brick.

Materials Market's Range of Facing Bricks 

Whether you're looking for a smooth and modern finish or a rustic and traditional look, our range of facing bricks has got you covered. Our bricks are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, weather-resistant, and long-lasting.

This quality is further ensured by the fact that we stock bricks from three of the most reputable brick manufacturers to date. Let's explore each of these below. 

Forterra Bricks

Forterra is a British company that specialises in the manufacture and supply of building materials, including bricks, blocks, and precast concrete products. Forterra is one of the largest brick manufacturers in the UK, and its products are used in a wide range of building projects, from small-scale residential developments to large commercial and industrial buildings.

Forterra produces a variety of brick types, including facing bricks, engineering bricks, and common bricks. The company's facing bricks come in a range of colours, textures, and finishes, and are designed for use on the exterior surfaces of buildings. They are made from high-quality clay and are fired at high temperatures to ensure strength, durability, and resistance to weathering.

Ibstock Bricks

Ibstock is a UK-based company that specialises in the manufacturing and supply of clay bricks and concrete products for the construction industry. The company has a long history dating back to the 1800s, and it has grown to become one of the leading brick manufacturers in the UK.

The company's facing brick products are designed for use on the outer surfaces of buildings, and they come in a variety of textures, colours, and finishes to suit different architectural styles and design preferences.

The company prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, and it has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its environmental impact, including using renewable energy sources and minimising waste.

Weinerberger Bricks

Wienerberger is a leading manufacturer of clay building materials, including bricks, roof tiles, and pavers, with a rich history dating back to 1819. The company is based in Austria and operates globally, with a strong presence in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Wienerberger's brick products are known for their high quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal. The company produces a wide range of clay bricks, including facing bricks, engineering bricks, and special-shaped bricks, which are designed to meet the diverse needs of architects, builders, and homeowners.

Wienerberger's facing bricks are available in a variety of textures, colours, and finishes, and are designed to provide an attractive, weather-resistant exterior finish for buildings.