Forterra Bricks
(68 Products)Forterra Facing Bricks provide an extensive range of high-performance clay masonry solutions, including some of the most recognisable brands in the UK construction industry. Engineered for exceptional durability and ease of installation, these bricks are designed to meet the aesthetic and technical requirements of modern housing, commercial developments, and civil engineering projects.
Understanding Forterra Facing Bricks
Forterra facing bricks are manufactured at specialist facilities across the UK, producing a diverse portfolio that includes the iconic London Brick (Fletton) and the high-specification Ecostock range. These materials are selected by architects and developers for their consistent quality and their ability to provide a cost-effective, durable external leaf that adheres to the highest British building standards.
The composition of these bricks varies by range, from the unique Lower Oxford Clay used in the Fletton process to the advanced sustainable blends used in their carbon-conscious manufacturing lines. This technical diversity allows Forterra to offer units with varying levels of water absorption and compressive strength, ensuring there is a specific brick suited for every environmental exposure level and structural load requirement.
Whether a project demands the classic, lightly textured look of a traditional stock brick or the precise, clean lines of a wirecut unit, Forterra materials provide a reliable solution. Their bricks are frequently used in large-scale residential schemes due to their availability and the ease with which they can be matched to existing regional masonry, making them a staple of the UK's built environment.
Material Range
- London Brick (Fletton): The classic original multi-purpose brick, featuring a unique cellular "frog" and a variety of textured and colour-washed finishes, such as London Brick Sunset Red and Cotswold.
- Ecostock & Stock Facings: High-quality, sustainable stock bricks produced using local clays and modern kiln technology to create traditional textures, featuring products such as the Autumn Glow and Hampton Rural ranges.
- Wirecut (Extruded) Facings: Precision-engineered bricks with sharp edges and uniform dimensions, ideal for contemporary architecture, featuring solutions such as the Butterley and Wilnecote ranges.
Performance Benefits
- High Technical Consistency: Manufactured under rigorous quality control to ensure uniform dimensions and performance across large batches.
- Frost Resistance: Generally classified as F2 (Durable), making them suitable for severe exposure conditions across the UK.
- Efficient Installation: Lightweight profiles (particularly in the London Brick range) facilitate faster laying and reduced transport emissions.
- Sustainability Focus: The Ecostock range is produced using low-carbon manufacturing processes and responsibly sourced raw materials.
Typical Applications
- Volume Housebuilding: Providing reliable and aesthetically pleasing facades for large-scale residential developments.
- Refurbishment and Extensions: Utilising the London Brick range to perfectly match existing mid-century and modern masonry.
Commercial and Public Buildings: Delivering a professional, low-maintenance finish for schools, offices, and retail units.
Structural Masonry: Employing high-strength engineering-grade facings for retaining walls and load-bearing structures.
Specification & Standards
- BS EN 771-1: Specification for masonry units (clay masonry units).
- BS 8000-3: Code of practice for masonry work and workmanship.
- F2 Rating: Durable against severe frost exposure as defined by British Standards.
- S2 Rating: Low active soluble salts content to prevent surface efflorescence.
Related Materials and Construction Uses
Forterra facing bricks are integral components of modern cavity wall systems, working in tandem with stainless steel wall ties and high-performance thermal insulation. They are often specified alongside Forterra’s range of special shapes and Bison Precast components to ensure structural continuity and aesthetic harmony across complex architectural details like arches, plinths, and window surrounds.
In practical application, these bricks are installed using standard or lightweight mortars, with dpc membranes and cavity trays ensuring proper moisture management. Because of the distinct textures available - such as the "sandfaced" finish of many Ecostock units - the choice of mortar joint (recessed, bucket-handle, or weathered) is crucial for defining the final character of the facade.
Frequently Asked Forterra Bricks Questions
What Are The Benefits of Using Clay Bricks?
Crafted with a variety of natural materials that render an array of colours, clay brick is both sturdy and low-maintenance.
Additionally, these bricks provide thermal mass within the building's structure to reduce energy consumption and heating.
Not only are they resilient but they can also be recycled at the end of their use!
Are Forterra Bricks Sustainable?
Forterra is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce the environmental impact of their brick manufacturing process.
Here are some of the ways in which Forterra is promoting sustainability:
- Recycling and reusing materials: Forterra strives to minimise waste by using recycled materials wherever possible. Through a comprehensive recycling process, nearly all of their manufacturing waste is repurposed and used again in the production of their products.
- Energy efficiency: Forterra has invested in energy-efficient technologies to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They use high-efficiency kilns to fire their bricks, and they have implemented energy-saving measures throughout their manufacturing process.
- Water conservation: Forterra is committed to conserving water, which is a valuable resource in the brick manufacturing process. They have implemented a range of measures to reduce their water usage, such as recycling water used in the manufacturing process and capturing rainwater for use in their operations.
- Sustainable sourcing: Forterra sources their clay from local quarries, reducing the environmental impact of transportation. They also work with their suppliers to ensure that the clay is sourced, extracted and processed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
- Product durability: Forterra bricks are designed to last for many years, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimising the environmental impact of production and disposal.
What Does LBC Mean On Bricks?
If you spot LBC on a brick this is a reference to London Brick Company.
For more than a century and a half, the London Brick Company has been empowering UK builders with an impressive selection of superior-quality bricks. Nowadays their products can be found adorning structures throughout the country - in an array of styles, shades and colours.
What Are 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.
The classic-looking stock brick offers an age-old charm that is unrivalled by other types of brick.
