Bricks may all look pretty much the same from a distance, but the way they are manufactured can completely change their texture and strength .
Wire-cut bricks
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Wire-cut bricks are the most commonly manufactured bricks in the UK and are widely used in modern new build developments. They are a cost effective brick made by pushing clay through a machine to form a continuous column, which is then cut into individual bricks using wires, creating a very uniform shape.
Stock bricks
Stock bricks are made using traditional soft mud techniques where the clay is thrown into moulds before it’s fired, giving them a more traditional, irregular appearance.
Many builders and architects prefer this less uniform look for period-style properties or for restoration work.
These bricks are usually frogged, meaning they contain an indentation on one face which helps reduce the amount of clay used and can improve the bond with mortar during laying.
Handmade bricks
Handmade bricks are produced individually by hand rather than through machinery, which gives them the most distinctive and traditional appearance of the main facing brick types. However, the manufacturing process is slower and more labour intensive, which means handmade bricks are more expensive.
Waterstruck bricks
Waterstruck bricks are made using a moulding process where the moulds are coated with water before the clay is pressed into them and because the mould is lubricated with water rather than sand, the finished brick tends to have a softer surface texture.
