What are facing bricks? Types, sizes and uses
What are facing bricks? Explore the types, colours and sizes available, and what to consider when choosing facing bricks for restoration or a new build.
What are facing bricks?
Facing bricks are bricks used in exposed external masonry. They largely determine a building’s appearance and must be suitable for the conditions to which its facade is exposed.
Facing bricks can be newly produced, but they can also be recovered from existing buildings and reused. Van Dillen focuses on reclaimed masonry bricks given a second life as facing bricks.
Facing brick and brick: what is the difference?
Brick is the broad name for the material. Facing brick primarily describes the use: a brick laid in visible facade masonry. Not every brick is automatically selected for the same application.
What types of facing bricks are available?
Facing bricks differ in manufacturing method, colour, size and surface, among other properties. Reclaimed facing bricks include handmade bricks, moulded bricks, Frisian yellow bricks, IJssel bricks and Groningen bricks.
For a broader explanation of the historical types, see our guide to types of old bricks.
Handmade facing bricks
Handmade bricks generally have a livelier, more irregular surface. They suit facades where natural variation and a handcrafted character are desired.
Moulded facing bricks
Moulded bricks are usually a little more regular and consistent in size. Old moulded batches can therefore combine historical colour variation with a calmer facade appearance.
Which colours are available?
Red, orange, yellow, cream, brown, purple and grey-blue shades all occur. Reclaimed batches are often varied rather than completely uniform, giving the entire facade more depth.
Which facing brick sizes are available?
Waalformaat is well known, but historical facing bricks also come in IJssel, drieling, Rijn and Vecht formats, as well as large medieval bricks known as kloostermoppen.
See brick dimensions and what is Waalformaat? for measurements and the number of bricks per m².
Reclaimed versus new facing bricks
New bricks offer predictable dimensions and continuing production ranges. Reclaimed facing bricks are chosen for their patina, natural colour variation and historical origins.
The best choice depends on the architecture, desired appearance, availability and technical requirements of the project.
Facing bricks for restoration
In restoration, a replacement batch should match the existing masonry as closely as possible. Measure several bricks and courses, and compare colour, surface and manufacturing method too.
Facing bricks for new builds
In a new build, the facing brick can define the home’s character from the outset. Old bricks work with both traditional designs and modern architecture.
Read about building with reclaimed masonry bricks and browse our projects for examples.
How many facing bricks do you need?
The number per square metre depends on brick size and joint width. Smaller bricks require more pieces per m² than larger formats. Allow for a reserve, cutting and selection as well.
The influence of pointing and brick bond
A facing brick is never seen in isolation. Mortar colour, joint width and brick bond have a major influence on the final appearance.
What do facing bricks cost?
Prices vary considerably. For reclaimed bricks, type, size, quantity, quality, rarity and processing all matter. See what do reclaimed bricks cost?.
Buying reclaimed facing bricks
Browse all reclaimed masonry bricks or go directly to handmade bricks, moulded bricks, Frisian yellow bricks, IJssel bricks and Groningen bricks.
Do you have a particular facade or restoration project in mind? Contact us with photographs, dimensions and the quantity needed.
Frequently asked questions
Are facing bricks always made from fired clay?
In this context, we mean fired-clay bricks for visible facade masonry. In wider building terminology, other facade materials may also be discussed.
Can used bricks be reused as facing bricks?
Yes, if the bricks have been found suitable, carefully cleaned and correctly laid.
Which facing brick suits an old home?
For restoration, choose primarily by matching size, colour, texture and manufacturing method, rather than relying only on a general style name.
