Old IJssel Bricks

Discover the charm and authenticity of IJssel bricks at Van Dillen Antique Building Materials. Our company is dedicated to rescuing historical bricks from old and monumental buildings, carefully cleaning them, and offering them for your unique construction projects. On this page, you will find the batches of IJssel bricks that we currently have in our assortment.

What are IJssel bricks?

IJssel bricks are traditional bricks characterized by their compact size and beautiful colors. IJssel bricks are no longer produced, nor are there any replicas. Often, IJssel bricks have a lovely nuanced yellow color. The type of clay and the firing process determine the final exact color. These bricks were produced for centuries along the banks of (you guessed it) the IJssel, using the clay that is abundantly available there. Each old, antique IJssel brick tells a unique story through the subtle color variations and textures that can only be found in authentically reclaimed materials, which we prepare for circular building.

How many IJssel bricks per m2?

Because IJssel bricks were handmade, their size and shape can vary, but generally, they are smaller than modern bricks. On average, about 115 to 130 IJssel bricks are needed to cover one square meter of half-brick wall, depending on the bond and cutting loss. In the past, many facades were built with brick, which involved a double layer of bricks where each end was also a full brick. This was intended to make the wall more stable and provide some insulation. Nowadays, there are handmade IJssel bricks and machine-made IJssel bricks. The original size of IJssel bricks was 18 × 9 × 4.5 cm (Dordrecht size), and later the typical IJssel size became approximately 16 x 8 x 4 cm. These are the dimensions of the handmade IJssel bricks. Later, in the 1800s and early 1900s, IJssel bricks were made by machine, and the size of these bricks is about 15.5 × 4 cm. These dimensions are important for planning your purchase and the design of your project, ensuring that you have enough bricks.

Yellow IJssel bricks

IJssel bricks often come in a yellow color, which is somewhat nuanced because it is an old handmade brick. The yellow IJssel bricks are perfect for creating striking accents in walls or for completely building a sparkling exterior. This color of IJssel bricks resembles Frisian yellow bricks, but the type of clay is different, and they are of a slightly smaller size. Red IJssel bricks can sometimes be found but are extremely rare; however, we do have them in our assortment! The red IJssel bricks give a very special and warm look to the construction project.

Buying authentic old IJssel bricks

At Van Dillen Antique Building Materials, you will find a wide assortment of IJssel bricks, perfect for any project where authenticity and charm are central. Whether you are looking for red or yellow IJssel bricks, we are happy to assist you in choosing the right bricks for your construction or renovation plans. Visit us or check out our materials online to experience the beauty and quality of our IJssel bricks and other old materials for yourself, and make your project unforgettable with a piece of beautiful history.