Old IJssel bricks

Discover the charm and authenticity of IJssel bricks at Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen. Our company rescues historic bricks from old and historic buildings, cleans them carefully and offers them for your unique building projects. On this page, you will find the batches of old IJssel bricks that we have recovered from historic buildings.

What are IJssel bricks?

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

How many IJssel bricks per m²?

Because IJssel bricks were made by hand, their size and shape can vary, but they are generally smaller than modern bricks. On average, 115 to 130 IJssel bricks are needed to cover one square metre of half-brick masonry, depending on the bond and cutting loss. In the past, however, many facades were built one brick thick: a double layer of bricks in which every header was also a full brick. This made the wall more stable and provided some insulation. Today there are handmade IJssel bricks and machine-moulded IJssel bricks. The original size of IJssel bricks was 18 x 9 x 4.5 cm (Dordts formaat); later, the usual IJsselformaat became approximately 16 x 8 x 4 cm. These are the dimensions of the handmade IJssel bricks. Later, in the 19th and early 20th century, IJssel bricks were made by machine, and these measure approximately 15.5 x 4 cm. These dimensions are important for planning your purchase and the design of your project, so you can be sure you have enough bricks. Would you like to know more about the IJsselformaat, or are you wondering how many IJssel bricks you need? Do not hesitate to contact us. We can also give you the dimensions of other bricks.

Yellow IJssel bricks

IJssel bricks often come in a yellow colour, 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 colour 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 scarce; we do, however, have them in our range! The red IJssel bricks give a building project a very special and warm look.

Buying authentic old IJssel bricks

At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, you will find a wide range of IJssel bricks, or IJssels, perfect for any project where authenticity and charm are central. Whether you are looking for red or yellow IJssel bricks, we are happy to help you choose the right bricks for your building or renovation plans. Visit us in Bolsward or view 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.