Bricks

Choosing the Right Bricks for Your Building Project

Rose Building Supplies stocks facing bricks, engineering bricks, concrete common bricks and London Brick Company bricks for extensions, new builds, garden walls, repairs and general masonry work.

The right brick depends on where it will be used, whether the brickwork will remain visible, the required strength and water absorption, and whether you are trying to match an existing building.

What Type of Brick Do I Need?

The best brick depends on the application.

• Facing bricks are chosen for visible external masonry where colour, texture and appearance are important.
• Engineering bricks are used where higher strength and lower water absorption are required.
• Concrete common bricks provide a practical option for suitable general building applications where appearance is less important.
• London Brick Company bricks are widely used for housebuilding, extensions, repairs and brick matching.

Always check the individual product specification before ordering, particularly for structural, below-DPC or exposed applications.

What Are Facing Bricks?

Facing bricks are designed to remain visible as part of the finished wall. They are commonly used for housebuilding, extensions, garden walls, external walls and renovation projects.

They are available in different colours, textures and manufacturing styles, including red, buff, brown, multi and grey finishes. When choosing a facing brick, consider the surrounding brickwork, mortar colour and how the brick may weather over time.

How Do I Match Existing Bricks?

Brick matching involves comparing more than colour alone. Important details include brick size, colour variation, texture, manufacturing style, joint profile and weathering.

If you are extending or repairing an existing property, bringing a clean sample or clear photographs can help our team compare suitable options.

Our Peterborough and Huntingdon branches hold brick samples and manufacturer literature to assist with brick matching.

Should I Expect Colour Variation Between Bricks?

Yes. Natural colour and tonal variation is normal in many clay facing bricks and can form part of the intended appearance of the finished wall.

For larger projects, bricks should normally be blended from several packs during laying rather than completing one area from a single pack. This helps distribute natural colour variation more evenly across the wall.

What Are Engineering Bricks Used For?

Engineering bricks are manufactured for applications where strength, durability and low water absorption are particularly important.

They can be specified for demanding masonry details, below-DPC work and other locations where the construction design requires their performance characteristics.

Engineering bricks are available in different classifications, so always follow the project specification rather than selecting one based only on appearance.

What Is the Difference Between Class A and Class B Engineering Bricks?

Class A and Class B engineering bricks have different performance requirements for compressive strength and water absorption.

Class A bricks provide higher performance, while Class B engineering bricks are commonly used for a wide range of demanding masonry applications.

The correct class should be specified by the project design or construction requirements.

What Are Concrete Common Bricks?

Concrete common bricks are practical masonry units used for suitable building applications where the appearance of a decorative facing brick is not required.

They may be used alongside concrete blocks and other masonry materials depending on the wall construction and project specification.

What Are London Brick Company Bricks?

London Brick Company bricks are widely recognised facing bricks used across many homes and building styles in the UK.

Our range includes popular LBC colours and textures suitable for new building work, extensions, repairs and matching existing masonry.

If you are trying to match older brickwork, visit our London Brick Company brick range or speak to our branch team for help comparing samples.

Which Brick Colour Should I Choose?

Brick colour should normally complement the existing property, surrounding buildings and the overall style of the project.

Common choices include red, red multi, buff, brown, grey and blended finishes. Texture can make just as much visual difference as colour, so compare smooth, wirecut, rustic and stock-style finishes carefully.

What Does 65mm Brick Mean?

Most standard UK facing bricks are approximately 65mm high, commonly around 215mm long and 102.5mm deep, although individual product dimensions should always be checked.

The 65mm measurement refers to the brick height, not the total wall thickness.

How Many Bricks Do I Need?

The quantity required depends on the wall area, brick size, mortar joints, openings and expected wastage.

For straightforward projects, use our Brick & Block Calculator to help estimate quantities. For larger or more complex projects, our team can also help when you provide wall measurements and project details.

Should I Order Extra Bricks?

It is sensible to allow for reasonable wastage, cuts and future repairs, particularly where a specific facing brick needs to be matched later.

The exact allowance depends on the project, design and brick type, so speak to your builder or project designer if you are unsure.

Can I Buy Bricks Individually?

Some brick products may be available individually while others are supplied or priced by pack or quantity. Check the individual product page for the current purchasing option and pack information.

For larger projects, contact the branch if you need to confirm full-pack quantities or current stock availability.

What Else Do I Need for Bricklaying?

Most brickwork projects will also require suitable building sand, cement, wall ties, DPC, lintels and other masonry accessories, depending on the wall construction.

Choosing the correct mortar materials and accessories is just as important as selecting the brick itself.

Can Different Brick Batches Look Slightly Different?

Yes. Clay bricks can show variation between production batches because of raw materials and firing conditions.

If appearance is important, ordering the required quantity together can help reduce the risk of noticeable batch differences. Blending bricks across packs during installation can also help create a more consistent overall finish.

Can I Use Any Facing Brick Below DPC?

No. Suitability below damp-proof-course level depends on the individual brick's durability and water-absorption performance.

Always check the manufacturer's technical information or project specification before using a brick below DPC or in highly exposed locations.

Are Bricks Suitable for Garden Walls?

Many facing bricks are suitable for garden walls, but the chosen brick should be appropriate for external exposure and the wall design.

Correct foundations, copings or protective detailing and suitable mortar all help improve the durability of an external garden wall.

Can You Help Me Match Bricks for an Extension?

Yes. Brick matching is particularly important on extensions because even bricks described as the same general colour can look very different once laid.

Our Peterborough and Huntingdon branches can help compare available ranges, samples and manufacturer information. Bringing photographs and, where possible, a clean sample of the existing brick can make comparison easier.

Bricks in Peterborough & Huntingdon

Bricks are available for collection from our Peterborough and Huntingdon branches, subject to stock availability.

Both branches supply builders, tradespeople and homeowners working on extensions, new builds, repairs, garden walls and renovation projects across their surrounding areas.

Brick Delivery to Corby

Rose Building Supplies provides local delivery of suitable brick orders to the Corby area.

Corby is a delivery-only service area and does not have a Rose Building Supplies branch or collection point.

Need Help Choosing or Matching Bricks?

If you are unsure which brick is suitable, check the project specification first and consider the colour, texture, dimensions, application and quantity required.

For brick matching, stock enquiries or larger orders, contact our team or visit our Peterborough or Huntingdon branch with your project details.