Choosing the right bricks for your project

There are various different types of bricks, made from different materials, in different shapes and sizes, and with different properties.  
In this guide, we look at what bricks are made of, the types of brick available, things to consider when building with bricks, and more. 

What are bricks made of? 

Bricks can be made out of a variety of materials, depending on the type of brick. Traditionally, bricks were made out of clay and dried in the sun. Clay bricks are still commonly used, but the clay can also be mixed with other materials, including concrete, ash, and chemicals to make bricks for different uses. Keep reading for a list of different brick types. 

Burnt clay bricks 

These are the classic bricks, which are made by pressing wet clay into a mould before they are dried and fired in a kiln. These bricks are typically sold in four classes based on their quality and class. First-class provides the highest level of quality and strength, and have no noticeable flaws.  

Sand lime bricks  

Also known as calcium silicate bricks, sand-lime bricks are made by mixing sand, fly ash and lime. Pigments are also sometimes added to change the colour. The mixture is then moulded under pressure, and the materials are bonded together by a chemical reaction that occurs when the wet bricks dry under heat and pressure.  

Engineering bricks  

Made from clay mixed with other materials, engineering bricks are extremely durable and strong. The clay-based mixture is fired at high temperatures to create bricks that are as high as iron and have very low porosity. Engineering bricks come in classes A and B.  

Concrete bricks  

Made by pouring solid concrete into moulds, concrete bricks are typically used for internal brickwork. These bricks are extremely durable but tend to be porous, meaning they aren’t suitable for use underground.  

Fly ash clay bricks  

These bricks are made using clay and fly ash, which is a by-product of coal-burning. The mixture is fired at around 1000 degrees Celsius. Often used in structural walls or foundations, fly ash bricks are self-cementing – when exposed to moisture, they expand meaning cement is not required.  

Special shaped bricks  

Special shaped bricks are any bricks that do not conform to the traditional size and shape of a brick. Available in a range of different shapes, colours, and materials, special shaped bricks are usually used to enhance the appearance of a brick wall or structure.  

Special shaped bricks are manufactured as solid, perforated, or frogged, depending on the location of manufacture and type of clay used.  

At Elliotts, we supply a range of standard special shaped bricks within our branch network, all of which are available in smooth blue and smooth red finishes.  

AN – Angle and Cant 

This type of special brick allows buildings or walls to carry an angle other than 90 degrees, including 30, 45, and 60-degree angles. They can also be used to create vertical and horizontal chamfered features on doors, windows, and corners, as well as decorative capping for walls.   

BN – Bullnose 

Bullnose bricks have a smooth rounded edge on one or two of their sides, providing gentle transitions for corners, doors, and window openings. These bricks look great visually and are widely used for making doorways, windows, and corners feel welcoming, as well as for decorative capping for walls.  

AR – Arch 

Arch bricks are double tapered along their length or width, meaning they can be used to form archways and other curved elements.  

BD – Bonding 

Cuboid bonding bricks are often used to fill gaps that would otherwise require a standard brick to be cut to size.  

PL – Plinth 

Angled at 45 degrees, these bricks are used to change the depth of the brickwork at the base of the wall. They have sharp cuts and shapes, making them ideal for detailing hard lines on window sills, kerbs, capping, and corbelling details.