Brown Bricks

Brown bricks are common in UK construction sites and locales. They are hailed by architects and contractors for their earthy tones, toughness, low maintenance, and stylish finish.

Our catalogue of bricks from renowned manufacturers has the perfect options for your facades, extensions, landscaping, and living spaces that want to add natural and enduring charm.

Key Features of Brown Bricks

Brown bricks get their earthy tones from the clay composition and are available in standard UK dimensions (215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm) with tight T2/R1 tolerances.

The main features of brown bricks in the UK include:

• Colour variations– You will find everything from a light brown brick with a hint of red to chocolate and dark brown brick, depending on what you like.
• Texture– The surfaces can be smooth and uniform or rustic with a more handmade look, giving facades different visual textures.
• Technical performance– Most brown bricks carry an F2 rating (frost resistance) and have a compressive strength ranging from 25 to 40N/mm², giving them durability. The water absorption levels are up to regulatory standards, with an S1 or S2 rating for soluble salts.

Benefits of Brown Bricks

Built To Last

Brown bricks, such as the Ibstock Bracken Brown rustic brick, have an F2/S1 rating and 60N/mm² of compressive strength. The strong build means replacements or repairs are few and far between.

Cost Effective

Compared to modern cladding material, brown bricks present an overall cheaper investment. They don’t need painting and require minimal maintenance to last for decades.

Iconic Beauty

Contemporary buildings and heritage sites using brown facing bricks will find modern options that integrate seamlessly into the landscape and earthy tones.

Thermal Mass Benefit

As with all clay bricks, brown bricks absorb heat during the day and release it at night. For energy-efficient homes, this is an added layer of insulation.

Recyclable

Light, dark, and red brown bricks are made from natural clay and other abundant materials that are often sourced locally. They are highly recyclable and reusable.

What Are Brown Bricks Used For?

The most common and recommended uses for the brown bricks in our catalogue include:

• House facades– Popular for new homes and extensions. Brown is warm, inviting, and feels at home in a traditional or contemporary home.
• Renovations and extensions– Your new additions can easily match older masonry, while giving you plenty of variety.
• Boundary and garden walls– Their durability and low maintenance make them long-lasting and attractive boundary walls, retaining walls, and garden walls.
• Landscaping features– Brown bricks build outdoor living spaces such as fireplaces, barbecue areas, patios, and more.

Don’t be surprised to see brown bricks in office buildings, retail spaces, mixed-use developments, feature walls, and more, due to their versatility.

Why Choose Our Brown Building Bricks?

We stock our catalogue with bricks from renowned manufacturers who offer variety, such as the Sahara, Bracken, and Cheddar lines of Ibstock brown bricks, to bring you high-quality products that adhere to the UK’s regulatory standards.

Additionally, you can expect technical support from our team of professionals with years of experience in the brick industry on quantities, types, pricing, and any other questions you may have.

CTA: Call back to a classic look with our diverse collection of brown bricks for your extensions, new builds, heritage renovations, and outdoor structures.

FAQs

What makes bricks brown?

Brown bricks owe their colour to the presence of manganese oxide in the clay mixture and the firing conditions (the kiln atmosphere, temperature, oxygen levels).

What colour goes with brown bricks?

Brown bricks contrast harmoniously with warm neutral hues like beige and cream. They also blend well with greys, blues, and charcoals, as well as other earthy/natural tones like green and terracotta.

How do I make brown bricks look modern?

You do it by using the modern design language. This includes simple, clean lines, extensive windows/glazing, exposed interior walls, recessed joints, an emphasis on contrast, the use of metal and dark mortar, strategic lighting and landscaping, etc.

Do brown bricks lose colour over time?

They retain their colour as it bakes in during firing. Surface stains or efflorescence can be gently cleaned off with a soft brush and a dilute vinegar-water mix.