Brick research

How to Match a Discontinued Brick

A discontinued brick can be harder to replace because current supplier catalogues may no longer contain the original product. The solution is usually a research process rather than a single search term: identify the physical brick, establish what product family it belonged to, then compare current and reclaimed alternatives.

Record everything first

Photograph the brick face, end and any frog or maker's mark. Record length, width and height. Note colour, texture, sandface, manufacturing appearance, perforations and unusual features. If the brick is in a wall, photograph several examples and the surrounding bond.

Search by the strongest clues

A readable manufacturer mark can narrow a search dramatically. Dimensions can also eliminate unsuitable products. Colour should normally be used later in the process because weathering and photography can make colour comparisons unreliable.

Check old names carefully

Product names can change, manufacturers can merge or sell ranges, and merchants can use descriptions that differ from manufacturer terminology. Treat an old name as a search clue rather than assuming a current product with the same-sounding name is identical.

Compare physical characteristics

Nominal and measured dimensions.
Face texture and surface finish.
Firing variation and colour range.
Frog shape and maker's marks.
Edge profile and end-face appearance.
Manufacturing method where it can be established.

Consider reclaimed stock

If the original is no longer made, reclaimed stock can sometimes provide a closer visual match. It may also introduce its own variation because bricks have come from different buildings and exposure conditions. Ask suppliers for photographs and dimensions of the actual batch where possible.

When a close modern alternative is acceptable

For a small repair to a prominent elevation, appearance may matter more than simply finding a brick with the same nominal dimensions. For a new extension, a current product may be easier to source consistently. The decision depends on the project and should be checked with the relevant builder, designer or professional where technical requirements apply.

Do not rely on a product name alone. A physical sample, measured dimensions and surface characteristics are much stronger evidence than a search result that happens to share a name.

Start with a photo identification and use the UK brick catalogue to continue the research.