UK Brick Identification FAQ
This FAQ covers the questions that commonly arise when researching an existing brick, repairing a wall or looking for a replacement. For an individual brick, use the photo identifier as a starting point and verify any important purchase with a physical sample.
Where can I buy reclaimed bricks in the UK?
Reclaimed bricks are commonly available from specialist reclamation yards, salvage merchants, local building-material suppliers and online marketplaces. Availability changes frequently, so check the actual batch, dimensions and condition rather than relying only on a product name or stock photograph.
Why are some UK bricks red, yellow or blue?
Brick colour is affected by clay composition, firing conditions, atmosphere in the kiln, surface treatment and manufacturing method. Red, buff, yellow, brown and blue-black appearances can all occur. Weathering and staining can change the colour further after the brick is built.
How do I measure a brick correctly?
Measure the brick itself in millimetres and record length, width and height. Do not include the mortar joint. If possible, measure several intact bricks because older and reclaimed bricks can vary or have worn edges.
What is a frog in a brick?
A frog is a recess or depression in one face of many bricks. Its shape, size, depth and any lettering can provide useful identification evidence. Photograph the whole frog rather than only the visible text.
Can a photograph identify an exact brick?
A photograph can narrow the possibilities, but it cannot always prove an exact product. Lighting, camera processing, weathering, similar product ranges and production variation can all affect the result. A physical sample remains the best final check.
What is the difference between a wirecut and handmade brick?
Wirecut bricks are generally formed by extruding clay and cutting the column into units, often leaving regular dimensions and cutting characteristics. Handmade bricks are moulded and handled individually and can show more natural variation. Modern products can imitate either appearance, so use several clues together.
What is a Fletton brick?
Fletton is a term associated with bricks made from Oxford Clay, particularly in the South and East of England. Individual examples still need to be assessed by dimensions, surface, frog, markings and context rather than identified by colour alone.
How can I identify a Victorian brick?
Start with dimensions, manufacturing appearance, colour range, frog and maker's marks, then consider the building's location and architectural context. Victorian brickwork covers many products and regional traditions, so the period alone is not enough to identify a manufacturer.
Can I match a discontinued brick?
Often you can narrow down a close match using old names, dimensions, markings, manufacturer information, archived photographs and reclaimed stock. A current replacement may not be identical, so compare physical samples before ordering.
Do brick bonds identify the brick?
Brick bonds describe how bricks are arranged in a wall. They provide useful architectural context but do not normally identify the individual brick. A brick can be reused or laid in a different bond later in the building's life.
Should I order bricks based on an online photograph?
For anything more than a very small repair, obtain a physical sample first. Compare it against the existing wall in natural light and check dimensions, texture and edge character. This is particularly important where colour or weathering is critical.
Read the UK Brick Articles · Browse the brick guides · Identify your brick