4 types of brick explained
Whether you’re building or remodelling, the choice of facing brick always determines the final look. The right colour, size, and texture of the brick that you choose will give your project the look and feel that you’re after. But it’s the composition of the clay, and the firing process, that determine how a brick looks. We explain 4 types of brick and their firing processes.
Hand-formed: the stock brick
As the name suggests, hand-form bricks were once made by hand .Today, the process is carried out by a machine that mimics the traditional hand-forming technique. The machine rolls the clay into a layer of sand, before inserting it into a mould. This creates folds that, after the firing process, give that typical, grained texture that is unique to hand-form bricks. See the video and learn more about the production process for hand-form bricks.
Waterstruck: a lightly textured brick
The name of this special moulding technique refers to the use of (atomised) water. The machine immediately wets the clay to give the brick a special, lightly structured texture. The visible surface of a waterstruck brick is not smooth, but has slight texture.
Wirecut: a smooth and angular brick
In contrast to the hand-form and waterstruck brick, the wirecut brick is not placed into a mould or compressed. Instead, the machine presses the clay into a long column and cuts it to the size of bricks. The machine can be equipped with different nozzles and cutting benches, allowing the bricks to be cut into different shapes and sizes. A wirecut brick is usually smooth and angular . During the production process, the forms can be worked with a roller to give them a special texture.
Aged bricks
This is a patented manufacturing process unique to Vandersanden, and an addition to the hand-form technique. After the drying process, the unfired facing bricks are given extra pigments on the visible surface before being tumbled to give them an aged look. This gives the ageing a more natural appearance. This makes an aged brick look lvery similar to a reclaimed brick, a major advantage is that this technique takes place before firing, giving the same quality guarantees as for all our other hand-form bricks.
Vandersanden would be happy to work with you to identify a solution
We have evolved over more than 90 years to become Europe’s largest family-operated brick producer. We offer a wide range of bricks in different colours, sizes and textures. All of our facing bricks and façade solutions satisfy the quality standard and sustainability requirements. If you need advice on aesthetic choices, technical issues, or complex challenges, then please do not hesitate to get in touch. Vandersanden would be happy to work with you to find a solution!
Discover our wide range of facing bricks and find the ideal facing brick for your project. Whether you’re looking for hand-form, Waterstruck, or wirecut facing bricks, the range is extensive. View and shortlist your favourites at one of our showrooms, and ask any questions you might have.
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Get in touch with an expert
Jan Reynders
Advice on bricks, brick slips, facade systems and pavers for the professional.
+32 (0)89 51 81 21 j.reynders@vandersanden.com Ask your question
Christel Goossens
Advice on bricks, brick slips and facade systems for the consumer.
(+31) 0464 37 28 28 export@vandersanden.com Ask your question