Different Types of Special-Shaped Bricks

There are lots of options when it comes to special shapes and sizes in bricks - and they are categorised with a two-letter code based on how they're used. Some are designed for very specific purposes, while others are frequently used in standard brick structures.

If you're looking to up the creativity level on your projects, we offer a bespoke brick cutting service to help you speed up that all-important build time and reduce waste on site.

All British Standard special shapes are available to order from Brickhunter - plus, we can get these made in any brick type for you too. Just ask the team for details.

Attention to detail

There are loads of specials to choose from and finding the right type can be challenging. But we're here to help with a comprehensive breakdown of what they are and how to use them:

Angle and Cant bricks (AN)

As the name implies, angle bricks serve a functional purpose and allow a building to carry an angle other than 90 degrees. Cant bricks provide clean and crisp lines to create chamfered features on doors, corners and window openings. These can also be used as decorative capping for walls too.

Arch bricks (AR)

Arch bricks are double tapered in length or width so that they can be placed together to create an archway or other curved elements, such as a circular window.

Bonding bricks (BD)

Bonding bricks are cube-shaped bricks that are often used to fill gaps that would have required cutting a standard brick. While bricklayers may still cut standard bricks to fill a specific measurement, it's common to use bonding bricks if there are many instances that require non-standard bricks. They're also used when a standard brick proves difficult to cut.

Bullnose bricks (BN)

Featuring a smooth rounded edge on either one or two sides, bullnose bricks provide a soft and subtle transition for corners, windows and doors. They are easy on the eye and great for making doorways, windows and corners feel open and welcoming. They are also used as decorative capping for walls.

Capping and Coping bricks (CP)

Coping bricks resemble a half-moon shape and are used as a decorative finish for parapet walls in order to protect the brickwork beneath. Cappings are designed to sit flush against a vertical wall, while copings project out from the wall.

Pistol bricks (PS)

Pistol bricks are similar to soldier bricks in that they're vertical, but in this case they're designed to hide the metal angles of a multi-storey structural frame. Rather than leaving the metal exposed, Pistol bricks create a seamless transition between brick and support.

Plinth bricks (PL)

Plinth bricks are angled at 45 degrees and are typically used to change the depth of brickwork at the base. The sharp cuts and shapes on plinth bricks also make them perfect for detailing hard lines on returns, windowsills, kerbs, capping and corbelling details.

Radial bricks (RD)

Often used to create industrial chimneys, radial bricks can also be employed as an aesthetic device for curved and wavy structures - plus, they are great for adding circular details without the aid of tapered joints.

Slips (SL)

Brick slips are thin slices of brick that have been cut from a standard-sized clay brick. Roughly 22mm thick, brick slips maintain the appearance of a traditional brick and are indistinguishable from their full-sized counterparts once placed on any interior or exterior surface.

Soldier bricks (SD)

Soldier bricks are laid vertically and are primarily used to achieve a specific look. They can complement or contrast the details on a brick surface by breaking up portions of the original brick pattern or highlighting certain areas of the brickwork.

We're here for you

We love making it easy for you to build with bricks, which is why we've added a specialist brick cutter to our list of trusted partners.

And don't forget: we have a range of services tailored to help you achieve successful brickwork - whatever the shape of your build or the size of your ambition.

Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you match, customise and calculate the exact amount of bricks you need, then source them and find the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too.

Simply let us know what you need, and our experts will do the rest!