What are engineering bricks?
Engineering bricks are classified by performance rather than appearance. To qualify, a brick has to meet minimum standards for compressive strength and maximum limits for water absorption, which is what separates them from facing bricks chosen primarily for their looks.
They are graded as Class A or Class B:
⦿ Class A: compressive strength of at least 125 N/mm² and water absorption of no more than 4.5%. The stronger, denser option, typically specified for the most demanding applications.
⦿ Class B: compressive strength of at least 75 N/mm² and water absorption of no more than 7%. More widely used and more readily available, and more than capable for most domestic and commercial projects.
Class B is the right choice for the vast majority of builds. If you are unsure which your project calls for, our Brick Advisors can talk it through with you.
Why choose engineering bricks?
Exceptional strength: With compressive strength far above standard bricks, they carry heavy structural loads without deforming, which is why they are so often specified for foundations and load-bearing brickwork.
Low water absorption: Their dense structure means very little moisture penetrates the brick. That makes them well suited to damp proof courses, below-ground work and anywhere water ingress would cause problems.
Frost resistant: Because they absorb so little water, there is little to freeze and expand within the brick. They cope well with UK winters and repeated freeze-thaw cycles without spalling or cracking.
Chemical resistant: They stand up well to soluble salts and chemical attack, making them a practical option for sewers, manholes and industrial environments.
Low maintenance and long lasting: Engineering bricks hold their appearance and structural integrity for decades with very little upkeep, resisting the wear that affects softer bricks.
A strong look, too: Smooth Staffordshire blues and deep reds have become a design choice in their own right, used for plinths, boundary walls, string courses and contrasting detail against lighter brickwork.
Common applications for engineering bricks
⦿ Damp proof courses: their low water absorption makes them a traditional and effective DPC solution.
⦿ Foundations and below-ground brickwork: strength and moisture resistance where it is needed most.
⦿ Retaining walls: capable of handling load and ground water without breaking down.
⦿ Manholes, inspection chambers and sewers: durable and resistant to chemical attack.
⦿ Ground-level plinths: protecting the base of a building while adding a clean contrast to facing brickwork.
⦿ Garden and boundary walls: hard-wearing, weather resistant and attractive in blue or red.
Engineering bricks or facing bricks?
The simple answer is that engineering bricks are chosen for performance and facing bricks are chosen for appearance. Most projects use both, with engineering bricks below and at ground level, and facing bricks above.
That said, there is no reason you cannot use engineering bricks visibly. Plenty of homeowners and architects specify Staffordshire blue for plinths, piers and garden walls precisely because of how it looks alongside red or buff brickwork. If you are weighing up the two, our Brick Advisors will tell you honestly what each will do for your project.
Browse our extensive Brick Library
At Brickhunter, we stock Class A and Class B engineering bricks in a range of colours and finishes, ready for nationwide delivery. Use our free Brick Calculator to work out exactly how many you need, or order a sample to check the colour and finish before you commit.
Need some expert help?
Our knowledgeable Brick Advisors are here to help you find the perfect bricks for your project. Call us today on 0330 122 4060 or email us at [email protected] for personalised, one-on-one advice.
