Choosing the Right Bricks for Your Project
At County Building Supplies, our branch teams help builders, developers and DIY customers choose the right bricks every day. Whether you're building a new home, extending an existing property, constructing a garden wall or matching older brickwork, selecting the right brick is essential for both appearance and performance.
Finding the Right Brick
One of the most common questions we receive is how to choose a brick that matches an existing property. We stock a wide range of bricks from leading UK manufacturers like Wienerberger, giving you plenty of options for new builds, extensions and renovation projects.
- Facing bricks are designed to remain visible once construction is complete and are available in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes.
- Engineering bricks provide high strength and low water absorption, making them suitable for foundations, retaining walls and below-ground construction.
- Specialist bricks can help match existing brickwork or achieve a specific architectural finish for both modern and traditional properties.
Matching Existing Brickwork
When extending or repairing a property, finding a close match is often one of the biggest challenges. Brick colour, texture, size and finish can all vary between manufacturers and production batches. Our experienced team can help you compare options from our range to find the most suitable match for your project.
Choosing Bricks for New Builds
If you're starting a new build, appearance is just as important as performance. Modern clay bricks are available in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes to suit contemporary and traditional designs. We can help you choose bricks that meet both your aesthetic preferences and your construction requirements.
Need Advice?
If you're unsure which bricks are right for your project, visit your local County Building Supplies branch or contact our team. Whether you're building an extension, replacing damaged brickwork or starting a new build, we'll help you choose the right products before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions – Bricks
What's the difference between facing bricks and engineering bricks?
Facing bricks are designed to provide an attractive finished appearance and are commonly used for visible external walls. Engineering bricks are manufactured for high strength and low water absorption, making them suitable for structural and below-ground applications.
Can you help me match existing bricks?
Yes. Matching existing brickwork is one of the most common enquiries we receive. We stock bricks from leading manufacturers including Ibstock, Forterra and Wienerberger, and our team can help you find the closest available match for your project.
Which bricks should I use for an extension?
For extensions, many customers choose facing bricks that closely match the existing property. The right choice depends on the colour, texture, size and finish of the original brickwork, as well as your planning requirements.
Are engineering bricks waterproof?
Engineering bricks have very low water absorption and are highly resistant to moisture, making them suitable for applications such as foundations, retaining walls and damp-prone areas.
How many bricks do I need?
The number of bricks required depends on the wall dimensions, brick size and mortar joint thickness. If you're unsure how many bricks you'll need, our team can help you estimate the quantity for your project.
Do you sell bricks in bulk?
Yes. We supply both individual packs and bulk quantities for trade customers, house builders and larger construction projects. Contact your local County Building Supplies branch for pricing, availability and delivery options.
Do you deliver bricks?
Yes. We offer local delivery across our trading area for bricks and other building materials. Delivery options may vary depending on your location and the quantity ordered. Please contact your nearest County Building Supplies branch for more information.