Pistol brick
![]() |
Two types of pistol brick. On the left, laid as a 'soldier' with a deep rebate and downstand that may be used to conceal a concrete toe; on the right, laid as a 'stretcher' which may be used to conceal a supporting steel angle. |
When brickwork is used as a cladding – whether to clad concrete- or steel-framed buildings, or low-rise cavity-wall construction, the bricks must be supported and tied back to the structure. This is often achieved with the use of steel angles, lintels, concrete toes or edge beams. Onto these are placed specially-made ‘pistol’ bricks (or rebated bricks) that conceal the method of support and the mortar bed.
This is due to the rebate cut it into the base and which creates a small downstand that conceals the support and the mortar joint. The result is a flush appearance.
A pistol brick gets its name from its pistol shape.
Pistol bricks can either be laid as stretchers (horizontally) or ‘brick-on-edge (vertically, as ‘soldiers’). The depth of rebate will depend on how the brick is arranged and the supporting construction. For example, when supported on a concrete toe that is 50mm deep, the rebate that will be cut into a soldier brick will be 50mm + 10mm (mortar joint) = 60mm deep. If a standard brick length is 215mm, this will leave a brick ‘body of 155mm. Between every third or fourth brick, there must usually be some form of metal tie restraint to tie the bricks back to the structure.
Because pistol bricks are special bricks and involve a change from normal brick dimensions, they involve first, special manufacture (and so higher costs) and second, a longer lead-in period until they can be delivered to the site. These factors must be weighed-up by the designer against the importance placed on the finished effect.
When considering whether to opt for pistols or any other type of brick, specifiers should consult with the brick manufacturer to ensure that what they propose can be feasibly manufactured in the timeframe required and for the available budget, and that it embodies no obvious in-use failure points.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.