Special bricks

[edit] What are special bricks?

Short Guide: Traditional Scottish Brickwork, published, on 1 March 2014 by Historic Environment Scotland, defines special bricks, or specials as: ‘Any purpose-made bricks of non-standard shape.’

Standard bricks tend to be rectangular in shape. The standard co-ordinating size for brickwork is 225 mm x 112.5 mm x 75 mm (length x depth x height). This includes 10 mm mortar joints, so the standard size of a brick itself is 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm (length x depth x height).

[edit] What are the different types of special brick?

Special bricks are not rectangular, and include:

• Radial, tapered or arch bricks.
• Angle and cant bricks that form returns and chamfers.
• Bullnose bricks with rounded corners.
• Capping and coping bricks.
• Cill bricks.
• Plinth bricks.
• Slip bricks (thin bricks that can be used for cladding).
• Soldier bricks, that form returns for soldier courses.

Bricks can also be cut or hand made to size.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• Arch.
• Brick.
• Brick bonding.
• Brick sizes.
• Common bricks.
• Joint.
• Masonry.
• Mortar joint.
• Mortar.
• Pointing.
• Types of bricks.

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