You can tell if your brick is metric or imperial by comparing its dimensions to the standard sizes for each:

• Metric - The standard metric brick size in the UK is 215 x 102.5 x 65 mm. This size has been in use since 1965. 
• Imperial - Imperial bricks are generally larger than metric bricks and are measured in inches. There is no single imperial brick size, but popular sizes include 228 mm long by 108 mm wide, with a height of 50 mm, 68 mm, 73 mm, 75 mm, or 80 mm. 

Brick sizes have varied over time in the UK:

• Before 1780: Bricks were often two inches in size. 
• 1784: A government tax on bricks led brick makers to produce larger bricks so fewer were needed for a wall. 
• 1850: The tax was repealed, but many brick makers had already invested in machinery to make larger bricks, so they persisted. 
• 1965: The metric system was adopted as the standard. 

If you're replacing bricks in an older building, you should check the original brick size to ensure consistency and a better visual finish.

You can determine if a brick is handmade, pressed, waterstruck, or wire cutby looking at its texture, shape, and how it was made:

• Handmade - Made by hand, these bricks have a traditional, rustic look and may vary in size. For example, Roman handmade bricks are made by hand-throwing clay into a wooden mold. 
• Pressed - Made by moulding clay into shape using pressure. Pressed bricks stand out from the mortar and create a shadow that highlights their three-dimensional surface. 
• Waterstruck - Made using a special moulding technique that involves wetting the clay with water to create a lightly textured surface. Waterstruck bricks have a subtle roughness and come in a variety of colors. 
• Wire cut - Made by pressing clay into a long column and cutting it into bricks. Wire cut bricks have a smooth, angular shape and are more uniform in size than other types of bricks. 

To measure a brick wall, you can calculate the surface area of the wall and then multiply that by the number of bricks per square meter:

1. Calculate the surface area: Multiply the height of the wall by its length. For example, a wall that is 6 meters long and 1.5 meters high has a surface area of 9 square meters. 
2. Calculate the number of bricks per square meter: Divide the size of a single brick by the total area of the wall. 
3. Multiply the surface area by the number of bricks per square meter: This will give you the number of bricks you need. 
4. Add in any extras: This includes wastage and piers. 

You can use a brick calculator tool to help you estimate the number of bricks you'll need. The size of the brick, mortar joint, pattern, and wall type can all affect the estimate. You should also allow for wastage, which can be as much as 10% of the total.

Close Up Picture

Take a close up picture of the brick you are looking to match. To assess the colour and texture, this should be from around a metre away.

Brickwork Picture

So we can find your match or the best alternative, please provide an image of the brickwork from approximately 5 metres away.

There are several ways that you can get a free brick matching services, including:

• By Email
• Filling in our online form
• Project Site Visit
• Visit our Brick Showroom

The Heritage Brick Yard provides a free and easy brick matching service in just a few simple steps. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable staff offer a comprehensive service delivered with the most extensive knowledge in the area.

Order via Product Page

On the specific product page, to the right of the product image there is an 'Order Sample' Button. Click the button to order your sample online.

Order via Email

Simply email our sales team your project requirements and specific product you wish to order a sample.

Visit Us

If you are close by or wish to see our full range, why not come and visit us at our bespoke Brick Centre? and take samples away free of charge.