Texmateria
Brick
A modular masonry unit made from fired clay. Its character comes from baked color variation, porous edges, mortar joints, small chips, and the repeated unit rhythm.
Common names
- clay brick
- face brick
- paver brick
Common uses
- Exterior walls
- Garden walls
- Fireplaces
- Paving
- Interior feature walls
Choosing points
- Best for walls, fireplaces, shops, and exterior work where stacked warmth and texture are wanted.
- Mortar color changes the whole impression as much as the brick color.
- Older brickwork often stains below metal fixtures, sills, and roof edges.
- Porous brick absorbs water, so detailing and flashing matter more than surface sealers.
How it ages
- Good fired brick is long-lived, but soft brick can spall in freeze-thaw when saturated.
What to avoid
- Do not use interior or decorative brick as exterior structural masonry. Exterior brick must handle rain, freezing, water absorption, and load.
