Wish to order a Brick Sample?

If you have seen a brick on our website or on social media that suits your project requirements but you want to be 100% certain before ordering, you can request to receive a brick sample pack from us. See below how to order a brick sample.

To complementary our Brick Sample Service, Reclaimed Brick Company also offer a Free Brick Matching Services. With our years of experience, we can quickly provide you with a sample to match your existing building. Simply email over your brick requirements, including a photo of your existing bricks, and a member of our team will be in touch.

Once the team have successfully matched your brick we can send out brick samples, visit the yard or place an order.

The difference between imperial and metric brick sizes plays an important role in both the aesthetics and practicality of construction. Imperial bricks, typically used in older buildings, measure 3 inches by 9 inches by 4.5 inches, providing a larger and more robust appearance. In contrast, modern metric bricks have a standardized size of 65mm high, 215mm long and 102.5mm wide, making them more uniform and easier to work with for contemporary building practices. The switch from imperial to metric bricks happened over time due to standardisation, but the original imperial bricks continue to be sought after in renovation projects.

Imperial bricks have distinct qualities that make them popular in restoration and conservation projects. Their larger size gives them an imposing and traditional look, which is especially valued in the restoration of historic buildings. As they were often made by hand, imperial bricks tend to have a more textured, characterful appearance, making them ideal for projects requiring authenticity and charm. Many homeowners and builders prefer to use these older bricks in projects where the goal is to maintain the integrity and style of traditional construction. Common Imperial Brick sizes are 75mm x 230mm x 110mm and 68mm x 228mm x 108mm.

Metric bricks measure 65mm x 215mm x 102.5mm, they are designed to be consistent in size and often made by machines, though there are a small number of genuine handmade metric bricks on the market. Their smaller dimensions allow for more efficient transportation and are easier to handle for the bricklayer. The standardised size also simplifies building techniques and reduces the likelihood of gaps or inconsistencies in the brickwork. Despite this, the demand for imperial bricks continues, especially in areas where heritage and historical accuracy are paramount, such as barn conversions, period homes, and conservation areas.