Brick slips, also known as brick tiles or brick veneers, are thin cuts of brick that are used primarily in the interior and exterior of buildings to mimic the appearance of traditional brickwork. They are an excellent choice for those looking to infuse the charm and strength of brick into their space without the need for structural brick walls.

Types of brick slips

Acrylic Brick Slips

Acrylic brick slips are a modern innovation in the world of cladding. They are lightweight and are often used in situations where the weight of traditional brick slips may be an issue, such as on interior surfaces where structural support is limited. Their synthetic composition allows for a variety of colours and textures that might not be achievable with natural clay. They are also typically weatherproof and durable, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cut Brick Slips

Cut brick slips are traditional brick slips that are exactly what their name suggests — they are cut from full-size bricks. This process ensures that the slips bear the same properties as conventional bricks, including colour, texture, and durability. They are ideal for those who are looking for the authentic look and feel of real brick without the full depth of standard bricks. They are often used in restoration projects where matching the original brickwork is essential.

Fired Clay Brick Slips

Fired clay brick slips are made from natural clay that is shaped and then kiln-fired to achieve the desired strength and durability. They are known for their hardwearing qualities and classic brick aesthetic. The firing process allows for a range of finishes, from smooth and uniform to rustic and textured, depending on the firing temperature and duration. These slips are commonly used for both interior and exterior applications, providing the appearance of conventional brickwork with a reduced load and thickness.

Where can you install them?

1. Enhance Interior Walls: Brick slips can be used to create a feature wall in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom. They add texture and warmth to a room, making it feel cosy and inviting.
2. Kitchen Backsplash: They are highly resistant to stains and splashes, making them perfect for kitchen backsplashes. Their durability and ease of cleaning are a bonus.
3. Bathroom Upgrade: Transform your bathroom by using brick slips to create a stylish, urban look. They are excellent for wet rooms due to their water-resistant properties.
4. Exterior Cladding: Brick slips can be used on the exterior of a building to provide a classic brick appearance without the weight and expense of full-sized bricks.
5. Commercial Spaces: They are a popular choice in commercial design, providing a rustic or industrial look to shops, cafes, and restaurants.
6. Fireplace Surround: Use brick slips to give your fireplace a traditional brick surround, adding character to your living space.
7. Create a Loft Style: For a chic, urban loft style, brick slips can bring an industrial vibe to any space.
8. Garden Walls: They can also be used outdoors to create beautiful garden walls or to enhance the facade of a garden shed.
9. Flooring: Surprisingly, brick slips can also be used for flooring, providing a durable and unique floor option.
10. DIY Projects: Due to their versatility and ease of installation, brick slips are excellent for DIY enthusiasts looking to add a touch of brickwork to furniture or other home projects.

Benefits of brick slips

Brick slips offer a variety of benefits that make them a compelling choice for both residential and commercial applications. Here are some key advantages:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Brick slips provide the classic look of real brickwork, adding character and warmth to any space.
2. Versatility: They can be used in a wide range of environments, from kitchens and bathrooms to exteriors and fireplaces, fitting various design aesthetics from rustic to modern.
3. Lightweight: Being thinner than traditional bricks, they are lighter and put less structural load on buildings, making them suitable for spaces that cannot support the weight of full bricks.
4. Easy Installation: Brick slips can be installed much like tiles, making the process quicker and less labour-intensive than traditional bricklaying.
5. Durability: Made from high-quality materials, brick slips are durable and long-lasting. They withstand wear and tear, are weather-resistant, and require minimal maintenance.
6. Insulation: They can provide additional thermal insulation and soundproofing to a building, contributing to energy efficiency.
7. Space-Saving: Their thin profile means they take up less space than conventional bricks, which is advantageous in tight areas.
8. Flexibility in Design: With a range of colours, textures, and finishes, they allow for creative design flexibility that can mimic various types of brickwork or provide completely unique aesthetics.
9. Cost-Effective: They can be more cost-effective than traditional brick, especially when considering the reduced labour and installation time.
10. Sustainability: Some brick slips are made from recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly cladding option.