Handmade long thin bricks combine the horizontal proportion of a long-format brick with the tactile variation of a worked clay surface. Used as non-loadbearing wall finishes, they can give facades and interiors a quieter linear rhythm than conventional brick sizes while retaining small differences from unit to unit.
The handmade character must still be controlled. Dimensions, allowable bow, colour range, bond pattern, adhesive, joints and movement details should be agreed for the project before production or installation.
Distinguish a thin brick from a full facing brick
A long thin brick is typically an adhered or system-fixed veneer unit. It is not a structural brick and should not be specified as loadbearing masonry. LOPO’s current long-brick information lists the thin format at approximately 500 mm long, 40 mm high and 15 mm thick, with smooth, grooved and handmade textures. Confirm the offered dimensions, body, back profile and current data for the selected item.
A full long-format facing brick is thicker and belongs to a different wall design. Comparing the two only by purchase price or production time is misleading: substrate, support, ties or fixing, mortar, labour, corners and local compliance affect the complete installed solution.
Use the long proportion to set facade rhythm
The 500-by-40 mm nominal proportion creates a strong horizontal line. Before choosing a bond, lay the module across actual elevations and openings. Joint width changes the repeating dimension, so even a small adjustment can influence sill heights, parapets and the position of vertical cuts.
Running bond
Creates familiar movement, but cut lengths and overlap should suit the long, slender unit.
Stack bond
Emphasises precision and alignment, making substrate and joint tolerances more visible.
Mixed lengths
Can soften repetition when designed deliberately and supported by a clear cutting schedule.
Set out corners, columns, jambs and returns at the same time as the field. Decide whether these locations use purpose-made corner units, mitred pieces, cut returns or a separate trim. The choice affects depth, shadow and durability at exposed edges.
Approve texture and fired colour at useful scale
Hand-worked texture is valuable because it is not perfectly uniform. That does not mean any variation is acceptable. Agree reference samples that show the intended surface relief, arrises, colour range and permitted marks. Review several units together rather than approving one especially attractive piece.
Build a representative mock-up with the specified joint colour and tooling. Observe it in direct and diffuse light. Blend units from several packs during installation when an even distribution is desired, and retain the approved benchmark for comparison through the work.
Coordinate substrate, bonding and joints
For adhered work, the responsible designer and installation-system supplier should confirm the substrate, primer, adhesive, coverage, curing and joint material for the project climate. The background must be stable, suitably flat and prepared in accordance with the approved method. A thin veneer cannot correct uncontrolled cracks or substrate movement.
| Detail | Decision to record | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Joint width | Nominal width, tolerance, colour and tooling | Controls the visual module and accommodates unit variation |
| Movement joints | Locations, width, sealant and interfaces | Prevents the finish from bridging required building movement |
| Corners | Piece type, cut, bond and protection | Maintains a convincing return and avoids fragile slivers |
| Terminations | Heads, bases, sills, flashings and adjacent materials | Coordinates drainage and makes the assembly serviceable |
For external applications, water management belongs to the complete wall, not the brick face alone. Coordinate flashings, cavity or drainage provisions, sealants and thresholds with the architect and facade engineer. Follow the applicable local standard and approved system information.
Match technical evidence to the selected unit
Ask for current data identifying the actual long thin brick, not a different clay tile or full brick. Depending on the project and jurisdiction, the submittal may need dimensional tolerances, water absorption, freeze–thaw, strength, reaction-to-fire or bond-system information. The responsible project team should define the required test methods and acceptance levels.
Specification boundary: handmade appearance is a visual characteristic, not proof of durability or compliance. Custom sizes and colours may be feasible, but they require manufacturing review, samples and confirmation of applicable test coverage.
Large or unusual formats can behave differently during drying, firing, packing and installation. Prototype early enough to adjust the module or surface before it affects the project programme.
Plan quantities, packing and site workmanship
Prepare a take-off by elevation and include agreed allowances for cuts, breakage, selection and future repairs. Special corners and cut pieces should be listed separately. Confirm pallet labels and delivery sequence so installers can identify finishes and zones without repeatedly moving fragile material.
- approved samples, mock-up, setting-out drawings and colour-blending method;
- substrate condition, adhesive, joint material and weather limitations;
- tolerances at openings, corners, movement joints and adjacent finishes;
- cleaning trial, protection, repair method and labelled spare units.
Discuss handmade long thin bricks
Send the project country, elevations, wall area, substrate or wall system, preferred size, bond, joint, colour and texture, corner requirements, performance criteria, quantity and schedule. LOPO can review current long-brick options, samples and manufacturing feasibility.