The short answer is yes — you can install brick slips without using corner brick slips. However, whether you shoulddepends on the look you’re trying to achieve, the location of the installation and how important realism is to the finished result.
Brick slips are designed to replicate the appearance of traditional brickwork without the depth of full bricks. On flat walls with no returns or edges, standard brick slips work perfectly well on their own. Problems only begin when the wall turns a corner, wraps around a chimney breast or finishes at a visible edge.
Without corner brick slips, installers usually rely on one of two approaches. The first is butting two flat slips together at a right angle. This is the quickest method, but also the most visually obvious. The join between the slips creates a sharp seam that immediately gives away the fact that the wall is a surface treatment rather than real brickwork.
The second option is mitring standard brick slips at 45 degrees so they meet neatly at the corner. When done accurately, this can create a convincing edge and is often used where corner pieces are unavailable. However, it requires precise cutting, consistent brick sizes and careful alignment. Any small error becomes highly visible, especially once pointing is applied.
So why do people choose not to use corner brick slips? Cost and availability are common reasons. Corner slips are more expensive than flat slips and aren’t always stocked in every style or colour. In some cases, particularly on internal corners or areas that aren’t a focal point, the added expense may not feel justified.
There are also design-led reasons. Some homeowners prefer a more contemporary, pared-back look where the brick finish clearly reads as a surface rather than a structural element. In these settings, visible edges can feel intentional rather than flawed, especially when paired with modern materials like steel, glass or plaster.
That said, there are trade-offs. Without corner brick slips, the illusion of full brickwork is weakened. This is most noticeable on chimney breasts, fireplaces and feature walls where depth and solidity are part of the appeal. Corners in these areas naturally catch light and shadow, making joins more prominent.
Durability is another consideration. Corners are high-impact areas, particularly in hallways or around openings. Flat brick slips meeting at an edge are more vulnerable to chipping over time. Corner brick slips provide added thickness and protection, helping the installation stand up to everyday wear.
Ultimately, installing brick slips without corner pieces is a viable option — but it’s a compromise. It works best in low-visibility areas, minimalist interiors or projects where budget constraints outweigh the desire for realism. For feature walls and high-impact spaces, corner brick slips remain the most reliable way to achieve a finished, authentic look.
The key is being intentional. If you choose not to use corner brick slips, it should be a conscious design decision rather than an afterthought.