How Many Corner Brick Slips Should You Order?

When embarking on a brick slip project, whether for a new build or a renovation, one of the key considerations is how much material you'll need. While most people know how to calculate the number of regular brick slips they need for a flat surface, the same logic doesn’t necessarily apply to corners. Corner brick slips—used to give a consistent and seamless look to building corners—require a bit more calculation. So, how many corner brick slips should you order for your project? The answer is: 14 corner brick slips per linear meter.

Why Is It Different for Corner Brick Slips?

The need for a different calculation arises from the way corner brick slips are designed and installed. A corner brick slip isn't simply a standard brick that's cut at an angle. These bricks are specifically shaped to wrap around a corner, providing a clean and uniform finish. Since you're covering two sides of a corner (both the left and right sides), the number of corner slips you require per linear meter differs from the amount you'd need for a flat wall.

How to Calculate the Number of Corner Brick Slips You Need

To calculate the number of corner brick slips required, you need to know the total length of your corners in meters. The calculation is relatively straightforward: for every meter of corner you’re covering, you'll need 14 corner brick slips.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Measure the Total Length of the Corners:
   First, measure the total length of the corners that need to be covered with corner brick slips. This could be one long corner or a series of shorter corners. For example, if your building has several corners, simply add up the total length in meters.

2. Multiply by 14:
   For each linear meter of corner, you will need 14 corner brick slips. So, if you have a corner that’s 2 meters long, you will need:

   $$2 \, \text{meters} \times 14 \, \text{corner slips} = 28 \, \text{corner slips}$$

3. Account for Waste:
   It’s always a good idea to account for a little extra material in case of breakages, miscalculations, or slight variations in the brickwork. It’s recommended to order an additional 5-10% of your total required corner slips to ensure you have enough.

Why 14 Corner Slips per Meter?

The reason for the figure of 14 corner brick slips per linear meter is based on the typical dimensions and overlap of corner slips. Most corner slips are designed to cover both sides of the corner, with each slip typically being about half the length of a standard brick. When installed, two corner slips are used for each linear meter of corner, one for each side. With standard brick slips being around 215mm in length, 14 slips per meter ensures that you can cover both sides of the corner with the correct overlap and alignment.

Ordering Corner Brick Slips: A Practical Tip

To ensure you order the right number of corner brick slips for your project, always double-check the size and specification of the corner slips. Some manufacturers may have different designs or dimensions, which could slightly alter the number you need. Always consult with your supplier or refer to product details for the most accurate calculation.

Conclusion

When planning a project that requires corner brick slips, remember the general rule: 14 corner brick slips per linear meter. By measuring your corner lengths and multiplying by this figure, you can easily calculate how many corner slips you’ll need. Don’t forget to account for waste and possible cutting errors, and you’ll be well-prepared to complete your brick slip installation with a beautiful, seamless finish.