When it comes to installing brick slips, the order of operations can make a surprising difference to the finished result. One common question among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts is whether corner brick slips should be installed first, or if straight brick slips along flat walls take priority. The answer lies in understanding how brickwork naturally lays out, and how to achieve a seamless, professional appearance.
Corner brick slips are designed to mimic the appearance of full bricks wrapping around edges. They’re essential for creating realistic, continuous brickwork, particularly on visible corners such as fireplace surrounds, chimney breasts, or feature walls. Because of their shape, corner slips dictate how the adjoining straight slips are arranged. Installing straight slips first can create alignment issues at corners, leading to uneven joints or awkward cuts that are difficult to fix.
Starting with corner brick slips establishes a clear reference point. The corners act like anchors, giving you a framework to work from. With these in place, you can lay straight slips along the wall knowing that your mortar joints will line up correctly and that the pattern will remain consistent. This is especially important if you’re working with a running bond or stretcher bond pattern, where brick joints need to stagger naturally.
Another benefit of installing corners first is that it reduces wastage. Brick slips often need to be cut to fit around edges, doorways, and windows. If you begin with straight slips, you may end up making more cuts to fill awkward gaps at corners. Installing corner pieces first allows you to measure and cut straight slips with precision, ensuring a cleaner finish and saving time in the long run.
It’s also worth considering aesthetics. Corner brick slips are typically more visible than flat wall sections. They catch light differently and are often at eye level, so any mistakes are immediately noticeable. By installing these first, you can ensure they’re perfectly aligned, level, and evenly spaced before moving on to the less prominent straight sections. This attention to detail at the start sets the tone for the rest of the installation.
That said, careful planning is key. Before installing any slips, mark reference lines on the wall using a spirit level and chalk. This ensures both corner and straight slips sit flush and level. Applying PVA to the wall beforehand will also help the adhesive bond properly, giving you more time to adjust placement during installation.
Some installers may choose to work from the centre of a feature wall and move outwards, particularly for symmetrical designs. In these cases, corner slips are still installed early, even if not strictly first, because they form the boundary conditions for the design. The principle is the same: edges define the layout, and straight brick slips fill in the gaps.
In conclusion, the general rule of thumb is to install corner brick slips first. They anchor the pattern, guide the alignment of straight slips, reduce cutting errors, and ensure a professional, realistic finish. Skipping this step or reversing the order can create uneven joints, waste material, and make achieving a clean, cohesive look far more challenging. Start with the corners, and the rest of your brick slip installation will fall naturally into place.