Brick Slips FAQs

Brick slips are slim brick-facing tiles designed to give a wall the look and texture of brickwork without building a full brick wall. Instead of using a full 65mm brick, brick slips are usually around 15mm to 20mm thick, so they can be fixed to a suitable wall in a similar way to tiles.

They are used for fireplaces, feature walls, kitchens, exterior walls, extensions, commercial spaces and renovation projects where customers want a real brick finish with less depth and less weight than traditional brickwork. Browse the brick slips collection to compare colours, finishes, samples, full boxes and corner brick slips.

Yes. Our brick slips are pre-cast rather than cut from full bricks. They are purpose-made as brick slip tiles, which helps control thickness, finish, weight and consistency across each product range.

Because they are cast in moulds and then finished by hand, the slips keep a natural texture and variation while remaining practical for internal and external installation. This makes them suitable for customers who want the brick look without the extra depth, cutting and structural changes that full bricks can involve.

Our brick slips are made from a cast mix that includes cement-based materials, pumice and oxide pigments. The material is poured into moulds, cured and finished so the face of each slip has the texture and character expected from brickwork.

The slips are then hand stained and sealed. This matters because the finish is not simply printed on a flat tile; colour is built into the surface and variation is created across the range. If you are comparing different brick slip colours, the best place to start is the brick slips collection page and then order samples of the styles you like most.

In everyday use, the terms brick slips and brick tiles are often used for the same type of product: a thin brick-facing tile fitted to a wall to create a brick effect. Some companies may use brick tile to describe a ceramic or porcelain tile printed with a brick design, but our brick slips are made to give a textured, shaped brick finish rather than a flat printed tile surface.

If you are searching for brick tiles, brick cladding or brick slip tiles, you are generally looking for the same finish: a wall that looks like brickwork without building with full bricks. The important checks are thickness, coverage, texture, colour variation, corner availability and whether the product can be used in your chosen location.

Sizes vary by product because different brick slip ranges are designed to recreate different brick styles. Some are slimmer and more traditional, while others are larger, rougher, more tumbled or more modern in shape.

Each product page includes product details such as size, thickness, coverage and the variants available. If you are choosing between several styles, open the product pages from the brick slips collection and compare the details before ordering samples or full boxes.

Brick slip prices vary depending on the range, finish and current offer. The most accurate price is always shown on the individual product page, including any sale price and compare-at price where relevant.

As a simple planning guide, customers usually price a project by working out the wall area, calculating boxes, adding corner brick slips where needed and allowing for accessories such as adhesive, primer, spacers and pointing mortar. For live pricing, start with the brick slips collection, then use the brick slips calculator before ordering.

Most of our brick slips are approximately 15mm to 20mm thick, although exact thickness can vary by range. This thinner profile is one of the main reasons customers choose brick slips: they create a brick wall appearance without using the space required for full-depth bricks.

Always check the product details on the product page you are buying from. Thickness can affect trims, reveals, sockets, skirting, hearth edges and how the finished wall meets surrounding materials.

Yes. Our brick slips are designed to give a real brick appearance in colour, texture, edge shape and surface detail. Because they are not smooth printed tiles, they have a more natural brick face and can be pointed with mortar to create a proper brickwork finish.

Lighting, mortar colour and surrounding decor can all change how a brick slip looks in a room, so we strongly recommend ordering samples first. Samples help you compare your favourite colours from the brick slips range in natural light before buying full boxes.

Brick slips do not have a normal shelf life or expiry date once installed correctly. Like tiles or brickwork, the life of the finish depends on the background, adhesive, pointing, sealing where needed and how the wall is used.

On a properly prepared wall, using suitable installation materials, brick slips should last for many years. The key is preparation: remove weak surfaces, prime where needed, use the right adhesive and point the joints neatly once the adhesive has cured.

Brick slips are individual slips, so the pattern is created during installation. The most common layout is stretcher bond, where each row is offset by half a brick, but you can also create stacked, herringbone-inspired or more decorative layouts depending on the project.

For most customers, stretcher bond is the safest and most natural-looking choice because it recreates familiar brickwork. If you want a clean, professional finish, plan the centre line, use spacers and dry-lay a few rows before fixing.

Our full boxes are sold by coverage rather than only by piece count. A standard box covers approximately 0.5m2 when fitted with 10mm mortar joints. Because brick slip sizes vary between ranges, the number of slips in a box can vary, often around 24 to 30 slips per box.

The important figure for ordering is the coverage. Measure your wall, add your wastage allowance and use the brick slips calculator to estimate the total boxes and corner packs needed.

Yes, our brick slips are designed for internal and external use when installed correctly. Customers use them on garden walls, house elevations, extensions, exterior features and outdoor covered areas.

External installation needs the right background, suitable adhesive, good pointing and sensible protection from water tracking behind the slips. For exterior projects, check the surface carefully and use the brick slips installation guide before ordering materials.

Yes. Our brick slips are A1 fire rated, meaning they are non-combustible and suitable for many fireplace and log burner surround projects. They are popular for chimney breasts and feature walls because the finished effect looks much closer to real brick than a smooth tile.

You should still follow the appliance manufacturer guidance, respect required clearances and make sure the background and adhesive are suitable for the heat area. If you are ordering for a fireplace, check whether you also need corner brick slips for visible returns.

Brick slips can be used in many open-fire or fireplace chamber settings because they are A1 fire rated. However, an open fire creates soot, ash and higher staining risk, so the finish should be treated in the same practical way as real brick.

Choose suitable adhesive and pointing materials for the heat area, follow all fire and appliance guidance, and expect the wall to weather naturally over time if it is exposed to smoke. For fireplace projects, ordering samples from the brick slips collection is especially useful because darker and rustic blends often hide soot better than very pale finishes.

Yes, brick slips work very well in kitchens as feature walls, splashback areas and breakfast-bar surrounds. They add texture and warmth, and they can make a new kitchen feel more established and architectural.

Because brick slips are textured, they are not as wipe-clean as a glossy tile. In areas close to cooking, sinks or heavy splashing, sealing after installation is recommended. For kitchen projects, compare finishes in the brick slips range and think about mortar colour as well as the brick colour.

Brick slips can be used on floors in the right circumstances, but the base must be hard, stable and suitable. Concrete, screed, existing tiles, latex-levelled floors or properly prepared boards may be suitable, while weak or flexible floors can cause movement and failure.

For floors, use a full bed of suitable adhesive, allow proper curing and seal the finished surface to help protect against staining. Floors receive more wear than walls, so preparation and product choice matter more.

Yes, brick slips can be used in bathrooms when the background is suitable and the finished surface is sealed. They work especially well on feature walls, around baths, behind vanity units and in areas where you want a warmer, more textured finish than standard tiles.

For wet rooms, showers or direct water exposure, extra care is needed. The wall build-up must be waterproofed correctly before the slips are fitted, and the brick slips should be sealed after pointing. If you are unsure, speak to an experienced tiler before ordering.

Yes, our brick slips are frost resistant when installed correctly. This is one reason they are used for exterior brick cladding projects as well as internal feature walls.

Frost resistance still depends on the installation. Water should not be allowed to sit behind the slips, joints should be pointed properly and the background should be stable. Correct preparation makes a major difference outdoors.

Our brick slips are A1 fire rated, which means they are non-combustible. That makes them suitable for many high-heat decorative areas such as fireplace surrounds and log burner feature walls.

Heatproof does not mean every adhesive, primer, sealer or background is suitable for every appliance. Always check the full wall build-up, appliance clearances and installation products before fitting near heat.

Yes, our brick slips are available to homeowners, builders, tilers, designers, shop fitters and trade customers. Orders are placed online in the same way for all customers.

We keep online pricing as clear and competitive as possible, so trade customers can order directly through the website, use the product pages for quantities and use the calculator before checkout.

For most internal brick slip projects, planning permission is not required. For exterior projects, it depends on the property, location and whether the work changes the external appearance of the building.

If your property is listed, in a conservation area or subject to local restrictions, check with your local planning authority before fitting external brick slips. The product can be simple to install, but planning responsibility still sits with the property owner.

Brick slips can be used in many places, but the background must be suitable. Problem areas include flexible timber, weak boards, PVC, metal, loose paint, damp surfaces, dusty plaster and any background that moves, flexes or cannot hold adhesive properly.

If the background moves, the slips and mortar joints can crack. If the surface is dusty or weak, adhesive can bond to the dust instead of the wall. For difficult backgrounds, get advice before ordering from the brick slips collection.

A corner brick slip is an L-shaped piece used on external corners, returns, pillars and chimney breasts. It wraps around the corner and creates the appearance of full brickwork rather than two flat slips meeting with a visible cut line.

Corner brick slips are especially useful on fireplaces, media walls, exterior reveals and garden features. If your project has visible outside corners, choose the corner brick slip variant on the product page where available.

Corner brick slips are fitted on external corners, meaning corners that project outwards. Internal corners, where two walls meet inwardly, are normally handled with standard flat brick slips cut or fitted into the corner.

For the most natural result, fit the corner pieces first and then work the flat slips back into the wall. This keeps the corner looking like real brickwork and helps avoid awkward small cuts at the most visible edge.

Corner brick slips are ordered from the individual product page. Open the colour you want from the brick slips collection, then choose the corner brick slip variant if that option is available for the product.

Use the main product image and variant information to confirm you are buying the correct colour and format. If you also need flat slips, add both the full box quantity and the corner pack quantity before checkout.

Measure the total linear height of visible external corners. Corner packs are usually calculated by height coverage rather than wall area. For example, if you have two vertical returns on a chimney breast and each return is 2.4m high, the total corner length is 4.8 linear metres.

The product page calculator can help you estimate corners. If your project has several returns, reveals or pillars, measure each external corner separately and add them together before ordering.

For many brick slip ranges, a corner pack covers around 0.5 linear metres in height. The exact number of corner pieces can vary depending on the brick slip size, because larger formats need fewer pieces to cover the same height.

Always check the product page for the current product detail. If the calculator states total corners or total corner packs, use that figure with a sensible wastage allowance.

Yes. Samples are available on the product pages so you can check colour, texture, size and finish before ordering full quantities. A sample is particularly helpful because brick slips can look different depending on daylight, artificial lighting, wall colour, flooring and mortar colour.

Start from the brick slips collection, choose the styles you like, then order samples from the product pages before committing to full boxes.

You can order samples from different brick slip ranges, but only one sample pack of each individual product type should be ordered per customer. This lets you compare options while keeping sample orders fair and useful.

For example, you can order a Rustic Red sample and a Castle Blend sample, but you should not order multiple sample packs of the same exact brick slip. Once you have chosen your preferred finish, order full boxes from that product page.

Brick slip samples are sent as small parcels, usually with Evri. Sample packs normally include a small number of slips so you can see the colour, texture and variation in person.

Samples are intended for choosing a finish, not for measuring the full project. Use samples to choose the product, then use the brick slips calculator to estimate boxes, corners and accessories.

Sample deliveries are usually quicker than full pallet orders. The live FAQ page states samples are generally delivered within a few working days, and sample delivery time can vary depending on courier volume and location.

If you are working to a tight installation date, order samples early. It is better to check the product first than to rush into a full order and discover the colour is not right for the room.

Sample pricing is shown on each product page. Samples help cover picking, packing and delivery costs, while giving you a low-risk way to check the product before buying full boxes.

If you are comparing several shades, order the closest options together and view them in the room where they will be fitted. That is the most reliable way to choose between red, buff, grey, reclaimed, modern and rustic brick slip finishes.

Yes. Samples are taken from the same brick slip ranges you see on the website. Because brick slips are designed to have natural variation, your sample should be treated as a guide to the overall colour and texture rather than one identical repeated piece.

For the best decision, look at samples in daylight, evening light and beside your intended mortar colour. Then return to the brick slips product range to order the chosen finish.

Brick slips are normally installed by preparing the wall, priming where needed, applying suitable adhesive with a notched trowel, setting out the bond, fitting the slips with spacers, allowing the adhesive to cure and then pointing the joints with mortar.

The process is similar to tiling, but the finish is more like brickwork because the joints are pointed. Read the full brick slips installation guide before starting and make sure you have the correct slips, corners, adhesive, spacers and pointing materials ready.

Brick slips are relatively straightforward for competent DIY customers, tilers and bricklayers, but the finish depends heavily on preparation and setting out. A clean, stable, primed surface and consistent spacing make the job much easier.

Do not rush the first rows. If the first rows are level and the bond is planned, the rest of the wall usually follows neatly. If the first rows are out, the mistake becomes more visible as the wall grows.

Common tools include a tape measure, pencil, spirit level, mixing bucket, 6mm notched trowel, adhesive trowel, spacers, pointing gun, pointing trowel, stiff brush, wet tile saw or angle grinder and suitable protective equipment.

You should also protect floors, worktops and nearby surfaces before mixing adhesive or cutting slips. For installation accessories, browse the accessories collection and use the product page calculator for estimated quantities.

Preparation is one of the most important parts of the installation. The wall should be clean, dry, stable and free from dust, grease, wallpaper, loose paint and weak material. If adhesive bonds to dust or loose paint, the brick slips may not hold properly.

Porous backgrounds should normally be primed before fixing. If the wall is uneven, repair it before starting. If the surface is weak, flexible or damp, solve that problem first rather than trying to hide it behind brick slips.

Use a suitable tile or brick slip adhesive for the background and location. Our product pages and calculator recommend adhesive where relevant, and you can also browse brick slip adhesive and accessories before ordering.

Follow the adhesive manufacturer's instructions for mixing, open time and curing. Do not add extra water once the adhesive begins to set, and do not point the joints until the adhesive has cured enough to hold the slips securely.

Find the centre of the wall, decide your bond pattern and mark level guide lines before fixing. Many customers use a half-brick offset so the finished wall follows a traditional stretcher bond pattern.

Start from a clear guide line rather than guessing from one side of the wall. Dry-lay a few slips to check cuts at the edges, corners and openings. This helps avoid tiny cuts in visible places.

Yes, spacers are strongly recommended. A consistent joint gap makes the wall look professional and gives space for the pointing mortar. Standard 10mm spacers are commonly used for a traditional brickwork look.

Spacers can often be reused as you work across the wall, especially with fast-setting adhesive. You can find spacer options in the accessories collection.

Brick slips are pointed by filling the joints with suitable mortar after the adhesive has cured. A pointing gun can make the job faster and cleaner, especially on larger walls. Once the mortar begins to firm up, it can be tooled and brushed back carefully.

Do not smear wet mortar across the face of the slips. Work neatly, clean as you go and test the finish in a small area first. Mortar colour has a big effect on the final look, so choose it as carefully as the brick slip colour.

Most projects need brick slips, corner brick slips where required, adhesive, primer where required, spacers, pointing mortar, buckets, measuring tools, a level, cutting equipment and protective equipment. Some projects may also need sealer.

The easiest route is to choose your product from the brick slips collection, use the product page calculator and add the recommended accessories before checkout.

Many tilers and bricklayers can install brick slips. Tilers are used to adhesive, levels, cutting and surface preparation, while bricklayers understand bond patterns and pointing. The best installer is someone who is careful, tidy and comfortable with both tile-style fixing and brick-style finishing.

Before hiring, ask whether they have fitted brick slips before, how they plan to set out the wall, what adhesive they will use and when they will point the joints.

Installation costs vary by location, project size, access, wall condition, cutting, corners, fireplace detail and whether pointing is included. The live FAQ page gives a broad guide of around 10 to 30 pounds per square metre, but real quotes can sit outside that depending on the project.

Always ask what is included in the quote. A cheaper price may not include preparation, primer, cutting, pointing, sealing, waste disposal or tricky corner details.

Brick slips can be fitted to many stable backgrounds including plaster, plasterboard, brick, block, tile, render, cement, concrete, cement board, suitable insulation board and properly prepared marine ply.

The key word is stable. The surface must be able to carry the weight and should not move, flex, crumble or hold moisture. If you are unsure, prime and prepare according to the surface type, or ask an installer before ordering.

Yes. Exterior brick slips are a popular choice for garden walls, house fronts, extensions, outbuildings and exterior feature panels. Correct installation matters more outside because the wall is exposed to rain, frost and temperature changes.

Use suitable exterior adhesive, prepare the background correctly and point the joints properly so water cannot track behind the slips. For exterior projects, add a sensible wastage allowance and check whether corners are needed.

Yes, our brick slips are A1 fire rated and suitable for many heat-adjacent decorative areas. They are often used around log burners, fireplaces and chimney breasts.

Check the full installation system, not just the brick slip. Adhesive, primer, backing board, clearances and the appliance itself all matter. Follow appliance guidance and use materials suitable for the heat conditions.

Brick slips are usually cut with a wet tile saw or an angle grinder fitted with a suitable blade. A wet saw gives cleaner cuts and helps control dust, while an angle grinder is useful for detail cuts if used carefully.

Always wear eye protection, a suitable mask and follow tool safety guidance. Dry-lay and mark cuts before applying adhesive so you are not rushing while the adhesive is open.

Our slips are sealed during manufacture, but many customers choose to add a further clear matt sealer after installation, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, high-traffic areas and exterior projects.

Sealer can help reduce staining and make cleaning easier. Test any sealer on a spare slip or hidden area first, because sealers can slightly alter the colour or sheen of the finished wall.

Yes. Brick slips need very little maintenance once installed. For normal cleaning, use a soft brush, vacuum brush attachment or a lightly damp cloth depending on the finish and location.

Avoid harsh acid cleaners and avoid scrubbing wet mortar across the face during installation. For kitchens or bathrooms, sealing the surface can make day-to-day cleaning easier.

Measure the height and width of each wall in metres, multiply height by width to get square metres, then add the walls together. Because our full boxes cover approximately 0.5m2, you can estimate boxes by multiplying the square metres by two, then adding wastage.

The easiest method is to use the brick slips calculator. It can calculate boxes, corner brick slips and accessories from your measurements and helps reduce the risk of ordering too little.

Measure the total linear height of every visible external corner. If a chimney breast has two outside corners at 2.5m high, the total corner length is 5m. Corner packs are then calculated from that total linear measurement.

Internal corners do not normally need corner pieces; they are usually completed with flat slips. For visible external corners, corner brick slips give a much more natural full-brick look.

Yes, a wastage allowance is sensible. Cuts, breakages, pattern adjustments and future repairs all mean you should not order the exact measured area with no spare slips.

We usually recommend adding around 10% to 15% depending on the project. More corners, more cuts and more openings usually mean more wastage. The calculator includes an option to allow for wastage.

Adhesive quantity depends on wall area, trowel size, background texture and how heavily the adhesive is applied. As a general guide, the product page calculator and accessory recommendations should be used before checkout.

If in doubt, order slightly more adhesive than the absolute minimum. Running out mid-wall is frustrating and can interrupt the installation at the wrong time.

Mortar quantity depends on wall area, joint width, joint depth and the finish you want. Wider or deeper joints use more mortar. A 10mm joint is common for a traditional brick slip finish.

Choose mortar colour carefully. Natural, buff, grey and darker tones can change the entire look of the wall. If your project is decorative and highly visible, test mortar colour before pointing the whole wall.

For most projects, 200 to 400 spacers is a practical starting point, and spacers can often be reused as each section sets. Larger walls may need more, especially if you want to work across a wider area at once.

Use consistent spacers throughout the wall. Mixing joint widths can make the finished brickwork look uneven, even if the brick slips themselves are high quality.

Yes, the redesigned product page calculator is intended to show the recommended amount of brick slips, corners and installation accessories from your measurements. It helps customers build a more complete order rather than buying boxes and forgetting adhesive, spacers or pointing products.

For the full measuring tool, use the brick slips calculator page before ordering from the brick slips collection.

Choose your preferred product from the brick slips collection, open the product page, select the format you need, enter the quantity and add it to cart. You can order samples, full boxes and corner brick slips from the product page where available.

Orders are placed online so the checkout, delivery details and order confirmation are recorded correctly. If you need help before ordering, use the contact options on the page.

Yes, installation accessories are available through the website. You can browse the accessories collection or use the product page calculator to see recommended amounts based on your measurements.

Accessories may include adhesive, primer, spacers, fire cement and pointing products. Always check the product details and make sure the accessory is suitable for your wall, location and installer preference.

Checkout accepts major card providers and the payment options shown at checkout. Payment options can change over time, so the checkout page is the source of truth when placing your order.

If you are planning a large project, calculate quantities first, check the delivery details and make sure the email address on the order is correct so you receive updates.

The current live FAQ says PayPal is not offered as a payment method. If this changes, the available payment methods will appear at checkout.

Use the standard checkout payment options shown online. Do not send payment outside checkout unless Brick Slips UK has specifically instructed you through an official contact method.

Measure every wall carefully, add the areas together, calculate corners separately and include wastage. Do not forget hidden cuts around sockets, reveals, windows, fireplaces and corners.

The safest route is to use the brick slips calculator, then order from the same product page so the box coverage, corner coverage and accessories match the product you have chosen.

The live FAQ states that full orders usually take around 5 to 7 working days, with larger orders sometimes needing extra time. Times can vary depending on order size, stock, courier capacity and whether the order is made to order.

Always read the latest delivery information before booking an installer. Do not schedule fitting until your goods have arrived and been checked.

Full orders are normally delivered by pallet because brick slips are heavy and need secure transport. Pallet delivery is usually kerbside, meaning the driver delivers as close as safely possible from the vehicle but cannot carry the goods into your property.

Make sure access is suitable for a large lorry and tell the delivery team if there are restrictions. The pallet is normally left with you, and deliveries can arrive any time within the courier delivery window.

Check the order as soon as it arrives. If anything is damaged or missing, note it with the driver where possible and contact Brick Slips UK quickly with your order details and photos.

The live FAQ asks customers to report damage or missing items within 24 hours. Email sales@brick-slips.uk or use the contact page so the issue can be recorded and resolved.

The live FAQ states a 14-day return policy for products that are new, unopened and returned in suitable condition. Customers are normally responsible for arranging and paying for the return delivery, including suitable insurance.

Because brick slips are heavy and returns can be expensive, we strongly recommend ordering samples first. Read the latest return details and delivery information before placing a large order.

Samples are delivered as smaller parcels rather than pallets, usually through a parcel courier. The live FAQ mentions Evri for sample delivery, with delivery normally within a few working days.

Samples are the best low-cost way to choose colour and texture before ordering full boxes. Once you have selected the right sample, return to the product page and use the calculator for project quantities.

Choose brick slips in the room or area where they will be installed. Red and reclaimed blends suit traditional fireplaces and industrial interiors, buff and lighter blends suit softer schemes, and grey or darker tones can look more modern.

Images are useful, but samples are better. Compare samples from the brick slips collection against your flooring, paint, worktops and lighting before committing.

Yes, mortar colour can completely change the wall. A light mortar can make each slip stand out clearly, while a darker mortar can make the wall look moodier and more blended. Natural mortar is often a balanced choice for traditional brickwork.

When planning your project, choose the brick slip first, then think about mortar colour, joint size and whether the wall should look clean, rustic, reclaimed or modern.

It is sensible to order samples first, choose the product, calculate the full quantity and then plan the installation date once the full order has arrived and been checked. This avoids delays if the courier is late, the order needs checking or you decide to change colour after seeing samples.

Do not book a fixed installation date until the goods are with you and you have checked boxes, corners and accessories.

Yes, brick slips are much thinner than full bricks, so they are normally lighter and easier to use for decorative cladding. That makes them useful for feature walls and renovations where full brickwork would take too much space or require more structural work.

The wall still needs to be suitable for the weight of the slips, adhesive and mortar. If the background is weak, fix that first.

If you still need help, use the contact options below or visit the contact page. For product selection, it helps to include the brick slip range you are considering, the wall size, whether you need corners and whether the project is internal, external or near heat.

You can also start by browsing the brick slips collection, opening the product page and using the calculator to work out what is needed.