Blending of bricks: Good practice but out of our control

It’s easy to cut corners on a building site. Sometimes you can get away with it and on other occasions it can create real problems. Time spent blending brickwork is one area that really makes a difference to the final product. 

Due to the nature of the fired clay process, the final colour can fluctuate between different batches. Although as much practical blending as possible will be employed at the brick factory, there is no substitute for blending on site.

To avoid colour banding or patches within the finished brickwork it's important to ensure that bricks are well blended.

When brick packs arrive on site its good practice to open at least three packs and mix the contents.

This is done by creating one new bale using the three packs until you have three new blended bales with some overlap between the deliveries where possible.

Different manufacturers will also have factory specific opening instructions for optimum blending, and it is best to follow these as closely as you can. Where circumstances allow, it will be beneficial to take delivery of as many bricks as possible at an early stage to maximise colour consistency throughout the project.

Don’t forget that the same applies to brick pavings as well!

So what’s it got to do with the building regulations? Well nothing really. Both properties in the photos are structurally sound and comply but just like you, we want to be proud of a finished job.

Sadly these aren’t likely to be nominated for the next LABC Building Excellence awards.

Further information

The Brick Development Association's guide to Good site practice and workmanship

The Dos and Don'ts of freestanding brick walls

The LABC Warranty guide to laying bricks and blocks