UK Brick Identification Guides

Useful information for identifying, matching and replacing bricks in UK buildings. These guides support the photo identification tool but are not a substitute for checking the physical brick before ordering.

How to identify a brick

Start with a clear close-up of the face. Look at colour, texture, sandface, firing marks, edge shape and manufacturing method. If the brick has a frog, stamp, lettering, maker's mark or mould code, photograph that separately because it can be highly diagnostic.

Brick dimensions

Modern UK bricks commonly sit around 215 mm long and 65 mm high, but sizes vary by product, age and manufacturer. Measure length, width and height where possible. Dimensions are useful for separating similar-looking products.

Frogs and maker's marks

The frog is the depression or recess formed in one face of many bricks. Its shape, depth and markings can help distinguish manufacturers and product families. Embossed words, numbers and mould codes can be particularly useful evidence.

Colour and texture

Colour alone is rarely enough for an exact identification. Compare the whole face: grain size, sand coating, surface texture, edge sharpness, firing variation, speckling and colour transitions. Lighting and weathering can change how a brick appears in a photograph.

Regional clues

Brickworks and product ranges have historically been associated with particular areas of the UK. Regional information can narrow a search, but a catalogue association should not be presented as proof that a photographed brick came from that region.

Using Find My Brick

• Take 2–4 close-up brick faces where possible.
• Photograph any frog or manufacturer stamp.
• Add accurate dimensions if you have them.
• Use the confidence score as guidance, not a guarantee.
• For replacement work, compare the physical sample before ordering a large quantity.