Brick Slips

Choosing brick slips for your project

Brick slips let you introduce the colour and texture of a brick face without building a full-depth brick wall. They are often described as brick tiles, although products sold under these names can differ in material, dimensions and manufacture. Check the individual product details when comparing options, rather than assuming every brick-effect tile is the same.

For a fuller introduction to the materials and installation choices, read our guide to brick slips for UK homeowners. Start with the look you want and the surface you plan to cover. A softly varied blend can create a different result from an even colour, while a textured face changes the way light falls across the wall. The finished appearance also depends on the pointing, joint width and bond pattern. Treat these as part of the design from the beginning.

Colours, textures and blends

Our range includes red, yellow, cream and grey options, with different textures and blends to explore. Compare TBS Traditional Red Blend, TBS Daneshill Yellow and TBS Iced Grey as starting points for three different colour directions. Compare several products within your preferred colour family: two red blends can look quite different once variation, surface texture and mortar are considered.

Look at product photographs as a guide and check sample availability before placing a full order. Viewing a sample in the room or location where it will be used helps you judge colour under your own lighting. If you are matching existing brickwork, compare the overall blend as well as the colour of a single brick.

For help narrowing the choice, use our brick matching service. Share photographs and the dimensions of the existing brickwork so the team has useful information to work from.

Brick slips, brick tiles and full bricks

When you need the appearance of brick on a suitable backing, slips may be an option to consider. They form a facing layer; they do not replace the structural role of a masonry wall. The backing and fixing system must be appropriate for the selected product and application.

If your project calls for full masonry units, browse our bricks instead. If you are comparing slips from several suppliers, check whether the price is for one slip, a box or a stated area of coverage. A lower box price does not necessarily mean a lower cost for the finished wall.

How many brick slips do you need?

Measure the areas you want to cover and account for openings. Note any returns, reveals or other details separately, because they may need different pieces or extra cuts. Use the selected product's dimensions and coverage information, together with the intended joint width, when calculating quantities.

Our brick slip calculator can help you plan an initial quantity. Check the result against the pack or box information on the product page and round up to the available ordering units. Allow for the cuts and wastage appropriate to your layout rather than assuming that the measured wall area is the whole order.

For larger or more complex projects, request a quote with your measurements and preferred products. Include the details of corners and openings so they can be considered alongside the main wall area.

Corners, reveals and finishing details

External corners and window or door reveals need planning before installation starts. Check which corner pieces or other formats are available for your chosen range, and how their dimensions work with the intended layout.

A stretcher, header and corner piece perform different visual roles, so compare the product or variant descriptions carefully. Do not assume that an accessory from another range will match the colour, dimensions or texture. Where you need a particular finish or format, ask the team about the options before ordering.

Adhesive, pointing and preparation

The fixing products matter as much as the appearance of the slips. Adhesive needs to suit the slip, backing surface and intended application. Pointing material and joint width affect the finished look and must also be compatible with the selected system.

We list brick slip adhesive, pointing mortar and spacers. Read the relevant product guidance before choosing: a product being listed beside the slips is not confirmation that it suits every backing or location.

Arrange suitable surface preparation and follow the installation instructions for the complete system. For an unfamiliar substrate or application, establish compatibility before buying materials.

Can brick slips be used outside or around a fireplace?

These are product- and system-specific questions. For an outside wall, check the declared suitability of the slips, the backing and the fixing system for the intended exposure. Do not infer exterior suitability simply from a product's appearance.

For a fireplace or stove surround, check the appliance manufacturer's requirements and the temperature suitability of every part of the installation. A decorative surround and the inside of a working firebox are different applications. Obtain product-specific advice before choosing materials for either.

Bespoke brick slips and matching

If you cannot find the appearance you want in the listed range, explore creating your own brick slips. Review the available cutting options and confirm the proposed brick, format and quantities for your project.

This can be a useful starting point when coordinating with full bricks elsewhere in a build. Matching still needs a careful comparison of samples, dimensions and the overall blend. Check what is achievable before making a final selection.

Ordering and delivery

Check the current price, ordering unit, availability and delivery information for each selected item. Different products and formats can have different quantities per pack or box, so compare the total amount needed for your project.

Read our delivery information when planning your order. For a mixed order or a project with particular access or timing requirements, contact the team or request a quote before finalising arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

Are brick slips and brick tiles the same thing?

The terms are often used for similar products, but the name alone does not establish material, manufacture or suitability. Compare the specification of the product you are buying.

Can I match slips to my existing bricks?

Start with photographs, dimensions and, where possible, samples. Our brick matching service can help narrow the choice; an exact match should not be assumed from a screen image.

How do I check coverage and available formats?

No single box quantity should be assumed across the category. Use the coverage and ordering unit stated for your selected product, allowing for the layout and cuts.

Check the available variants on the individual listing. If you need corners, headers or a bespoke format that is not shown, contact the team to confirm the options.