Brick sourcing

[allthatpebbledash]

Having found out the supply of bricks is a little nuanced, I’m wondering if there’s manufacturers out there who’ll sell directly to self builders.

 

We have a decent sized plot and could possibly off take a load at a time, maybe even a wagon load.

 

I’ve searched the forum and come across York Handmade, but wondering if there’s others?

 

We’re based in West Yorkshire.

[Bonner]

I wouldn’t rule out dealing with builders merchants. If you are prepared to order a full load which is delivered directly from the factory, they will probably do it cheaper than you can buying direct, even with their mark up. 

[saveasteading]

12 hours ago, allthatpebbledash said:

manufacturers out there who’ll sell directly to self builders.

No.

They don't wan't the hassle or risk.

A lorry of bricks is a lot. Any BM would like that business.

[BadgerBadger]

A few brick manufacturers (typically higher end handmade stuff) exhibit at self-build shows etc. York Handmade for example.  We bought direct from Northcot Brick, they were really helpful. Even had a tour of the brickworks and got to have a go at making our own bricks.

[FarmerN]

Try Furness Bricks.

[FarmerN]

Furness bricks will send you a list of sites in your area of recently built houses , useing their bricks.

Good to see how they look when built.

Mortar and pointing also has a bit impact on appearance.

We had a slightly coloured mortar, looks great but a real pain to match when you want a small quantity for odd bits at the end.

[saveasteading]

1 hour ago, BadgerBadger said:

We bought direct from Northcot Brick, 

Interesting. So I withdraw my comment.

But do check price and availability first.

Sometimes they won't make a particular brick until they have enough orders, which could be indefinite

 

[SteamyTea]

1 hour ago, FarmerN said:

Try Furness Bricks.

Don't nearly all bricks come out a furnace.

 

[shuff27]

I bought my bricks from Jewson.  They have a dedicated brick rep who covers the Midlands - he was very helpful & happy to deal with a self builder.  I was sourcing materials during lockdown when UK factories weren't producing.  He eventually found me some beautiful bricks from Belgium at a great price - my brickies said they were better quality than most UK bricks they'd ever laid.

[Alan Ambrose]

Heard of a brick manufacturer closing recently for 5 months break as their yards are full. Less demand I guess.

[allthatpebbledash]

On 07/11/2023 at 11:28, Alan Ambrose said:

Heard of a brick manufacturer closing recently for 5 months break as their yards are full. Less demand I guess.

That sounds like an opportunity to go snap up some bricks en masse. Who’s this manufacturer please?

[saveasteading]

I only ever specify local stock bricks. That way we can get more if necessary.

It also permits repair and modification in the long term with minimal colour change.

Mass production bricks are usually of regular dimensions and shapes. Much as it is nice to use rustic bricks they can be awful to lay.

[SteamyTea]

11 minutes ago, saveasteading said:

I only ever specify local stock bricks. That way we can get more if necessary

My mother's old house was local brick, was built in 1974.

Brick company closed down in 1981.  The owner retired.

[Alan Ambrose]

>>> Who’s this manufacturer please?

 

I can't remember where I saw the article last week, maybe Forterra  - 

 

https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2023/10/11/forterra-to-mothball-another-brick-factory/

 

[twice round the block]

If you know what make, colour and how many bricks you need for the build, plus outbuildings and landscaping ie. 12000 it puts you in a strong negotiation position to get the price nailed down low even from your local builder's merchant's.

The building game is suffering already due to the economy, and even more now due to the current rain and the onset of winter.

I bought a few thousand handmade bricks from a builder's merchant's last week and they almost gave them away, and they are a nice quality brick and a stock item should I need more.