Can concrete facing bricks be laid to gauge?

Laying bricks to gauge refers to the ability to adjust mortar joint thickness to ensure each course has a uniform height, so the wall reaches an exact, predetermined measurement. Concrete facing bricks can be laid to gauge as they are made to precise dimensions and kept within tight tolerances.   

The manufacturing process for concrete facing bricks allows for finer control when compared with that of clay bricks. This is reflected in the dimensional tolerances within the standards to which they are manufactured. 

The table below compares the tolerance categories in BS EN 771-3 for concrete facing bricks or, as they are sometimes known, concrete masonry bricks, with those in BS EN 771-1 for clay bricks.

Tolerances of concrete facing bricks vs. clay bricks (size: 215mm x 100mm x 65mm)  

As the comparison table shows, concrete facing bricks can be produced with more dimensional precision than clay bricks. Also, when directly comparing equivalent categories, concrete facing bricks have tighter tolerances than clay bricks.  Concrete facing bricks are therefore easier to lay to gauge, leading to greater consistency and accuracy during construction. 

What are the benefits of being able to lay to gauge using concrete facing bricks? 

There are several benefits of being able to lay to gauge using concrete facing bricks. 

Quality and durability using concrete facing bricks 

A consistent finish of the wall can be achieved. Regular spacing and alignment of the bricks allows the mortar to create a strong bond to maximise its structural integrity. Uneven courses can lead to the creation of stress points which are prone to cracking under thermal or structural stress. A poorly gauged wall can also create gaps and inconsistencies in the mortar where moisture can enter. This can freeze and thaw, causing the mortar to deteriorate. These issues will affect the long-term durability of the wall when compared to one that has been laid to gauge. 

Enhanced visual appearance with concrete facing bricks 

Being able to lay to gauge helps maintain level brickwork and uniform joint size and spacing, resulting in a neat, professional and aesthetically pleasing finish with concrete facing bricks.  

Making the construction process smoother with concrete facing bricks  

If bricks are difficult to lay to gauge, more construction time will be needed to correct errors – wasting time and slowing down progress. There is also a greater chance that if the gauge is out, it becomes harder to maintain the level and plumb of the wall. In contrast, consistently laying to gauge keeps the construction process running smoothly and helps the project stay on schedule. 

In addition to the ability to lay concrete facing bricks to gauge, adopters of the product will benefit from the comparable laying rates to clay bricks, cost-effectiveness, shorter lead times, and greater availability. 

Where can I find out more about the benefits of using concrete facing bricks? 

Tobermore has a range of concrete facing bricks, including Kingston and Lansdowne, as well as Country Stone and in our walling range. Customers appreciate the quality and consistency of the concrete facing bricks as Craig McBride, Tobermore’s Technical and Product Training Manager, explains: 

“We have years of manufacturing experience producing Tobermore concrete facing bricks to high levels of quality and tight dimensional tolerances. We produce to Tolerance category D2 which stipulates tighter tolerances than those used by clay bricks. We also lead the way when compared to the tolerances offered by many other concrete masonry brick manufacturers. Customers appreciate the consistent quality of our products that allows them to deliver projects with robust, durable and attractive walls using Tobermore concrete facing bricks.”  

If you have a project and would like to get a closer look at our range of concrete facing bricks at scale, you can request a free sample wall or use the ​Virtual Sample Studio to compare different bricks in our range. If you have any questions on any aspect of our concrete facing bricks, please ​​contact our technical team who will be happy to help.