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01 · Ask
Repair, match or build new?
Spalling brick, dropped wall, want a new extension? Describe what you've got — the AI tells you whether it's a repointing job, a rebuild or a structural call.
Compare wirecut vs handmade brick.
Wirecut for speed, handmade for character — how to tell which suits your project and budget.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
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Hire a bricklayer. Match the wall, not just the brick.
Read the brief on bond, mortar and DPC — then let Three local bricklayers quote on the right spec.
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02 · Read the brief
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Stretcher vs Flemish bond, NHL lime, cavity ties, weep holes, DPC heights. Know what good looks like before the first course is laid.
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03 · Compare
Compare 3 bricklayer quotes
Three local bricklayers quote on the same spec — bricks, mortar, scaffold, finishing — so you can pick the right hand for the job.
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Top tips
Hiring a bricklayer, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Match the brick before they start.
On extensions and repairs, sourcing the right brick is harder than laying it. Insist on a sample wall — three courses, on-site, in your light — before they buy the pallet.
Get the mortar mix in writing.
Lime mortar, cement mortar, NHL grade — the wrong mix on the wrong brick spalls in five winters. Ask which mix and why.
Check the bond before pointing.
Stretcher, Flemish, English — the bond should match the existing wall, especially on period properties. Catch it at first course, not after pointing.
Insist on a damp-proof course.
Any external wall needs a DPC at the right height — 150mm above finished ground level. A missing or wrong DPC creates damp problems you'll be fixing for years.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Day rate
£200–£350/day
Brickwork (per m²)Inc. labour, ex. bricks
£80–£160/m²
Repointing (per m²)
£30–£70/m²
Garden wall (per linear m)1m high, single skin
£120–£280
Chimney rebuild
£1.8k–£4.5k
Brick arch (over opening)
£350–£900
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
InfographicThe Bricklayer briefing.
Infographic
Bricklayer quick-view
UK bricks are made by one of three processes: wirecut (extruded clay sliced by wire), handmade (pressed into moulds by hand), or pressed (machine-pressed). Each produces a different look and price point. This guide compares wirecut and handmade — the two extremes — and helps choose which suits your project.
Wirecut is the workhorse of modern UK construction. Handmade is the premium heritage option.
Comparison Table
| Property | Wirecut | Handmade |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per 1,000 | £350–£700 | £1,200–£2,500 |
| Shape uniformity | Highly uniform | Variable |
| Surface texture | Smooth/sanded | Creased, varied |
| Colour variation | Low | High |
| Period appropriate | Post-1900 | Pre-1900 / heritage |
| Install speed | Fast | Slower (sorting) |
| Bonding compatibility | All bonds | All bonds |
When to Choose Wirecut
- Modern builds and extensions.
- Budget-conscious projects.
- Uniform appearance preferred.
- Large-scale projects where install speed matters.
When to Choose Handmade
- Heritage matching.
- Listed property repairs.
- High-end character builds.
- Conservation area work.
UK Regulations
- Both meet relevant BS EN 771 specifications.
- Listed properties may specify manufacturing method.
Common Problems
- Wrong era selection — wirecut on Victorian extension looks wrong.
- Inadequate sample review — view at scale before ordering.
- Premium handmade waste — typically 10–15% wastage allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell which is which by looking?
Yes with practice. Handmade have crease marks, irregular edges, colour variation, sometimes finger-grip marks. Wirecut have uniform shape and texture.
Which is more expensive?
Handmade — 2–3× more per 1,000 typically. Plus higher install cost.
Do they perform differently?
Marginally — handmade can be slightly softer (lime mortar needed). Performance similar in normal use.
Can wirecut bricks be made to look handmade?
Some manufacturers offer "tumbled" wirecut bricks that mimic handmade appearance at lower cost.
What's pressed brick?
Third manufacturing method — machine pressed into moulds. Sits between wirecut and handmade in look and cost.
Will my bricklayer mind handmade?
They'll charge more for the slower install. Sort and inspect time is part of working with handmade.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
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