Most architects and construction professionals are familiar with the idea of brick veneers, but some might be reluctant to design with them due to concerns over quality and durability.

This blog will shed light on the features and benefits of real thin brick and the advantages of specifying high-quality real thin brick veneers in their projects.

What Is Real Thin Brick?

Real thin bricks, also referred to as real thin brick veneers, are a type of masonry that is made from real brick that has been cut or molded into thin slices. It is typically about 3/4″ to 1 1/4″ thick, making it much lighter and easier to install than traditional full-size brick. Once installed, whether in exterior or interior applications, thin bricks look exactly like their full-size counterparts.

Benefits of Real Thin Brick Veneer

There are many benefits to using real thin brick veneer, including:

• Durability: Real thin brick veneer is made from the same materials as traditional full-size brick, so it is extremely durable and long-lasting. It is also resistant to the damages of the freeze-thaw cycle.
• Versatility: Real thin brick veneer can be used on a variety of surfaces, including walls, floors, and ceilings. It can also be used to create a variety of features, such as fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, and accent walls.
• Beauty: Like full-size bricks, real thin brick veneers are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and finishes. This makes it easy to find a thin brick that will complement any architectural style.
• Easy installation: Field installation of real thin bricks is relatively easy, even for non-masons. It can be mortared and grouted and does not require any specialized tools or equipment. 
• Most thin bricks are sized to be used in tilt-up and precast construction forms.

The METROBRICK®  Thin Brick Difference

When considering a thin brick for your next project, keep in mind the advantages of  METROBRICK, a division of Ohio-based Ironrock Corp., which has been in the brickmaking business since the Civil War era. While there are several manufacturers and suppliers of thin brick on the market, METROBRICK®  offers a number of benefits, including:

Nearly zero waste: It might surprise you to know that most sellers of thin bricks don’t actually manufacture thin bricks. Rather than invest in equipment to make these narrower bricks, they manufacture standard-sized bricks, then cut off a section of the face and sell it as a “thin” brick. Ironrock, manufacturer of METROBRICK®  thin bricks, extrudes, cuts, and fires thin bricks, so there is no waste.

Ohio clay and shale: METROBRICK®  thin bricks are manufactured in Canton, Ohio from Ohio clays and shales — heralded as some of the finest brickmaking materials in the world. Most of our resources are mined within a 100-mile radius of our manufacturing facility.

Kiln firing: Our thin bricks are kiln-fired at extremely high temperatures in our 150-year old tradition. Faux thin bricks are made from concrete and other porous materials.

Extrusion: METROBRICK®  thin bricks are extruded – not pressed. Extrusion creates a very dense, durable, low-absorption brick.

Outdoor use: METROBRICK®  thin bricks are rated for outdoor use in all climates. METROBRICKS®  resist absorption – the best defense against moisture intrusion and damage.

Sizing: For cast-in-concrete applications that use a form liner, a TBX-grade thin brick with tight size tolerances, such as METROBRICK® , feature a perfect fit for these liners.

PCI Standard: For use in precast construction, METROBRICK®  thin bricks meet the PCI Standard, ensuring the thin brick used will perform as expected as part of the precast wall system.

Colors and blends. METROBRICK®  thin bricks are offered in a broad selection of colors and blends, as well as custom blending.

Environmental attributes: METROBRICK®  has third-party certification, HPD, EPD, and is included in a leading green database.

Real thin brick veneer is a versatile and beautiful building material that can be used to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to both interior and exterior spaces. It is durable, economical, easy to install, and low-maintenance. Unlike full-size bricks, it requires no foundation or structural reinforcements. Architects and builders can choose thin brick — in precast forms or field-applied — with the confidence of any other authentic brick product. Reach out to METROBRICK® to find out why real thin brick veneer is a great option to consider.