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Brick slips explained: FAQs for homeowners and DIY projects

29th July 2026

Whether you are planning a feature wall, updating a fireplace or considering a brick finish for your home’s exterior, brick slips have become an increasingly popular choice. They offer the authentic appearance of traditional brickwork while providing greater flexibility than conventional bricks, making them suitable for a wide range of projects.

If you are new to brick slips, here are some of the questions we are asked most often by homeowners, DIY enthusiasts and anyone exploring the possibilities of brick slip cladding.

What is a brick slip?

A brick slip is simply a thin version of a traditional brick. Rather than being around 102mm thick like a conventional brick, brick slips are typically between 15mm and 25mm thick.

They can either be manufactured specifically as brick slips or cut from full-sized clay bricks. In both cases, quality brick slips are made from kiln-fired clay, giving them the same appearance, texture and durability as traditional brickwork.

Once installed and pointed with mortar, a well-designed brick slip installation is virtually indistinguishable from conventional brickwork.

What is the difference between a brick slip and a brick tile?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, and in many cases they refer to exactly the same product.

The term brick slip is perhaps more common within the construction industry, while brick tile is often used in retail or DIY settings. Sometimes “brick tile” is used to describe manufactured slips rather than slips cut from full bricks, but both products are designed to achieve the same authentic brick appearance.

Where can brick slips be used?

One of the biggest advantages of brick slips is their versatility. Provided they are made from frost-resistant, kiln-fired clay, brick slips can be used almost anywhere, both inside and outside.

Popular DIY and home renovation applications include:

Did you know?

Brick slips can be combined with render, timber cladding
and other façade materials, making them a popular choice
for both contemporary and traditional homes.

 

What are brick slips used for?

Brick slips are primarily used to recreate the appearance of traditional brickwork where using full bricks would be impractical.

For example, they are ideal where:

The flexibility of brick slips means they are equally good for creating a striking feature wall inside a house as they are for forming the external facade of large commercial buildings.

Are brick slips expensive?

Like most building products, the price of brick slips varies depending on several factors, including how they are manufactured, the quality of the clay, the finish and where they are sourced.

While brick slips are not necessarily the cheapest option, they provide technical benefits and associated cost savings when viewed as part of the overall project. Because brick slips are lighter and slimmer than traditional brickwork, they can help reduce structural requirements, simplify installation and speed up construction.

Can brick slips be used on floors?

Generally, brick slips designed for walls should not be used on floors. Most standard brick slips are intended for vertical applications and are not designed to withstand the pressure and weight loading associated with foot traffic and may break.

However, there are exceptions. Some denser clay products, or slips cut slightly thicker from suitable bricks, can be used as floor finishes. Floor tiles are usually manufactured using harder-wearing clays and fired at higher temperatures. If you are considering a brick floor, it is always worth checking that the product is suitable for flooring applications.

What is the difference between bricks and brick slips?

 

The biggest difference is thickness and purpose. Traditional bricks are structural building components. They are typically around 102mm thick and are laid to form part of the construction of a wall, by someone who is a professional bricklayer.

Brick slips are much thinner, usually between 15mm and 25mm thick, and provide the appearance of brickwork rather than structural support. Because they are lightweight, brick slips can be fixed to a variety of suitable backing systems and can easily be installed by a semi-skilled labourer. Their light weight also makes brick slips suitable for projects where conventional brickwork may not be possible such as upward extensions.

Why choose brick slips?

Brick slips have become increasingly popular over the years because they combine the timeless appeal of traditional brickwork with the practical benefits of modern construction.

Some of the key advantages include:

Whether you are updating a single room or specifying the facade for a large residential development, brick slips provide a practical way to achieve a genuine brick finish without many of the constraints associated with traditional masonry.

Inspiration

We have supplied our brick slips and systems for projects of every size, from customers making small home improvements with a new feature wall or a full house renovation and extension, right through to major public sector, residential and commercial developments.

Take a look at our Case Studies to see how our brick slips and systems have been used across a wide variety of projects.

Choosing the right brick slip cladding system

At Eurobrick, we have been helping customers achieve authentic brick and stone finishes for over 35 years. Every project is different, and choosing the right brick slip cladding system depends on factors such as the location, the building construction and the desired finish. Our range of brick slip systems has been specifically developed for a wide variety of applications, including non-combustible rainscreen, insulated and interiors.

If you are unsure which solution is right for your project, our experienced technical team is always happy to offer advice and help you find the most appropriate system. Call us on 0117 971 7117 or email info@eurobrick.co.uk for more information.

Still have a question?

If you haven’t found the answer you’re looking for, our technical team is here to help. Whether you’re planning a DIY feature wall or a large commercial development, we can recommend the most suitable brick slip system for your project.

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