What Are Brick Slips? A Decor Revolution with Imperial Bricks’ New Range

Have you ever wondered how you can add the warmth, authenticity, and solidity of old bricks to thin apartment walls or building facades without worrying about heavy weight or losing valuable floor space? Perhaps, like many architects and interior designers, you love rustic and industrial textures, but the hassles of traditional masonry have held you back.

The good news is that the world of modern architecture has found a smart solution to this challenge. Recently, the reputable company Imperial Bricks defined a new standard in the construction industry by launching a dedicated Brick Slips division. This news is not just a commercial announcement; it represents a major shift in market taste and construction technology.

In this comprehensive article, we will not only cover the new announcement from Imperial Bricks but also provide a complete operational guide to understanding, selecting, and installing brick slips. If you want to know why this new product is conquering the interior decoration and facade renovation market and how you can utilize it, stay with us until the end.

۱. What is a Brick Slip and Why is it Revolutionary?

Before diving into Imperial Bricks’ new products, we need to know exactly what we are talking about. Many people mistakenly believe that brick slips are a type of 3D wallpaper or plastic panels with a brick design. This is the biggest misconception about this product.

Precise Technical Definition

A brick slip is, in fact, real brick with significantly reduced thickness. This product is obtained either by cutting the face of full, old bricks (reclaimed method) or by being specifically molded and fired with a thin profile (usually between 15 to 25mm).

Why is this Product Revolutionary?

• Lightweight: It drastically reduces the building’s dead load (a vital point for seismic standards).

• Space Saving: Unlike traditional brick which takes up 10 to 20cm of room space, brick slips occupy only about 2cm.

• Fast Installation: The execution speed is up to 3 times faster than traditional bricklaying.

Key Note: Brick slips are not a “brick effect” product; they are brick, optimized for modern living.

۲. What Has Imperial Bricks Done? Analyzing the Shift

Imperial Bricks, known as one of the pioneers in manufacturing traditional and handmade bricks in the UK, has recently launched a new division titled Brick Slips. But why does this news matter to us?

Details of the New Launch

The company now offers a wide range of its most popular bricks as slips (cut bricks). Their main focus is on “Reclaimed” and “Handmade” bricks. This means you can have a look that exactly resembles a 100-year-old wall in London within a newly built apartment.

Unique Features of the New Series:

1. Texture Variety: From soft and smooth textures to rough and rustic ones.

2. Corner Pieces: One of the biggest challenges with brick slips is wall corners. Imperial Bricks has produced special L-shaped pieces that make the wall look completely seamless and realistic at the corners.

3. Color Matching: These slips match exactly with the company’s full bricks, so both can be used in a single project combination.

۳. Operational Benefits of Using Brick Slips in Projects

Why should an architect or homeowner choose brick slips over stone, paint, or wallpaper? Let’s examine the benefits from an operational perspective.

A) Durability and Eternal Longevity

Unlike wallpaper that tears or paint that fades after a few years, brick slips are practically immortal because they are made of fire clay and fired in kilns. These bricks are resistant to impact, heat, and moisture.

B) Thermal and Acoustic Insulation

Installing a layer of brick slips on the wall acts like an insulation layer. This is an excellent solution for apartments with thin shared walls where sound transmission is annoying.

C) Added Value to Property

Using natural materials in interior decoration increases the property’s value. Homebuyers always pay more for authentic materials than for synthetic ones.

Comparison Table: Brick Slips vs. Other Materials

۴. Creative Applications: Beyond a Simple Wall

Imperial Bricks’ new products have shown that brick slips are not just for exterior facades. Here are 5 practical ideas for using this material in interior design:

۱. Accent Wall in the Living Room

Choosing the wall behind the TV or the main sofa to install brick slips makes the space warm and focal. Red or ochre tones are great for traditional styles, while white or grey tones suit modern and minimal styles.

۲. Kitchen Backsplash

Glazed brick slips are a fantastic alternative to tiles. They are resistant to stove heat, and cleaning them (if glazed or sealed) is very easy.

۳. Fireplace Renovation

If you have an old fireplace, covering it with rusticated brick slips can evoke the atmosphere of a rural cottage.

۴. Combination with Hidden Lighting

The uneven texture of brick slips, when combined with floor or wall lighting (Wall Washers), creates unique light and shadow effects that no smooth material can replicate.

۵. Commercial Spaces and Cafes

To create a sense of intimacy in coffee shops or a sense of trust in corporate offices, brick slips are the best option due to their nostalgic nature.

۵. Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Practical Tutorial)

This section is for those who want to know how the process works. Even if you don’t intend to install it yourself, knowing these steps helps you supervise the installer.

Tools Required:

• Powder tile adhesive or specific brick paste adhesive

• Brick spacers (usually 10mm)

• Stone cutting machine (Grinder)

• Laser level or plumb line

• Grouting bag and pointing mortar

Step 1: Surface Preparation

The wall surface must be completely smooth, clean, and dry. If the wall is plaster, it is best to first coat the surface with a primer (diluted concrete bonding agent) to bind dust and increase adhesion.

Step 2: Level Line

The most important step! Never work by eye. Draw a horizontal level line at the bottom of the wall. Usually, the first row is not started from the floor; instead, an aluminum profile leveled to the wall is screwed in, and the first row is laid on top of it.

Step 3: Adhesive Application

Apply the adhesive to the wall using a notched trowel. Note that you should only apply adhesive to an area of about 1 square meter so you have time to install the bricks before the adhesive dries.

Step 4: Installing the Bricks

Place the bricks on the adhesive with gentle pressure and a small wiggling motion. Use spacers between each brick to keep the joint distances equal.

Pro Tip: For a more natural look, take bricks randomly from different boxes so that slight color variations are distributed throughout the wall.

Step 5: Pointing (Grouting)

After the adhesive has completely dried (usually 24 hours), it is time for pointing. Prepare the pointing mortar and use a special bag or pointing tool to fill the gaps between the bricks. The type of pointing (flush, recessed, or bucket handle) has a significant impact on the final look.

۶. Maintenance and Cleaning: The Secret to Brick Longevity

Brick slips, especially high-quality models like those Imperial Bricks produces, are durable, but proper maintenance guarantees their lifespan.

• Using Nano Resin: After installation and the pointing has dried, it is suggested to spray a layer of nano solution or matte resin on the bricks. This makes the brick waterproof and prevents dust from penetrating its texture. It also makes cleaning much easier.

• Periodic Cleaning: For interior bricks, using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment is sufficient to remove dust. If a stain occurs, it can be washed with a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush.

• Avoid Acid: Never use strong acidic cleaners (like hydrochloric acid) to clean brick, as it causes corrosion of the brick texture and discoloration of the pointing mortar.

۷. Costs and Budgeting

One of the main questions is price. Although imported products like Imperial Bricks have a higher price tag, there are high-quality domestic manufacturers producing similar products.

Factors Affecting Price:

1. Production Type: Handmade bricks are the most expensive, and machine-pressed bricks are the cheapest.

2. Color: Special colors like turquoise blue or carbon black usually have a higher price than traditional red and yellow.

3. Adhesive and Grout Type: Using high-quality polymer adhesives increases the cost but guarantees that the bricks won’t come loose over time.

Economic Tip: If you have a limited budget, instead of covering all walls, apply the best quality brick slips to just one Focal Point wall. Low quality in high volume yields a reverse, cheap-looking result.

۸. Frequently Asked Questions About Brick Slips

Can brick slips be installed on old tiles?

Yes, provided that you scarify (chip) the surface of the tiles to create adhesion and use very strong polymer adhesives.

Are these bricks suitable for exterior facades in cold regions?

Yes, high-quality brick slips (like Imperial Bricks samples) are completely Frost Resistant. However, installing them on facades requires high precision in pointing so that water does not penetrate behind the brick.

What is the difference between Rustic and Modern brick?

Rustic brick has irregular edges, rough texture, and varied coloring (dark and light) giving an old feel. Modern brick has sharp edges, a smooth surface, and uniform color.

Conclusion: The Future of Architecture with Thin Bricks

The launch of the new Brick Slips division by Imperial Bricks highlights an important reality: the world is moving towards materials that are simultaneously “beautiful,” “light,” and “easy to install.” Brick slips are no longer a rare luxury item, but a smart solution for anyone wanting to breathe new life into their building structure.

Whether you are a professional architect looking to reduce dead load, or a homeowner wanting to change their home decor over the weekend, brick slips are a practical and attractive solution. Don’t forget that the key to success in using this material is choosing the right texture, precise installation, and appropriate lighting.

Are you ready to turn your soulless walls into a work of art? Consult a specialist today to choose the right design for your space. Beauty is just one step away; exactly the thickness of a brick slip!