What is a sand-faced moulded brick?

A sand-faced moulded brick (Dutch: vormbaksteen) is a brick that is formed by machine in a sanded mould. A press pushes the clay through a grid into a series of moulds. Excess clay is struck off mechanically, after which the moulds are turned over and the green bricks are released onto carriers to dry and be fired.

Characteristics

• Sanded on five faces: both stretchers, both headers and one bed face have a layer of sand. The sixth face is struck off; it can be sanded as well if desired.
• Crisp appearance: the brick is more regular in shape and surface than a handmade brick.
• Unperforated: because the brick is made in a mould, it is a solid brick, sometimes with a mortar groove.
• A rougher texture is possible, usually on one face.

Moulded brick and Wasserstrich

With Wasserstrich, the mould is released using water instead of sand. This makes the faces smooth, with a characteristic, slightly flamed or streaked texture. One stretcher face is often somewhat rougher from being pressed out of the mould.

Difference from other bricks

• Handmade brick: genuinely or machine handmade, with creases and folds and a livelier appearance.
• Sand-faced moulded brick: sanded, crisp, regular.
• Extruded brick: the clay is pressed through a die as a column and cut into pieces; often perforated and with smooth or textured faces.

Applications

• Sand-faced moulded bricks are widely used as facing bricks in fair-faced masonry.
• The sand layer gives the mortar good adhesion and produces a matt, even facade.
• Tip for infilling or extending: ask the supplier for sample bricks and lay a small sample panel. Colour and texture can vary from one production batch to another. Preferably order all bricks from a single batch, or mix bricks from different packs while laying.

Related terms

• Brick mould (vormbak)
• Solid brick
• Handmade brick
• Extrusion
• Brick
• Facing brick

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