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Brick Cutting

Cutting Full Brick Into a Thin Veneer Sounds Expensive. Is It?

Not necessarily. At Brick It, we cut high volumes of full brick into thin veneer using fully automated, precision equipment. Our process is optimized for efficiency, making it cost-competitive with manufactured thin brick, especially when cutting molded bricks, which often yield two thin bricks per unit. In many cases, the cost difference is minimal, and a detailed quote will clearly demonstrate the value. Cutting is an innovative solution when specific colors, textures, or matching requirements are needed.

Do Bricks Break During Cutting?

Yes, some brick breakage is normal during the cutting process. This is often due to microscopic cracks that naturally form in the brick during the firing stage. Because of this, recovery is never 100%. At Brick It, any brick that breaks cleanly into two usable pieces is still packaged and shipped with your order. These pieces can often be used for cuts, edges, or—in the case of reclaimed products installed seamlessly side by side to maintain the desired appearance.

Can I Cut Full Bed Brick Into a Veneer Myself?

Yes, it’s possible to cut full bed brick into thin veneer on your own, and many professionals do so on small-scale jobs. However, for larger projects requiring hundreds or thousands of cuts, it’s not recommended. Cutting brick generates significant waste, requires proper blade configuration, and produces large volumes of wastewater, potentially up to one gallon per cut. Without industrial-grade equipment and proper disposal systems, the process quickly becomes inefficient and labor-intensive. For large or time-sensitive projects, using a professional cutting service is a more practical solution.

Can All Bricks Be Cut Into a Veneer?

Yes, virtually all bricks can be cut into thin veneers, regardless of their hardness. Some bricks may cut more easily than others depending on their density and composition, but our specialized equipment is capable of handling a wide range of brick types. If you have concerns about a specific brick, our team is happy to evaluate it for suitability.

Can I Bring My Own Brick to Be Cut Into a Veneer?

Yes, absolutely. Our Brick Cutting Service is called BYOB – Bring Your Own Brick. You're welcome to supply your own full-size brick for us to cut into thin veneer. Alternatively, you can choose from our extensive inventory of bricks, and we’ll handle the cutting for you. This service is ideal for matching existing brickwork or achieving a custom look not available in manufactured thin brick.

How Many Thin Bricks Can I Get Out of One Full Brick When Cutting?

It depends on the type of full brick being cut. Extruded bricks typically yield only one thin brick face or one thin brick corner per full brick. Molded bricks, on the other hand, can usually produce two thin brick faces or one corner unit. The final yield also depends on the brick’s dimensions, texture, and any defects that may occur during cutting.

What Does Brick It Do With the Brick Waste Produced from Cutting?

At Brick It, we are committed to environmentally responsible practices. All brick waste generated from our cutting operations is recycled. Some of it is repurposed as base material in road construction, while other portions are ground down for use as clay in baseball fields, tennis courts, and similar applications. This approach helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainable material reuse.

Are All Brick-It Thin Brick Veneers Cut from Full Brick?

Not all of Brick-It’s thin brick veneers are cut from full brick. We offer a large selection of manufactured thin brick that is made to standard thin veneer specifications. However, to expand our offerings and meet the demand for unique colors, textures, and specific matches, we also provide a brick-cutting service. Cutting full-size bricks into veneers allows us to offer options that may not be available in manufactured thin brick form. Please note that not every brick type can be successfully cut into thin veneer due to its composition or structure.

Is Cut Brick Better Than Manufactured Thin Brick?

Both cut brick and manufactured thin brick are high-quality options, and each has its place depending on the project. Cut brick offers the benefit of matching existing full brick when a perfect color or texture match is needed. Manufactured thin brick, on the other hand, is purpose-made to specific dimensions and may be more cost-effective when readily available. At Brick It, we often say: “If it’s available in thin brick, don’t cut it.” Cutting is best reserved for cases where a specific match or unique brick is required.

When Full Bed Brick Is Cut Into a Veneer, What Thickness Do You Cut It At?

While not all thin bricks we offer are cut from full bed brick, those that are are typically cut to a standard thickness of 5/8 or 3/4 inch. However, we can customize the thickness upon request to meet specific design or architectural requirements. This flexibility is especially useful for details such as rowlock bands, quoins, chimney accents, and other decorative elements that may call for a thicker profile.

What Tools Should I Use to Cut Thin Brick?

Thin bricks can be cut using a diamond blade, typically mounted on a wet tile saw or dry cutting saw. For clean, straight cuts, especially on larger projects, a tile saw is commonly used.

However, for quick and efficient splitting, particularly on job sites without access to power tools, a manual brick splitter is a highly effective and convenient option.

Both tools serve different needs, and many professionals find it helpful to have both on hand, depending on the cut quality and volume required.

Any questions so far? We can help.
Any questions so far?
We can help.

If you need help with your order or consult our design experts for advice, do not hesitate to contact us. We're happy to help!