Thin Brick

Thin brick is commonly referred to by several names, depending on the context and region. Here are the most common terms:

General Terms:

• Thin Brick – The standard industry term.
• Brick Veneer – Emphasizes its use as a non-structural cladding.
• Thin Brick Veneer – A more descriptive combination of the above.

Other Variants:

• Brick Tile – Highlights its tile-like thickness and application.
• Face Brick (Thin) – Sometimes used when the brick has a finished face and is used decoratively.
• Brick Slip (UK/Europe) – The British equivalent of thin brick.

These all refer to real clay bricks (or sometimes concrete) that have been cut or manufactured to be much thinner (usually around 1/2" to 3/4") than traditional full-size bricks, and are used for aesthetic purposes without adding structural weight.

Material Cost (per sq. ft.):

• Basic Thin Brick: $4 – $6 / sq ft
• Mid-Range Clay Veneer: $6 – $10 / sq ft
• Premium, Glazed & Distressed Styles: $10 – $22 / sq ft
  (Average pricing typically falls around $11 / sq ft)

Final cost depends on several factors, including the shapes required for your project, as well as the brick’s color, texture, finish, and whether it’s handmade, tumbled, or machine-cut.

Hidden Costs in the Industry

Shipping is often where customers encounter unexpected expenses. Whenever possible, it’s most efficient to ship materials directly from the manufacturing facility to the job site reducing unnecessary handling, delays, and added costs.

Due to the weight and packaging complexity of thin brick, many suppliers struggle to calculate freight accurately. Overcharges and undercharges are common, typically caused by outdated systems that aren't built to handle the unique logistics of dense, commodity-type materials.

At BrickIt.com, we’ve solved that problem with a purpose-built, logistics-driven platform.

Our system allows customers to:

• Configure a complete bill of materials
• Receive real-time shipping estimates based on weight, quantity, origin, and destination
• Compare live, accurate shipping rates across parcel, LTL (Less Than Truckload), FTL (Full Truckload), and our own Brick It delivery fleet

The result: Transparent pricing, no surprises from the first brick to the final mile.

Yes, thin brick is generally more affordable than full brick, but the savings go far beyond the sticker price. Thin brick is lighter, easier to handle, and quicker to install, which dramatically reduces labor and shipping costs especially for non-structural applications like feature walls, backsplashes, fireplaces, and exterior cladding. Unlike full brick, it doesn’t require structural reinforcement or deep footings, making it ideal for retrofit projects and modern construction where speed and efficiency matter. While full brick is necessary for load-bearing walls, thin brick delivers the same authentic appearance at a fraction of the weight and cost, making it the smarter financial and design choice for most residential and commercial projects.

Thin brick offers durability that closely matches full brick in most non-structural applications, making it a reliable choice for both residential and commercial settings. It maintains its integrity and aesthetic over time without the weight or structural demands of full-depth masonry, and its resistance to chipping, fading, and general wear ensures long-lasting performance—especially when installed using proper systems and materials. At Brickit, we’ve been in business for over 50 years, and many of the buildings we veneered in our early years still retain their original thin brick facades today—proof of the long-term reliability and enduring appeal of our products.