Bricks are still the top building material for homes in the UK. However, there is more choice with them than ever before. You can be creative with your selection in some cases. But, in others you need to opt for materials that are similar to other local buildings.
Why is there so much local variation?
One thing you will see when you look at homes in the UK is a big difference in the colour, size, texture, and finish of bricks. There are some really interesting local variations here. For example, you see larger red brick in the North but smaller paler ones in the South. In London the bricks tend to be yellow and often feature black markings. The reason for such big differences is that in the past local producers would use the clay that was available to them. As a result the colours would be specific for an area. The manufacturers would also have their own specific manufacturing methods, resulting in the differences in size, texture, and finish. Because of the weight of the bricks, traditionally people would buy them from local producers. This was the most cost effective option. However, today you have many more options. You can buy from all over the UK and ship materials to your site. This means fewer limitations on your choices. You could even select reclaimed bricks if they suit your project.
What should you choose?
In most cases you will have freedom to decide what type of brick works best for you. However, in some situations you need to think about the character of an area. Here you may only be able to choose local or reclaimed bricks. You won't be able to go for a wildly different type or style because it will look out of place. Projects in London can be the most challenging in this regard. That is because there are properties from so many different eras. As a result the style of the bricks can vary greatly.