Briques extrudées ou briques pressées | Quel type de brique vous convient le mieux ?

Knowing the difference between extruded bricks vs pressed bricks helps you choose the right building material for strength, appearance and long-term performance. Both are brick types used in construction worldwide, but the way bricks are made, their density, texture and handling are different. These changes influence brickwork, durability, fire resistance and how each brick looks once installed.

In modern brick masonry, manufacturers use automated extrusion or mechanical pressing to shape clay, shales and additives into durable units baked in a kiln. Each process delivers a different style of brick, surface finish and structural behavior. Understanding the differences helps you select the right type of brick for façades, foundations or retaining walls in new projects.

What is an Extruded Brick?

An extruded brick (also called a wirecut brick) is made by forcing clays and shales through a steel die to form a continuous column. This creates units with consistent size and shape, which supports faster brick production and uniform appearance across large projects. After extrusion, a series of wires slices the column into individual bricks, leaving straight edges.

There are usually holes in extruded bricks to reduce weight, improve drying and support strong mortar joint bonding. These holes also help create bricks are lighter and easier to move on site.

Because extruded bricks are created in a continuous process, they can be produced at scale. This consistency makes them a common choice for commercial brick walls, residential façades, and any job where a uniform appearance matters.

Pros of Extruded Bricks

• Highly automated brick production offers consistent texture and brick sizes
• Bricks are lighter, reducing transport load and making them lighter and easier to handle
• The surface of the brick can be smooth or textured
• Compatible with most masonry construction and brickwork patterns
• Balanced durability for general masonry and brick used in exterior walls

Cons of Extruded Bricks

• May show drag marks from the die depending on the style of brick
• Less dense than some pressed brick options
• Aesthetic can feel more “machine-made” than traditional method bricks
• Wire marks appear where bricks are cut by the slicing system

What is a Pressed Brick?

A pressed brick (also called a dry pressed or dry-pressed brick) is formed when refined clay is pressed into individual moulds under high pressure. This shaping method delivers very dense bricks with sharp edges, smooth faces and precise dimensions. The clay used is often a finely ground red clay or burnt clay blend, sometimes made from a mixture of selected soils and additives.

Once shaped, bricks are fired in the kiln, producing a strong, durable unit with low porosity. Because these units compress under high load, they often reach high compressive strength ratings that suit demanding brickwork and heavy-duty brick masonry applications.

Pressed bricks are popular as a facing brick because the face of the brick stays crisp and clean after firing. Builders choose them where appearance matters, such as premium façades or restoration work that needs tight joint lines and consistent color.

Pros of Pressed Bricks

• Sharp edges and smooth faces create premium brick looks
• High density supports excellent durability and high compressive strength
• Ideal for decorative facing brick or structural work requiring tight tolerances
• Low moisture absorption improves weather performance
• Performs well in structural applications where you want a solid brick

Cons of Pressed Bricks

• Heavier than extrusion-made units
• Higher cost due to slower pressing cycles
• Not as light and easy to lay as extruded options

Extruded Bricks vs Pressed Bricks: What’s the Difference?

The difference between extruded bricks vs. pressed bricks comes down to how bricks are made, how they perform and how they look once installed. Each method changes the density, appearance, drying behavior and strength of the final unit. Learn more about different types of bricks for construction projects.

Where Extruded Bricks Work Best

Extruded units fit projects that require speed, efficiency and a clean, uniform aesthetic. Their consistent shape and integrated perforations support strong bonding, stable alignment and reduced waste.

Builders use them for:

• Large-format façades where uniform appearance matters
• Residential housing where bricks are used in high volume
• Schools, offices and commercial brickwork with repeating patterns
• Projects where lighter and easier to handle materials speed installation
• Exterior or interior feature walls in brick masonry

Where Pressed Bricks Work Best

Pressed units suit applications where strength, precision and premium finishes matter. Pressed bricks are also chosen where tight tolerances, low water absorption and crisp corners improve construction outcomes. Their refined finish supports consistent detailing across architectural designs. See more on brick kiln process for pressed units.

Builders select them for:

• High-end façades requiring flawless face of the brick texture
• Heritage restoration where traditional method finishes must match originals
• Structural walls needing compress durability and fire resistance
• Commercial entrances or landscaping features where brick looks are central
• Dense brick masonry for engineered walls or long-term performance

Extruded Bricks vs Pressed Bricks FAQs

Are extruded bricks easier to install?

Yes. Because extrusion produces units that are lighter and easier to handle, many bricklayers find them faster to lay, especially across wide façades or repetitive wall sections.

Do pressed bricks offer better strength?

Pressed units often reach higher compressive strength because the clay compacts under heavy pressure before firing. That density supports structural or engineered applications.

Can both be used as facing bricks?

Yes, facing brick options come in both extruded and pressed formats. Your selection depends on the surface of the brick, desired finish and project budget.

What affects the final color?

Color depends on burnt clay, additives, the firing process, mineral content and brick production temperature. Red bricks, sand-lime bricks and calcium silicate units all fire differently.

Are other brick types available?

Yes. Manufacturers produce concrete bricks, engineering bricks, stock brick, fly-ash blends like fly ash units, and specialty products for decorative or structural work.

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