Empress Facings

What are Krause Empress Facings?

Krause Empress Facings are extruded clay facing bricks that mirror the profile of the full Krause Empress brick. At just 30mm deep, they are designed for non-structural applications and complex design details, bringing the warmth and texture of solid brickwork to areas where a full-depth brick cannot be used.

What size are Empress Facings?

Krause Empress Facings measure 290 x 30 x 50mm, with coverage of 55 bricks per square metre. The 290 x 50mm face matches the standard Krause Empress brick, so facings and full bricks can sit together on the same project with a consistent appearance. Dimensions are nominal averages; as the products are crafted from natural clay, some variance in size and finish is expected.

What is the difference between Empress Facings and standard Empress bricks?

The face dimensions are identical, but the bed depth differs. A standard Krause Empress brick is 110mm deep, while an Empress Facing is 30mm deep. Facings are used for non-structural applications and detail work where depth is limited; the full Empress brick is used for conventional brickwork.

Where can Empress Facings be used?

Empress Facings suit non-structural applications and complex design details where a slim 30mm profile is needed, such as facing work over existing substrates or intricate detailing. They are not intended for structural brickwork, where the full-depth Krause Empress brick is the appropriate choice.

What colours are Empress Facings available in?

Krause Empress Facings are available in all colours. Leadtimes apply.

How many Empress Facings are needed per square metre?

Empress Facings require 55 bricks per square metre, the same coverage rate as the full-size Krause Empress brick. Quantity per pallet varies by order, so confirm pallet configuration with Krause Bricks when ordering.

What are brick facings or brick slips?

Brick facings, also called brick slips, are slim fired-clay bricks, typically 15-50mm deep, that are fixed to a substrate to give the appearance of full brickwork where full-depth masonry is not possible. They deliver the genuine face, colour, and texture of a real brick without the weight or depth.

Are brick facings as durable as full bricks?

The face of a brick facing is the same fired clay as a full brick, so its surface durability, weather resistance, and colourfastness are equivalent. The overall performance of a faced wall depends on the fixing system and substrate behind it rather than the clay itself.

Where are brick facings typically used?

Brick facings are used where weight or depth rules out full brickwork: over framed construction, existing walls being refaced, soffits, blade walls, columns, and interior feature walls. They are also used for complex details where a full-depth brick would be impractical to build in.

Do brick facings look different from real brickwork?

When detailed well, no. Facings present the same fired-clay face and mortar joints as laid brickwork, so a finished wall is visually indistinguishable from solid masonry. Corners and reveals are the areas that need care, as return details are what maintain the illusion of full-depth brick.

How are brick facings installed?

Brick facings are typically adhesive-fixed to a prepared substrate rather than laid in courses like structural brickwork, then finished with mortar joints to match conventional brickwork. Fixing methods and substrate preparation vary by system, so follow the manufacturer’s installation guidance for the specific product.