County Red Rustic – Butterley / Forterra Facing Brick
The County Red Rustic facing brick from Forterra’s Butterley collection blends rich red tones with a pronounced rustic texture to give a bold, tactile appearance. Its heavy surface catches light and shadow beautifully, bringing depth and personality to facades, feature walls, and elevations. Designed to perform as well as it looks, this brick is a strong choice for both new-build and renovation projects where visual character and durability are required.
Facilities at Forterra produce this brick in a consistent, high-quality format. The rugged “rustic” finish conveys a handcrafted appeal, while the base red tone ensures compatibility with traditional masonry palettes. As a facing brick, it’s intended for external use — the outer face you see — and built to endure the British climate when correctly detailed.
With a durability rating of F2 and water absorption of 7 %, this brick is engineered to withstand exposure, moisture, and freeze–thaw cycles. Combined with proper construction detailing (such as cavity design, damp proofing, flashing, and suitable mortar), it offers long-term resilience and a striking aesthetic that stands the test of time.
Key Specifications
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Size:215 × 65 × 102.5 mm
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Colour:Red
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Texture:Rustic
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Water Absorption:? 7 %
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Durability:F2 (suitable for exposed external use)
Frequently Asked Questions
How rugged is the “rustic” finish, and how will it affect cleaning or maintenance?
The **rustic** texture is fairly deep and tactile, with visible relief and uneven surfaces. This gives character but means the brick may collect mortar splashes or staining more easily than a smooth face—routine, gentle cleaning is recommended, and care should be taken during sanding or cutting on site.
Is a 7 % absorption low enough to avoid damp issues in UK conditions?
Yes — **7 %** is a good absorption rating for a facing brick. However, damp resistance depends more on installation quality (flashing, cavity, weep holes, mortar choice) than on the absorption number alone. Proper detailing is essential.
Can County Red Rustic be used in highly exposed or coastal environments?
Yes, given its **F2 durability rating**, it is suitable for external walls in exposed settings. In coastal or harsh environments, it’s especially important to ensure cavity design, drainage, and flashing are done correctly to protect the wall system long-term.
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