Nottingham Red Rustic – Butterley / Forterra Facing Brick
The Nottingham Red Rustic facing brick is part of Forterra’s Butterley heritage collection — combining a deep red clay tone with a textured, rustic finish that adds character, shadow play, and architectural interest. This is designed for external, visible walls (facades and elevations) where both appearance and performance matter. Because of its rustic texture, it’s especially good at allowing light and shade to articulate the wall surface, giving depth and visual richness to your build.
Manufactured by wirecut extrusion and finished in a heavy texture style, the brick balances rugged appeal with defined form. Each brick carries slight natural variation, enhancing the character of the wall while still fitting into a consistent masonry plane. As a facing brick, it’s intended to be the visible outer layer of walls, combining aesthetics with weather resistance in demanding conditions.
Performance-wise, Nottingham Red Rustic is built for longevity. It carries a durability rating of F1 and a water absorption rating of 17 %, which is higher than many facing bricks. When installed using sound detailing — suitable cavity widths, effective flashing, weep holes, and quality mortar — it can serve well in a wide range of UK climates. For more exposed or challenging sites, extra attention to detailing is especially important.
Key Specifications
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Size:215 × 102.5 × 65 mm
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Colour:Red
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Texture:Rustic
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Water Absorption:? 17 %
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Durability:F1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nottingham Red Rustic suited for use in harsh or coastal environments?
Because its rating is **F1** (rather than F2), it’s less robust in extreme exposure zones. In moderately exposed sites it performs well, but in coastal or very aggressive weather conditions, it’s wise to pair it with especially careful detailing (wider cavities, high-quality waterproofing, robust flashings) to protect long-term performance.
How visible will the texture be in daily use?
The **rustic** finish is pronounced — you’ll see and feel the relief, grooves, and roughness in the surface. It plays well with shadow, giving façades a tactile, hand-crafted quality, though cleaning or pointing might require more care due to the uneven surface.
Does the 17 % water absorption make this brick vulnerable to damp over time?
While **? 17 %** is on the higher side, it is within the product’s declared specification. The real determinant of moisture performance is the quality of installation — correct cavity detailing, flashing, weep holes, and compatible mortar are essential for minimizing moisture ingress and ensuring long-term stability.
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