+ DESIGNER

BRICK
 A BEAUTIFULLY
NATURAL PRODUCT

2
 +DESIGNER BRICK
The appeal of concrete masonry is the natural 4 WHY FIRTH DESIGNER BRICK?
characteristics and variation of aggregates
featured within the mix. Similar to the features of 6 FOCUS® BRICK
real stone, our concrete bricks will vary from batch
10 STRATA BRICK
to batch, with natural variation in colours, tone,
texture and other characteristics. So when choosing
14 DEVONSTONE®
Firth concrete bricks, please expect colour hue
variations, and regional differences due to locally 18 MANORSTONE®
sourced raw materials. It’s all part of a beautifully
natural product. 22 BAGGED + PAINTED BRICK

We advise viewing a number of full sized sample 23 DESIGNER BRICK RANGE

bricks before making your final decision. Contact
your local Firth office, they’ll be happy to help,
call 0800 FIRTH 1.

+MORTAR
24 DRICON® MORTAR COLOURS

25 MORTAR + LAYOUT DESIGN

+TECHNICAL TIPS

26 BUILDING WITH BRICK

27 CARING FOR DESIGNER BRICK

MADE TO ORDER
If you can’t find a colour or design mix that
m you’re looking for, please contact your
local stockist or Firth Sales representative.
For Made To Order stock, minimum order
quantities will apply.

Cover page image:

Strata Brick: Antique Blend
Dricon ® Mortar: Antique White
Laid: Stretcher Bond

This page image:

Manorstone ®: Antique Blend
Dricon ® Mortar: Natural
Laid: Stretcher Bond

CONTENTS 3
 WHY FIRTH DESIGNER

BRICK?
SUSTAINABILITY
All Firth bricks are Red List free and have
Declare certification. Declare is like a
nutrition label for the building industry that
clearly states what ingredients make up
a product. It is designed to help shape a
greener, healthier environment.

SM

WEATHER TIGHT
Cool in summer, warm in winter, Firth
brick homes are constructed using a
cavity design, which is an effective way
to avoid leak related damage and keep
your home healthy and dry.

TRUE COLOUR
Solid colour pigment throughout the brick helps
reduce the visibility of any chips that may occur in
laying and through its life cycle.

Manorstone ® Antique Blend

Dricon® Mortar: Natural
Laid: Stretcher Bond

*Source: NZ Timber Design Society Weather Tightness – A Review of Exterior Wall Assemblies
**Source: BRANZ cladding costs over a lifetime, Apr 2015

4
DURABLE LOW MAINTENANCE
Firth bricks are made from concrete. Firth bricks stay looking great with easy
Their strength and stability gives you care, they do not rot or require paint.
peace of mind. Brick controls moisture Brick is expected to last twice as long
more effectively than any other building as most weatherboard products**.
product*, protecting you against harsh
weather conditions, moisture, rot, mould
or pests. Firth bricks are proven to last
the test of time, they will be around for
years to come and all bricks come with a
manufacturer’s warranty.

DESIGN FLEXIBILITY NOISE CONTROL

With an inspiring range of on-trend Concrete brick has excellent acoustic ratings
colour tones, sizes, laying options and finishes. and it reflects noise more effectively than
Clad your entire home or create feature walls. many other building materials.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Our technical team are here to help every step of the way
CALL 0800 FIRTH 1

5
6
 Focus® Brick: Premium White
Dricon ® Mortar: Pumice
Laid: Stretcher Bond

FOCUS BRICK ®

SMALLER STYLE BRICK

FOR A CONTEMPORARY LOOK

7
 FOCUS® BRICK

BRICK SIZE FOCUS® BRICK COLOUR RANGE

S M L

DIMENSIONS 1
230 x 90 x 76mm
76

UNITS PER M2
90
42 (70 Series)
48 (90 Series) 2
230

Note: Colour tones and

face textures may vary
due to locally sourced
materials. Colours
depicted are subject to
the limitations of colour
printing process and may 1 Premium White
vary from actual colour 2 Urban Grey
under natural light.
8
 Focus® Brick: Premium White
Dricon ® Mortar: Natural
Laid: Stretcher Bond

Focus® Brick: Premium White Focus® Brick: Urban Grey

Dricon ® Mortar: Pumice Dricon® Mortar: Charcoal
Laid: Stretcher Bond Laid: Stretcher Bond

COLOURS + MORTAR DESIGN CUES

• Concrete brick can be adopted as

a feature in the home, mixed with
weatherboard cladding to provide a visual
break from the neutral horizontal lines.

• Enhance the architectural dimensions

of your home with a traditional, smaller
1 2 size brick for a modern and visually
striking home.

• Create an understated natural look with

a light colour palette to blend effortlessly
with the surrounding landscape.

TIP - Choose a matching or

contrasting mortar colour
to personalise the look of
your home

1 Colour: Premium White Mortar: Premium White

2 Colour: Urban Grey Mortar: Charcoal

9
10
 Strata Brick: Premium White
Dricon ® Mortar: Premium White
Laid: Stretcher Bond

STRATA BRICK
LONG, LEAN LINES – OUR MOST
FASHIONABLY MODERN BRICK.

11
 Architectural Masonry
12
STRATA BRICK

BRICK SIZE STRATA BRICK COLOUR RANGE

S M L

DIMENSIONS
1
290 x 70 x 75mm 2
3
UNITS PER M2 4 75

39
5
290
Note: Colour tones and
face textures may vary 70
due to locally sourced
materials. Colours
depicted are subject to
the limitations of colour
printing process and may 1 Antique Blend 4 Graphite (South Island only)
vary from actual colour 2 Urban Grey 5 Premium White (North Island only)
under natural light. 3 Serenity (South Island only)
12
 13

Strata Brick: Premium White

Dricon ® Mortar: Premium White
Laid: Stretcher Bond

Strata Brick: Premium White Strata Brick: Antique Blend

Dricon ® Mortar: Premium White Dricon ® Mortar: Antique White
Laid: Stretcher Bond Laid: Stretcher Bond

COLOURS + MORTAR DESIGN CUES

• The colour and cut-rock texture of modern

concrete brick delivers a distinctive and
durable look when partnered with natural
timber cladding.
1 2 3
• Warm natural tones and the welcoming stone
feel of Firth brick evokes a feeling of calm and
strength outside, for those inside.

• Embraced within a thoughtfully designed

greenscape, the earthy tones of brick allows
a new home to nuzzle naturally into its new
4 5 environment.

• Longer, leaner lines in architecture elicit a

contemporary horizontal aesthetic. It lowers
the sense of height and lengthens the form in
1 Colour: Antique Blend Mortar: Pumice
front of you.
2 Colour: Urban Grey Mortar: Charcoal
3 Colour: Serenity Mortar: Pumice
4 Colour: Graphite (South Island only) Mortar: Charcoal
5 Colour: Premium White Mortar: Premium White
13
14
 Devonstone ®: Antique Blend
Dricon ® Mortar: Pumice
Laid: Stretcher Bond

DEVONSTONE
®

FIRTH’S MOST POPULAR BRICK PROVIDES

A NATURAL LOOK TO YOUR DESIGN

15
 DEVONSTONE
®

BRICK SIZE DEVONSTONE® COLOUR RANGE

S M L

1
2
DIMENSIONS
290 x 160 x 70mm 70
3
4
UNITS PER M2 160

20 5

Note: Colour tones and 290

face textures may vary
due to locally sourced
materials. Colours
depicted are subject to
1 Premium White (North Island only)
the limitations of colour
2 Urban Grey
printing process and may
3 Antique Blend
vary from actual colour
4 Tranquility
under natural light.
5 Graphite (South Island only)
16
 Devonstone ®: Tranquility Rumbled
Dricon ® Mortar: Premium White
Laid: Stretcher Bond

Devonstone ®: Antique Blend

Dricon® Mortar: Natural
Laid: Stack Bond

Devonstone ®: Antique Blend

Dricon® Mortar: Natural
Laid: Stack Bond

COLOURS + MORTAR DESIGN CUES

• For a traditional look, keep your colour palette

simple and choose colours that complement
each element of the building ie. roof, joinery,
gutters, driveway.
1 2 3
• Stack bonded concrete bricks can add a real
sense of architectural design to an area where
you want to create a strong decorative
statement, interior or exterior.

• Selecting either a complementary or contrasting

coloured mortar from Dricon® will further
4 5 enhance the appearance of Devonstone®
built homes. See page 24 for options.

1 Colour: Premium White Mortar: Premium White

2 Colour: Urban Grey Mortar: Charcoal
3 Colour: Antique Blend Mortar: Pumice
4 Colour: Tranquility (Rumbled) Mortar: Tranquility
5 Colour: Graphite (South Island only) Mortar: Buff
17
18
 Manorstone ® Rumbled: Tranquility
Dricon ® Mortar: Tranquility
Laid: Stretcher Bond

MANORSTONE
®

LARGE CONCRETE BRICK

RESEMBLING NATURAL STONE

19
 MANORSTONE
®

BRICK SIZE MANORSTONE® COLOUR RANGE

S M L

1
2
DIMENSIONS
390 x 190 x 90mm
3
90

UNITS PER M 2
4
12.5
5 190
MTO Made To Order

Note: Colour tones and

face textures may vary 390
due to locally sourced
materials. Colours
depicted are subject to
1 Premium White (North Island only)
the limitations of colour
2 Urban Grey
printing process and may
3 Antique Blend
vary from actual colour
4 Tranquility
under natural light.
5 Graphite (South Island only)
20
 Manorstone®: Premium White Manorstone ® Rumbled: Tranquility
Dricon® Mortar: Natural Dricon® Mortar: Matakana Cream
Laid: Stretcher Bond Laid: Stretcher Bond

Manorstone ®: Urban Grey

Dricon ® Mortar: Charcoal
Laid: Stack Bond

COLOURS + MORTAR DESIGN CUES

• Utilise a range of complementary cladding

types to add dimension to a building project.
Unpainted, stack bonded concrete block
will draw attention to an area and express
1 2 3 its strength.

• Downlighting creates depth to your finish,

enhancing/highlighting the texture and design
of the brick.

• A natural stone coloured brick works

beautifully with the features of your
4 5 garden, acting as a neutral canvas for the
landscape elements to shine.

• Raked mortar joint is recommended for

interior use only to prevent the creation of
1 Colour: Premium White Mortar: Premium White
efflorescence through water pooling.
2 Colour: Urban Grey Mortar: Natural
See page 25 for options.
3 Colour: Antique Blend (Rumbled) Mortar: Antique White
4 Colour: Tranquility Mortar: Pumice
5 Colour: Graphite (South Island only) Mortar: Charcoal
21
 On trend
BAGGED +
PAINTED BRICK
Create an on-trend finish for your bricks
that will highlight the contours and texture
of the bricks and mortar joints, with a splash
of colour to match your design. A smooth
surface, or an uneven earthy surface
– choose the look you desire.

TIP: Talk to your professional

to define the look and
application you want.

22
 DESIGNER BRICK RANGE

STRATA® BRICK STRAIGHT EDGE BRICK SIZE AVAILABLE COLOUR TONES:

North Island Colours:
S M L
70
Premium Antique Urban
75 White Blend Grey

290
UNITS PER M2 South Island Colours:

42 (70 SERIES) Antique Urban

Serenity Graphite
Blend Grey

BRICK SIZE
FOCUS® BRICK STRAIGHT EDGE AVAILABLE COLOUR TONES:

S M L
76 Premium
Urban Grey
White
90

230
UNITS PER M2
39

DEVONSTONE® STRAIGHT EDGE RUMBLED BRICK SIZE AVAILABLE COLOUR TONES:

S M L
70 70 Premium Antique
Graphite
White Blend

160 160
Nth Island only Sth Island only

UNITS PER M2
290 290
20 Tranquility Urban
Grey

Solid units are integrated into the pallets of cored units. The solid units are for the window sill units, corners and jambs at openings.

MANORSTONE® STRAIGHT EDGE RUMBLED BRICK SIZE AVAILABLE COLOUR TONES:

S M L
90 90
Premium Antique
Graphite
White Blend
190 190

Nth Island only Sth Island only

UNITS PER M2
390 390
12.5 Tranquility Urban
Grey

Solid units are integrated into the pallets of cored units. The solid units are for the window sill units, corners and jambs at openings.

The appeal of concrete masonry is the natural characteristics and expect colour hue variations, and regional differences due to
variation of aggregates featured within the mix. Similar to the locally sourced raw materials. It’s all part of a beautifully natural
features of real stone, our concrete bricks will vary from batch to product. We advise viewing a number of full sized sample bricks
batch, with natural variation in colours, tone, texture and other before making your final decision. Contact your local Firth office,
characteristics. So when choosing Firth concrete bricks, please they’ll be happy to help, call 0800 FIRTH 1.

23
 PERSONALISE YOUR DESIGN
WITH A COMPLEMENTARY
OR CONTRASTING DRICON®
COLOURED MORTAR

DRICON® COLOURED MORTAR

Coloured mortar joints can further transform your design. Choose from the comprehensive
range of Dricon® mortar colours which have been designed to complement the Designer
Brick Series range.

Premium Antique Pumice Natural Sandy Grey Cream Antique Matakana

White White Cream Cream

Hinuera Buff Serenity Light Brown Dark Brown Charcoal Black Jet Black

DRICON® ARCHITECTURAL MORTAR

The Dricon® Architectural Masonry Mortars have been specifically created to be water resistant.

Stone Slate Onyx

Note: Colour tones and face textures may
vary due to locally sourced materials. Colours
depicted are subject to the limitations of colour
printing process and may vary from actual
colour under natural light.

24
Different mortar colour can dramatically change MORTAR JOINTS
the look of your cladding. Below is Manorstone®
Antique Blend designer brick in a stack bond Once you have selected your colour you can select
layout with three different mortar colours. the style for the mortar joint - concave/rolled, flush
or raked - each of these will alter the architectural
appearance of the mortar joint.

For more detailed information and to gain best results

from Dricon® mortars, download a copy of the Dricon®
brochure at www.firth.co.nz/resources/brochures/

Concave/rolled Flush Raked

(interior only)

Dricon® Premium White

Raked joints are

not recommended
Dricon® Charcoal for exterior.

LAYOUT

Different layouts can transform the look and feel of the

entire design. Create vertical clean straight lines with the
stack bond design or take on a more traditional look with
the stretcher bond design.

Dricon® Natural Stack Bond

ONLINE TOOLS

Stack bond is outside the scope of NZS4229 and

NZS3604 and will require specific engineer’s design.

10 Series Veneer stack bonded construction guide is

available from the NZCMA website nzcma.org.nz in the
veneers section.

Stretcher Bond

Our Masonry Veneers Planner is a handy online tool

that lets you choose your preferred style and colour
of brick and match it with your choice of coloured
mortar. Visit firth.co.nz/resources/planners-and- Stretcher bond is also known as running bond and is
calculators/ for more. the traditional method of masonry construction.

25
 CONSTRUCTION
Firth control joint (alternative slip joint) Two Storey Design
Control joints controlling wall movements can be achieved A guide for the specific design for two storey
by providing a bond break between blocks and mortar at the applications can be found on the Firth website
specified locations. www.firth.co.nz/resources/technical-documents
called Firth Two Storey Brick Veneer Solutions.
In Joint Reinforcing
A guide for the correct installation of In Joint Reinforcing for
stack bond masonry can be found on the NZCMA website
nzcma.org.nz/masonry-manual.aspx

BRICK TOLERANCES AND AESTHETIC APPEARANCE

It is possible for a brick veneer to be Building Code

compliant but not have the visual look that reflects
the skills of an experienced bricklayer.  This is referred
to as ‘workmanship quality’.

It is important to discuss with your bricklayer the

aesthetic look you are hoping to achieve with your
brick veneer and if possible, include them in your
selection process.

COLOUR VARIATION
TIP: To ensure a consistent colour finish,
Firth recommends purchasing your masonry
from one location, preferably from the same
batch, as some colour variations do occur due
to natural variance in raw materials. When
installing masonry, mix and match units from
multiple pallets to balance any colour variation.

HONING GREY MASONRY VIEWING DISTANCE RESOURCES

If deciding to hone ordinary grey Due to the nature of bricks no For further resources please refer to:
masonry walls, when constructed, two bricks are the same and no
BBFNZ Best Practise Guide at
it’s likely there will be colour brick is perfect when examined
http://bbfnz.co.nz/building-with-brick/
variation between units. This close-up. ASTMC90 has been
brick-veneer-best-practice-guide/
variation can result in overall adopted as the industry standard
colour variation across the wall, for viewing brickwork – it states Or visit the Firth website
which becomes enhanced, when that ‘for exposed wall construction www.firth.co.nz/resources/technical-
honed and sealed. chips and imperfections shall not documents/ for the following:
be evident when viewed from a
- Firth Brick Veneer Technical Guide
distance of not less than 6.1m in
diffused light’. - Firth Architectural Masonry Best
Practice Guide
- Firth Two Storey Brick Veneer Solutions
GENERAL
Customers should ensure that all delivered products are acceptable, and any concerns about products are notified to Firth
prior to laying. All warranty claims should be made prior to the product being laid.

26
 CARING FOR DESIGNER BRICK
EFFLORESCENCE
Efflorescence is a natural phenomenon experienced to some degree by all concrete products and is to be anticipated on any
job. It is a deposit of white salts carried to the surface of the masonry by water, and happens most commonly when the brick
and mortar are exposed to moisture. Efflorescence will likely continue to occur until the moisture source is stopped, usually by
sealing. Efflorescence can calcify with time and become difficult to remove. Efflorescence is not a material defect, but rather a
naturally occurring issue common to all forms of concrete masonry. While there are ways to minimise the risk and visual impact of
efflorescence, Firth is unable to prevent or control this occurrence.

TRADE TIPS WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MINIMISE THE VISUAL IMPACT

THERE ARE SOME EASY WAYS
OF EFFLORESCENCE?
YOU CAN MINIMISE THE RISK OF If efflorescence does occur it should be removed immediately as if left, it is likely to
EFFLORESCENCE: calcify and will become difficult to remove. Some helpful tips include:
1 If you receive your concrete 1 Remove the efflorescence immediately after it occurs. It should be scrubbed off
masonry products and it’s going with a stiff brush whilst it is still in its soft powdered form.
to be a few weeks before you
2 If required, treat the surface with a specific masonry cleaning product, Firth
install them, unwrap the pallet
recommends Dricon® Concrete Treatment. Always trial a small, less visible area
and if possible store them in a
first to determine if you are getting the result that you want as these products
covered, dry place so they don’t
can change the appearance of the surface.
get wet.
3 If required, treat the surface with a mechanical cleaning process such as light
2 During the construction process
sanding, polishing or grinding. Always trial a small less visible area first to
protect masonry walls from
determine if you are getting the result that
moisture and wet weather.
you want as these processes will change the
3 Once construction is completed appearance of the surface.
(or during construction in some
4 Seal the wall as soon as possible with a
cases) allow walls to dry and then
suitable sealer to prevent moisture getting
seal them with a suitable sealer
in. Note: garden walls or walls not protected
(subject to the manufacturer’s
by a roof will need to be waterproofed at the
specification).
top with a suitable waterproofing system.
4 Garden walls or walls not
5 Firth strongly recommends engaging a
protected by a roof will need to
professional contractor to provide advice
be waterproofed at the top with a
and offer cleaning, sealing and
suitable waterproofing system.
waterproofing solutions.

CLEANING
We recommend an annual inspection to check for requirement of cleaning. One of the reasons that concrete masonry is a
popular choice, is its proven performance and durability. Concrete bricks and blocks have been designed for external use
so they are well suited to stand up to the elements. Usually any stains or marks can be removed with a stiff brush, water and
detergent or low pressure water washing (take care not to damage masonry and mortar with pressure washing). If you are
particularly worried about stains occurring, we recommend sealing your concrete masonry walls with a suitable sealer.

SEALING HELPS MINIMISE EFFLORESCENCE AND MOULD GROWTH

Firth recommends sealing all masonry walls as soon as practical to minimise efflorescence and reduce mould growth.
Suitable products should be selected to pre-clean the surface if required; repel water and minimise efflorescence and
mould growth and, if required, provide a barrier to graffiti. Some sealers will enrich the depth of the masonry colour. Refer
to your sealer manufacturer’s instructions for product application and maintenance information.

27
PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE BBFNZ

For further information & product samples please PRODUCTSPEC

contact Firth on 0800 800 576 or visit www.firth.co.nz productspec.net
masterspec.co.nz

The appeal of concrete masonry is the natural characteristics and variation of aggregates featured within the mix. Similar to the features of real
stone, our concrete bricks will vary from batch to batch, with natural variation in colours, tone, texture and other characteristics. So when choosing
Firth concrete bricks, please expect colour hue variations, and regional differences due to locally sourced raw materials. It’s all part of a beautifully
natural product. We advise viewing a number of full sized sample bricks before making your final decision. Contact your local Firth office, they’ll be
happy to help, call 0800 FIRTH 1.
©Firth Industries 2020. All rights reserved. Content in this document is protected under the Copyright Act 1994. No material may be reproduced in
whole or in part without the written consent of the copyright holder. Firth/Dricon supplies products on the assumption that they are always used
in accordance with the product’s instructions/specifications, good trade practice and any relevant New Zealand Standards.