A splay brick is a specially shaped brick used to create angled or finished edges in brickwork. According to the reference, a splay brick is:
A special brick that has been cut with either a slant, chamfered, corner edge, or face that is shaped to make a return or form a finished stop at the end of a wall.
Key Characteristics and Uses of Splay Brick:
- Angled or Shaped Face: The primary characteristic is the angled or shaped face, achieved through cutting or molding.
- Finished Edges: Splay bricks create neat and aesthetically pleasing finished edges, often where a wall terminates.
- Returns: They are useful for creating returns, which are changes in direction in a wall.
- Varied Shapes: Splay bricks come in various shapes, including those with slants, chamfers, or corner edges.
Examples of Splay Brick Applications:
- Wall Ends: Using splay bricks at the end of a garden wall provides a clean and visually appealing termination.
- Window Sills: Splay bricks can be used to create sloping window sills that encourage water runoff.
- Arches: While not always referred to as "splay brick" in this context, similarly shaped bricks are used in arch construction.
In summary, splay bricks are specialized bricks designed to provide angled or finished edges in brickwork, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of structures.
