Architecturally Intentional Thin Brick — A Shift in Masonry with American Imperial Size
- Max Paulson
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
King Klinker continues to evolve thin brick not only in color and surface finish, but in format. One of the most significant advancements in our product offerings is thin brick in American Imperial size. This longer, slender, thin brick format provides a contemporary proportion, distinct visual linework, and a different masonry presence than traditional shorter modular brick.
How is it possible to create a thin brick that extends 19 5/8" long?
This extended length is possible because King Klinker America thin brick is extruded, not cut from a full brick. During manufacturing, refined clay is pushed through a precision-engineered steel die that forms the length, width, and thickness of the brick. The clay ribbon is then wire-cut into units sized 19 5/8" x 2 1/4" x 9/16", dried under controlled conditions, and fired at over 2000°F. This combination — engineered clay formulation, precise die construction, moisture control, and high-temperature firing — creates a stable, long thin brick profile suitable for commercial application and North American climate conditions.
American Imperial Size vs Modular — how much longer is it?
Modular thin brick is typically 7 5/8" long.
American Imperial thin brick manufactured by King Klinker America is 19 5/8" long.
At over 2.5 times the length of Modular, the American Imperial format reduces the number of brick units and reduces the number of vertical joints across the wall surface.
What the American Imperial format can accomplish
The longer proportion naturally produces extended horizontal lines and reduced joint interruptions on a façade. This format changes the visual rhythm of a wall surface and allows masonry to present as smoother, more continuous, and more refined in its material presence. It can also improve efficiency, as fewer pieces are required per square foot than traditional shorter units.
King Klinker America’s American Imperial thin brick combines modern sizing, precise manufacturing, and high-temperature firing to deliver a distinct thin brick format with a strong architectural presence. This size offers a different visual expression than Modular, and supports both commercial buildability and aesthetic clarity. With American Imperial options available in the U.S. through Express Ship inventory, King Klinker America provides accessible, ready-to-spec solutions for projects seeking real fired clay masonry in a longer, more intentional proportion.
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