Industrial Heritage & Modern Potential of Scoria Bricks:
When we think of reclaimed bricks, we often picture the warm reds of traditional handmade bricks or the weathered tones of reclaimed Yorkstone paving. But there’s one fascinating and lesser-known type of brick with a unique story to tell — Scoria bricks.
What Are Scoria Bricks?
Scoria bricks are a remarkable byproduct of Britain’s industrial past, crafted from the waste material (slag) left over from iron production. During the height of the Industrial Revolution, regions such as Teesside, England became known for their booming ironworks, and Scoria bricks were one of the more creative and practical uses for the waste these industries generated.
What sets Scoria bricks apart visually is their distinctive blue-grey colour — a result of the iron content fused within the brick body during firing. Their unique appearance, strength, and durability made them ideal for hard-wearing industrial applications, from road surfaces to factory floors.
The Origins: Born from Industry
The Industrial Revolution and Scoria Bricks
During the 19th century, Britain’s rapid industrialisation led to a huge increase in iron production. In Teesside — one of the industrial powerhouses of the time — vast amounts of blast furnace slag were produced as a waste byproduct of smelting iron ore.
Rather than simply disposing of this material, enterprising manufacturers recycled the slag into bricks, giving birth to what we now call Scoria bricks (sometimes referred to locally as slag bricks or Teesside bricks). This innovation didn’t just reduce waste; it created a durable and affordable building material that became widely used across northern England.
What Makes Scoria Bricks Unique?
1. Distinctive Appearance
Unlike traditional red clay bricks, Scoria bricks have a blue-grey to almost black hue, with subtle metallic flecks running through their surface. This industrial aesthetic makes them stand out, especially in landscape design and contemporary restorations.
2. Exceptional Durability
Thanks to their slag content, Scoria bricks are exceptionally hard and resistant to weathering — perfect for areas exposed to heavy wear and foot traffic. This durability made them popular for roadways, dockyards, and factory floors, and today it makes them ideal for garden paths, driveways, and outdoor features.
3. Industrial Heritage
Each reclaimed Scoria brick carries with it a piece of Teesside’s industrial history, making these bricks an authentic, characterful choice for restoration projects or designs that aim to celebrate heritage materials.
Why Reclaimed Scoria Bricks Deserve a Second Life
As with many historic materials, original Scoria bricks are no longer produced. The decline of Britain’s heavy industry in the late 20th century saw ironworks close, and with them, the production of Scoria bricks disappeared.
This makes reclaimed Scoria bricks not only a rare and sought-after material, but also a sustainable building choice. By reusing these historic bricks, you preserve a piece of industrial history while reducing demand for newly manufactured materials — an environmentally responsible choice aligned with modern eco-conscious construction.
How to Use Reclaimed Scoria Bricks in Modern Projects
1. Garden Paths and Driveways
The strength and weather resistance of Scoria bricks make them ideal for outdoor paving projects. Their blue-grey tones provide a striking contrast to greenery, making them particularly effective in contemporary garden design.
💡 Explore our range of Reclaimed Paving Bricks if you’re looking for hard-wearing materials with character and heritage.
2. Feature Walls and Architectural Details
Whether indoors or out, Scoria bricks’ unique texture and colour can add industrial charm to feature walls in modern homes, garden rooms, or commercial spaces like cafes and offices. Their unusual colour pairs beautifully with metal, wood, and glass in industrial-style interiors.
💡 Looking for inspiration? Our collection of Reclaimed Bricks includes a variety of materials ideal for mixing and matching with Scoria bricks.
3. Historical Restorations
For restoration projects in Teesside, County Durham, or North Yorkshire, sourcing authentic Scoria bricks ensures your project retains its original character. When preserving or extending historic industrial buildings, using original reclaimed bricks helps to maintain authenticity.
💡 Need help sourcing specific reclaimed bricks? Our team at Reclaimed Brick Company can help locate heritage materials to match your project. Contact us via our Contact Page.
Sustainable Benefits of Using Reclaimed Scoria Bricks
1. Waste Reduction
By reclaiming and reusing Scoria bricks, you divert materials from landfill — giving these historic bricks a valuable second life.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Unlike newly manufactured bricks, reclaimed bricks require no new firing or processing, drastically reducing their carbon footprint.
3. Energy Efficiency
Scoria bricks also possess excellent thermal mass, meaning they absorb heat during the day and release it at night. This makes them a practical choice for greenhouses, conservatories, or sunrooms — spaces that benefit from passive heat regulation.
💡 Interested in thermal mass solutions? Check out our blog on Using Reclaimed Bricks and Paving as Heat Sinks.
Where to Find Reclaimed Scoria Bricks
At Reclaimed Brick Company, we are passionate about sourcing authentic, characterful reclaimed materials — and Scoria bricks are no exception. While they are rare and highly sought after, we work closely with demolition specialists and heritage projects to rescue and reclaim these valuable materials.
To see if we currently have reclaimed Scoria bricks in stock, visit our Reclaimed Bricks Collection or contact our sourcing team directly for assistance.
Conclusion: Bringing Industrial Heritage into the Future
Scoria bricks may have begun life as a byproduct of iron production, but today they stand as valuable relics of Britain’s industrial heritage. With their striking appearance, incredible durability, and eco-friendly credentials, they are an ideal choice for landscapers, architects, restorers, and homeowners who want to combine historic character with practical performance.
Whether you’re building a period-appropriate feature wall, designing a contemporary garden path, or preserving a piece of Teesside’s past, reclaimed Scoria bricks offer a perfect blend of history, sustainability, and style.
💡 Ready to find the right reclaimed bricks for your project? Explore our full range of reclaimed bricks and paving, or get in touch to discuss your unique requirements.