Sandmolds

For thousands of years, bricks were made in the following way: first the bricks were formed in wooden molds, then they were removed from the molds and slowly dried; and finally, they were fired in kilns. A coating of sand was used to help the sticky clay bricks slide out of the molds, and this sand left a distinctive grainy texture that can still be seen today on historic buildings across North America.

At McNear Brick & Block, we have preserved enough hand-craftsmanship to replicate these historic bricks. We no longer use wooden molds, but our the softened edges and subtle irregularities of our Sandmolds accurately capture the look and feel of true historic bricks. Our Sandmolds are frequently specified for infill or repairs in historic districts and buildings.

McNear Sandmolds also work well as sand-set pavers for driveways and patios. Their rounded edges prevent spalling, and their slight irregularities create gaps for the locking sand.

McNear Sandmolds are available in many colors, as both full brick and thin brick, and in many sizes and shapes: Standard, Modular, King, Norman, and Utility, etc. We can also produce Sandmolds in custom shapes and sizes.