Are alternative bricks any good?

[ChrisZx]

Wondering about getting ibstock heathers instead of LBC's for our extension, 50s council estate in west London. I assumed the alternative bricks would be inferior, but I've read somewhere that someone thought that actually they're superior.

Anyone got any thoughts? Are they going to be as good a match?

 

[noseall]

The Carlton 'Heathers' are a much better brick than any of the rubbish LBC turned out. I thing they are sub-DPC durable also.

 

[^woody^]

Yes the Ibstock Heathers are squarer, nicer, have better edges, don't chip when you just glance at them and seem less prone to efflorescence. The ony thing is that they stain easier - especially when they are damp when laid - mentioning for a friend.