IJsselsteentjes: traditional Dutch brick paving explained
By Hovenier Hoofddorp · Updated July 31, 2026
IJsselsteentjes are small, hand-formed fired-clay bricks, originally made in brickworks along the river IJssel — hence the name. Thanks to their small size and warm yellow-red colour range, they have traditionally been used for restoration projects, heritage buildings and characterful garden paths, and have become popular with homeowners wanting a historic look in their own garden.
What exactly are IJsselsteentjes?
IJsselsteentjes are a small brick format (typically around 4.5 × 9 cm, roughly half the size of a standard clinker) that was traditionally hand-moulded and fired from river clay in brickworks along the IJssel. The small size and slightly uneven shape create a fine-grained, small-scale paving pattern you don't get with larger clinkers — ideal for smaller areas where you want a calm, unassuming scale.
Applications: where do IJsselsteentjes work well?
- Garden paths and walking routes at heritage or characterful homes
- Restoration and renovation projects reinstating original paving
- Smaller patios, where the fine format gives a calmer overall look than large slabs
- Decorative borders or contrasting bands within a larger paved area
IJsselsteentjes work fine for a driveway with daily car traffic, provided the foundation is built solidly enough — the small format means more joints, and therefore slightly more risk of localised settlement than with large, heavy clinkers.
What do IJsselsteentjes cost per m²?
| Item | Guide price per m² |
|---|---|
| Material (newly fired) | €40 – €70 |
| Material (reclaimed, from demolition projects) | €65 – €110 |
| Installed (foundation, laying, jointing) | €75 – €130 |
Reclaimed IJsselsteentjes from demolition or restoration projects are sought after for heritage work because of their authentic patina, so they cost more than newly fired stone. The small format also means more bricks — and more laying time — per m² than standard clinkers.
Maintenance
IJsselsteentjes need similar upkeep to other fired-clay clinkers: weeding the many joints (the small format means relatively more joints) and occasional re-sanding. With a good foundation they stay attractive for decades — exactly why they keep reappearing in restoration projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are IJsselsteentjes called that?
The name comes from the many brickworks that once lined the river IJssel, where this small brick format was hand-formed and fired from river clay. The name stuck as the term for this specific small clinker format, even where the stone is now produced elsewhere.
Are IJsselsteentjes suitable for a driveway?
Yes, provided there is a solid foundation underneath (at least 20 cm of crushed stone for car traffic). The small format does need extra care when laying and compacting, to prevent individual bricks working loose over time.
What is the difference between new and reclaimed IJsselsteentjes?
Newly fired IJsselsteentjes have a more uniform colour and shape; reclaimed bricks from demolition or restoration projects have a weathered, authentic look that suits older homes, but cost more and availability varies by project.
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