Gray-white clinker, only ceramic?

Actually, it is the case that I was quoted a price for the clinker of something over €1,000 p.T. (it is apparently also very "in" right now). And the surcharge for labor is well over €15/sqm. I’m afraid there’s not much negotiating to be done these days...

You can say that you’ll buy the clinker yourself

That’s your choice, but as mentioned above, unfortunately you won’t find a mason to work with such a stone for you, and I speak from (current) experience. You too?

Yes, I paid €70/m2 (net) for the clinker work, I bought the materials myself. Two masons were at my place for a whole month and did it carefully and precisely. Each stone was aligned individually. You can also have it laid on a piecework basis and pay €35. But then it looks just like that.

One can also have it installed for a fixed price and then pays €35. But it looks exactly the same then.

That's how it is. In this respect, I read the respectable surcharge as a glimmer of hope that the installation will not be left to construction helpers.

That's how it is. In that respect, I interpret the respectable surcharge as a glimmer of hope that the workmanship won't be left to construction helpers.

I actually hope so too :p Or rather, I know it because I have houses built here by my general contractor in the neighborhood with this clinker. And getting it myself and taking care of "my own" masons is rather not an option for me.

We took the 'Caven' from Wienerberger. As I said, I really liked the structure of the bricks and we wanted something bright with nice color gradients. I was very picky about the clinker because I wanted a clinker that has slight textures and is not completely smooth, but I quickly notice pseudo repetitive structures... like when the lines almost repeat exactly somewhere again and again. I know it depends a lot on the mix, but as has already been said, no bricklayer will mix all the packages wildly for you, but simply take the bricks down with a claw from 2-3 packages. For me it was also important that the picture fits from both perspectives, from further away as 99% of people will see it, but also up close as you and your family probably will. Therefore, I can only advise you not to just have samples sent, as there are usually only 3 bricks inside, but also to look at houses. Both Wienerberger and Röben and I think every other company also have regional representatives and you get their contacts on their website. That’s how I did it too, called, got 3-4 samples sent from each company and was given objects with all the clinkers that interested me. Then I drove around on a nice Sunday all across northern Germany. But discreetly and politely, you look at other people’s houses, you always have to keep that in mind. So for me some clinkers fell out completely quickly, for example the Röben Yukon was too structured for my taste and under the light it just looked completely one-colored, so it was out for me and you come to your own taste. I also wouldn’t just look at the price right away, make a ranking and if you find out the first place doesn’t work at all, then move on and if one costs 4000€ more but you like it, then consider if that’s doable and worth it for you. You can paint a plastered facade in another color, you won’t exchange the clinker and have to suffer for a long time. The other thing you still have to keep in mind: The joint makes a big difference. Should it be inconspicuous and form a uniform wall from a distance or should it emphasize the individual brick and strongly outline it? But that’s then the second decision. :)

Thanks a lot to you too for your tips!
Of course, I’ve already checked out quite a few reference properties and "searched" new development areas, and actually even rang some doorbells :cool: Many bricks are already out of the running because they look quite different in real life than on the internet photo.
I’ve now made another appointment at a large brick exhibition that probably offers a variety of manufacturers. There, I hope to get some proper advice and at least be able to touch some of my favorites ;)

Very good, that is the best thing you can do so you don’t regret it afterwards.
A little anecdote from me: We had received sample joints, 3 pieces. When we were ready to grout, we were still undecided between two shades. One was medium gray, which we already had as a joint, and a beige, which we did not have (only off-white, and that was too light for us). It was agreed with the grouting contractor that he would make another sample joint after his vacation, and then, once it was dry, we would decide over the weekend which of the two it should be. I got a call on Friday that he was now ready and I should come by. When I arrived at the construction site at 8:30 a.m., he and his guys had already grouted a quarter of the house in the beige tone. I then decided to leave it that way and only had to explain it to my wife :oops: but luckily, after the joint dried, the overall picture fits for us and it is just as we imagined it :D. Meanwhile, I have really become numb to compromises or the unexpected. :)