Complete Guide to Bricks and Blocks
Whether you're building walls, laying foundations, or creating decorative features, choosing the right bricks and blocks is essential. Compare types, prices, and find the best suppliers.
Types of Bricks
Engineering bricks are dense and strong, ideal for foundations and damp-proof courses. Facing bricks provide attractive finishes for visible walls. Common bricks are used where appearance doesn't matter. Reclaimed bricks offer character for restoration projects.
Concrete Blocks
Dense concrete blocks provide structural strength. Lightweight aggregate blocks offer better insulation. Aircrete blocks combine light weight with good thermal properties. Hollow blocks are used for reinforced walls.
Calculating Quantities
Standard bricks: approximately 60 per square metre. Blocks (440x215mm): approximately 10 per square metre. Always add 5-10% for waste and breakages.
Helpful Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
For standard bricks (215x102.5x65mm), you need approximately 60 bricks per square metre for a single-skin wall, including mortar joints.
Engineering bricks are used where high strength and low water absorption are needed: foundations, retaining walls, manholes, and damp-proof courses. Class A is the strongest, Class B is more common.
Dense blocks are used for structural work and below ground. Lightweight blocks are used for inner leaves of cavity walls where better insulation is needed. Check your building regulations requirements.