Bricks are one of the most important and oldest materials involved in construction. For centuries, blocks have been used globally to build some of the most important buildings. Bricks are usually the go-to building material as they have high compressive strength, can absorb moisture and offer protection against fire and water.

We have put together this guide to talk you through all the different types of bricks.

What Is a Brick?

A brick is a building material made from stone or clay and comes in all different shapes and sizes. Bricks are joined together by using mortar in construction.

Why Use Bricks in Construction?

Bricks are one of the most commonly used building materials worldwide. It is almost impossible to go down any road in any country and not spot a building constructed from bricks. But why are bricks so popular?

Bricks are incredibly durable and have the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions (whether that is extreme heat or rain). From an aesthetic perspective, you can find bricks in different colours and textures, which can offer a particular ‘look’ to your build. The versatility and protection that bricks provide to a building project are immense. It is no surprise that bricks are so widely used.

Engineering Bricks

Generally, they are used to support structures from underneath the surface. This brick is used for this purpose as it is highly durable and can withstand extreme damp conditions or freezing temperatures during the winter months.

You will find this brick in tunnels, utility access holes and sewers. They tend to have a smooth finish and holes from top to bottom.

There are two types of engineering bricks. Type B is more common than type A.

Type A:

125mm2 compressive strength
Less than 4.5% water absorption
Great for specialist projects

Type B:

75mm2 compressive strength
Less than 7% water absorption
Great for general use

Foundation Blocks

Foundation blocks are similar to engineering bricks. However, they are more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. They have a solid resistance to harsh weather conditions, like freezing temperatures and dampness.

Foundation blocks provide a great degree of insulation, making them an excellent choice for multi-storey buildings.

Facing Bricks

Facing bricks are very commonly used bricks in the UK. Facing bricks are used to create the exterior for most of the buildings you pass daily. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and textures for aesthetic purposes.

Making the right decision for the facing brick you are planning to use in your project is vital, as it determines the whole look and feel of the build.

There are two main types of facing bricks. The first type is ‘soft mud’, otherwise known as ‘stock bricks’. Soft mud bricks are visually traditional bricks. This type of brick can be handmade or machine manufactured.

The second type of facing brick is ‘extruded bricks’, also known as ‘wire-cut bricks’. Extruded bricks are made by clay being put through the extrusion head, which forms a column, which is then cut into smaller pieces.

Common Bricks

Ironically, common bricks are the least commonly used brick in the UK. This is mainly due to the poor compressive strength that the brick has. Common bricks are primarily used for internal brickwork and are rarely used for exterior or foundation builds as they can not withstand harsh weather conditions.

However, common bricks are great for fences and internal brickwork, as they do not require much maintenance and can block out noise.

Sand Lime Bricks

Sand lime bricks (or calcium silicate bricks) are extremely tough bricks with a super smooth finish. This type of brick is very popular as it does not require plastering when used for interior walls, and construction with this brick is more straightforward as the edges are straight and unjagged.

Sand lime bricks are made with a mixture of sand, fly ash and water. Pigments can be added to change the colour of the brick for aesthetic purposes. The mixture is then poured into a brick mould, which is left to dry to form the brick.

Brick Styles

The appearance of bricks is essential to consider, as it can determine the entire look and feel of a building. Different manufacturers specialise in different styles. For example, some brands will focus on creating bricks that are best for restoration projects and blend in with the rest of the building, whilst others create newer and cleaner looking bricks for new builds.

There are many style options to consider when deciding which brick to buy. Below are some of the most common styling preferences and options:

Shape

Circular
Rectangular
Arch bricks
Bonding Bricks

Texture

Smooth finish
Sand Faced
Wire cut
Light and heavy
Tumbled
Stock

Colour

Red
Brown
Grey
Cream
Blue