The very first thing you should address is what it is that you want to build. Is it a firepit, a brick veneer for a home’s exterior or something like a retaining wall, walkway, or patio? Once you figure out what you are building, the next thing to decide is what type of brick you are going to need to use.
Typical masonry foundations are built from either brick + block or block only. Most new construction gets a brick and block foundation wall, if not a full veneer. A majority of manufactured bricks are used for masonry foundations or brick veneer. They are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
When planning for a build, you must decide whether you want a siding product for your home’s exterior or if you want to install a brick veneer. Brick veneer are bricks that are installed above the foundation height. One thing to note: pay close attention to your brick selection for veneer. Some bricks cost .33c and some are priced over $1 each. This can increase costs a lot.
There are different types of bricks used for horizontal installation. They are what we call “solids”. Bricks like these are literally solid, with no holes in the brick. This gives a smooth appearance and provides a stable base. For patios or paver work, the preparation is the most important aspect. The spot needs to be laser “level” and should be at the proper depth.
Ever heard of fire brick? Well, that’s what most firepits are built from (if you’re using brick). These specialty brick are extremely durable to super high temperatures. They are made specifically for the use inside of structures that have active fires going. They last forever and can provide additional heat surrounding the area, in addition to the actual fire.
There are quite a few different types of brick out there. Every single one of them is made for a specific purpose. The location, geographically speaking, can also dictate the type of brick you should build with. Take a look at the list below to see the common uses for each type of brick and a brief description of how they are made and what they are used for.
The most commonly used brick in modern day residential and commercial construction projects. Burnt clay bricks are made by pressing wet clay into molds, before being fired in a kiln. They are available in a variety of sizes, colors, and textures. They are used for interior and exterior veneer, masonry foundations, masonry walkways, fencing, and patio pavers.
Also known as refractory brick, fire brick are designed for use in and around fire. Fireplaces, fire pits, large pizza ovens, furnaces, and more. The bricks are made by mixing and superheating crystalline silicate in with the clay to aid the vitrification process. It basically transforms the compound into brick glass and is super resistant to heat and is efficient at retaining heat without damaging the material.
The environmentally friendly choice! Also known as calcium silicate, sand lime brick is simply a mixture of sand, lime, and water. With no toxic chemicals added, it is a planet healthy process compared to traditional brick manufacturing methods. Areas where humidity is low are ideal locations to build with sand lime brick. Think Arizona for the United States and think Africa, Saudi Arabia, or Australia on a global scale. The downside is that they don’t have very good water resistance.
Engineering brick are typically used in large commercial projects, multi-story buildings, and facades on buildings in high value areas. The most impressive characteristic of an engineering brick is their high compressive strength. They are meant to last ages and can support very heavy loads. Some versions are called blue bricks and are widely used in Europe.
Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion, typically originating from power plants. Fly ash bricks are typically made of fly ash, water, cement, aluminum powder, quicklime, and gypsum. Fly ash brick are very strong, even more so than burnt clay bricks. They don’t weigh as much either. A very light weight masonry unit. Fly ash brick are typically used in areas that are prone to earthquakes. The brick also feature a low thermal absorption rate, which means it doesn’t hold solar and infrared radiation.
Also known as a “mud brick”, sun dried brick are handmade bricks made from water, sand, clay, straw, and sometimes gravel. The mix is poured or forced into handmade molds and set out in the sun to dry. Third world countries are the areas where these type of brick are manufactured and utilized the most. It’s cheap and most of the resources are derived from the land for free. The pitfalls of building with this brick are inconsistency with size, organic ingredients in the mix, and the manufacturing process is very time consuming.
Concrete brick are typically made from the same ingredients that any concrete mix uses: sand, aggregate, and cement. “Concrete masonry units” are most often used in the construction of crawlspace foundations for residential home building projects. The other use is for masonry pavers. They make good cheap pavers for your backyard landscape. They are cheap and strong and require less labor to install, compared to traditional bricks.
The other thing to take into consideration is the aesthetic of your building’s exterior. What do you want it to look like? There are so many color options out there for masonry brick. Typical color families include browns, tans, whites, blacks, reds, grays, and multi-color. Brick selection has a major impact on the overall appearance of your building or structure, so it is vital that you make the right choice.
There are endless combinations and colors to choose from. To help pick your brick color, you should try and visualize the desired finished exterior aesthetic. Choose a brick that accents or blends within your home’s color palette for a unified appearance. Check out the different brick color families below.
Concrete brick are typically made from the same ingredients that any concrete mix uses: sand, aggregate, and cement. “Concrete masonry units” are most often used in the construction of crawlspace foundations for residential home building projects. The other use is for masonry pavers. They make good cheap pavers for your backyard landscape. They are cheap and strong and require less labor to install, compared to traditional bricks.
Does it really matter what size bricks you pick for your project? Absolutely, it does. The larger the brick, the fewer bricks it takes to complete your project. This usually equates to less masonry labor, but larger bricks cost more each.
The other thing to take into consideration is the aesthetic of your building’s exterior. What do you want it to look like? A larger brick is going to give a different finished appearance than a modular sized brick. They all have a different style and appeal. Brick selection has a major impact on the overall appearance of your building or structure, so it is vital that you make the right choice. The best way to pick a brick is by checking your local brick / stone showroom and holding the bricks in your hand. That’s the only way to truly differentiate the sizing, texture, and color between bricks. Check out the different brick sizes below.
Know what your building. Pick the type of brick, based on what you are building requires. Match the brick colors to what you had wanted the exterior of your home to look like. Also you will need to choose the size of brick your home gets at the same time you are choosing brick color! Easy as that. Remember to visit a brick / stone showroom near your locality to be able to physically hold and see the bricks you are about to purchase!
“Take time and consideration to make the choices that will stick with you forever."
We are construction junkies and love educating people on the conventions and trends in the residential construction space. We use our blog to post informational articles, how-to’s and sometimes show off our own construction projects. We love the transparency and it really does give non-construction folks a view into the industry.
Contact
Ph: 919.980.3009
Ext. 1 – Sales & Inquiries
Ext. 2 – Project Manager
Location
PO Box 1178
Four Oaks, NC 27524
Your local residential construction pros.
We are a full service residential construction company providing earthworks and masonry services. Footing, foundation, and concrete flatwork construction make up our core service offerings.
Working in Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Harnett, Wilson, Franklin, and Nash counties in North Carolina.
Working in Johnston, Wake, Wayne, Harnett, Wilson, Franklin, and Nash counties in North Carolina.
