The Different Types of Bricks

One of the most crucial materials in construction and building is bricks. We see them around us everywhere – and billions are made each year – but they’re often overlooked in how important they can be to a structure’s stability, aesthetics and overall endurance. 

It’s easy to picture the classic orange house brick and imagine that’s all there is to it, but there are, in fact, a wide variety of bricks available for use. Each brick type comes with its own qualities and unique uses. In addition, you can find bricks in different colours too, including sandy, stone, red, purple, black, grey, brown and blue.

This month at Bosaco, however, we’re going to take you through the different types of bricks for houses and construction, how they’re made and what they’re commonly used for, since this is a better way of categorising them. 

We hope you’ll find this useful if you’re planning any type of project, from walls and chimneys to fences and barbecues. If you need further advice on choosing the right brick for the right colour, qualities or consistency, then don’t hesitate to ask us when we quote for your project in Nottingham.

The Different Types of Bricks

While there are a whole variety of bricks – usually categorised into common bricks, facing bricks and engineering bricks – we’ve included a few of the most popular ones and some additional types that you ought to be aware of.

Burnt Clay Bricks

This is one of the most common brick types and the one people are most familiar with. It’s a type of facing brick that is moulded individually and then fired in a kiln. This is where it gets the mixed colour and soft texture from.

Wirecut Bricks

So-called because they are created by cutting longer columns into smaller bricks by wire, this is also a facing brick. They’re made from clay, giving them similar properties to burnt bricks but with the ability to produce them quickly with consistency over dimensions.

Fly Ash Bricks

Another common brick, but with the addition of fly ash, this is a less porous brick type, making it more resistant to a freeze-and-thaw cycle. They’re also known to be lighter with a high strength if using the right mix.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks – more commonly known as concrete blocks – are not the prettiest, but they do have some qualities that mean they’re used in construction. They’re great at resisting water and heat, with a density and strength that means they get used for walls, supports and foundations.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks are a lot like common clay bricks in that they often come in orange or grey. They’re mostly used in construction of groundworks because they offer a higher compressive strength. Their improved resistance to damp and cold conditions means they’re also often used in underground works. You’ll find these bricks broken into Class A and Class B types, each with different compressive strengths.

Air Bricks

Air bricks are also called ventilation bricks. They’re shaped a little differently – usually squarer in comparison with ordinary bricks – and have holes in them that make them look a little like a waffle. This is so that air can flow in and out, preventing mould and moisture problems in a building. You’ll find them matched in colour to the surrounding bricks, but they might also be covered with mesh to prevent pest problems.

Fire Bricks

While the name might suggest that this brick is just like clay-fired bricks, it’s actually about their resistance to high temperatures. Fire bricks are commonly used around chimneys, barbecues and any structure that will be subject to a lot of heat. While you can find these bricks in different colours, they initially come out black or white due to how they’re made.

Choose a reliable, local construction company

Here at Bosaco, we’re local and reliable builders for Nottingham. We apply all our experience and knowledge to each project we undertake. That includes our detailed understanding of bricks and their different uses. We can help you choose and find the right brick type to achieve any work you’d like carried out, whether you’re on a tight budget or you have a specific look you’d like to achieve for your home. We know the best types of bricks used for construction thanks to decades in the business.

To discuss your building project in Nottingham – be that a chimney repair, property refurbishment or a brand new extension – then simply contact our dedicated team today. We’re always happy to offer expertise and advice, along with a free, no-obligation quote for the work so that you can make the decision that’s right for you.