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Choosing Brick and Concrete Blocks

Brian Gregory

By Brian Gregory
Updated July 6, 2022

No conversation about construction and quality building materials is complete without including brick and concrete block. Brick has been a building material for centuries and is a proven, solid and attractive building option, while concrete block forms foundations and walls in many structures.

A man laying brick and mortar onto a block wall.

Brick Basics

Brick products have improved considerably since they were made with ancient techniques using sunbaked mud and straw. Brick's hardiness and durability is proven by the fact that it's one of the few building materials that's routinely salvaged and reused.

In addition to longevity, building bricks offer good insulation and weatherproofing. They don't require paint, so you don't have to worry about fading. Despite their simplicity, you're not limited to the standard-sized red blocks. There are various colors and shapes for the design you want.

Types of Brick

A red cored brick.

There are several types of bricks to use, depending on the project.

  • Building Brick: Cored structural bricks, the ones with holes, are for construction. The holes are there to save material and reduce weight.
  • Face Brick: These are the solid bricks that face the outside of your building. They're available in various colors, sizes and shapes.
  • Firebrick: This type of brick is heat-resistant and made for fireplace or heat-sensitive construction.
  • Brick Pavers: To be used for sidewalks, patios and edging.
  • Antique or Tumbled Brick: Instantly achieve the impression of antiquity with vintage-style brick texture.
  • Brick Veneer: Non-load-bearing interlocking brick siding (about 1/2 inch thick); requires no mortar. These are available for interior or exterior use.

There are three grades of brick to choose from:

  • Severe Weathering (SW): Able to experience freeze and thaw cycles; perfect for cold climates
  • Moderate Weathering (MW): Tolerance to frost and freezing; used for outdoor walls
  • No Weathering (NW): For indoor use only

Cost for Brick Siding

There are multiple factors to consider when determining the cost of a brick project. Although these will vary according to the details of your project, here are some of the main ones:

  • Whether you’re using real building brick versus brick veneers, also known as brick panels.
  • Whether you’re laying the brick yourself or hiring a professional.
  • The size of your home, as this will determine how much brick you’ll need to buy.

Determining how much brick costs per square foot can be challenging because there are many types of brick or brick-like products to choose from. Solid brick, for example, can run you almost double the cost of brick veneer. If affordability is your main objective, opt for brick veneer siding which offers the same look as real brick at a more economical price. If durability is more important to you, consider real brick which stands up to the elements and does not require much maintenance.

Brick Tips for DIYers

Brickwork and brick masonry are easier than you think and are even considered fun or relaxing by many. But don't rush into the project: You'll want plenty of training and practice before tackling any structural or load-bearing projects. Here are a few things to remember:

  • You can cut brick with a brick chisel and hammer or saw.
  • Diamond blades for circular saws make clean miter cuts.
  • Wear eye protection any time you cut brick.
  • If you must store brick, avoid ground contact, which could stain the brick or increase water absorption beyond the normal limits.

Buying Brick

  • Plan on using five bricks per square foot in a paving project. Plan on using seven per square foot for a wall. The difference is due to the size of the bricks, the pattern used and the grout or mortar thickness.
  • There are 500 bricks in a cube (about a pallet's worth).
  • Always use the correct mortar mix for the job, and use the appropriate mortar joint style to make your project weather tight.
  • Due to its natural origins, matching brick color isn't easy, so buy enough to complete your project. Don't forget to include some extra for breakage or future repairs.
  • Check your local building codes or homeowners association regulations before selecting your brick.

Concrete Block

A standard cored concrete block.

You'll also see concrete block when shopping for brick. Used in foundations and walls, structural concrete block usually has two open cells to reduce weight, allow steel reinforcement and improve insulation. Solid concrete cap block is used on top of a course of block to seal the wall or support wood or brick.

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