Choosing the right bricks is a crucial step whether you're building an extension or a new home, as they significantly impact the final look and feel of your project. To make the best choice, you need to consider several key factors.
According to expert advice, when choosing your brickwork, you must consider:
- Colour
- Texture
- Laying Patterns
- Mortar Choices
- Building Regs
- Cost
Let's break down these elements to help you make an informed decision.
Key Factors When Selecting Bricks
Selecting the perfect brick involves balancing aesthetics, performance, and budget. Here's a look at the essential aspects to consider:
1. Colour
Brick colour is perhaps the most visible factor, setting the tone for your building's appearance. Bricks come in a vast spectrum of colours, from deep reds and oranges to yellows, browns, greys, and even blues or blacks.
- Consider the Existing Landscape: Think about how the brick colour will blend with or contrast against neighbouring buildings, natural surroundings, and roofing materials.
- Desired Style: Lighter bricks might offer a modern feel, while traditional reds can evoke classic charm.
- Colour Variation: Be aware that natural clay bricks can have variations in colour, which can add character but should be viewed before committing.
2. Texture
The texture of a brick refers to its surface finish. This can range from smooth and uniform to highly textured, rough, or even hand-moulded with unique irregularities.
- Smooth: Provides a clean, contemporary look.
- Wirecut: Often has slight drag marks from the manufacturing process, offering a subtle texture.
- Sand-faced/Stock: Produced in moulds (sometimes lined with sand), resulting in a softer, more traditional, or rustic appearance.
- Handmade: Offers unique variations and irregularities for a truly traditional or bespoke finish.
- Impact of Light: Texture affects how light hits the wall, influencing shadows and the overall perceived colour and depth.
3. Laying Patterns
While not strictly a characteristic of the brick itself, the way bricks are laid plays a significant role in the final aesthetic and structural integrity. Different patterns can create distinct visual effects.
- Stretcher Bond: The most common pattern, where bricks are laid lengthways with ends overlapping.
- English Bond: Alternating courses of headers (short end showing) and stretchers.
- Flemish Bond: Alternating headers and stretchers within the same course.
- Stack Bond: Bricks stacked directly on top of each other, creating a strong vertical line (requires wall ties or reinforcement for stability).
- Consider Structural Needs: Some patterns offer better structural strength than others, especially for load-bearing walls.
4. Mortar Choices
The mortar colour and joint style can dramatically change the look of the brickwork. Mortar makes up a significant percentage of the wall surface (around 15-20%).
- Mortar Colour: Ranges from natural grey to white, black, and various colours achieved with dyes. A contrasting mortar can highlight the bricks, while a matching mortar can create a more uniform appearance.
- Joint Style: Options include struck, flush, recessed, or weather-struck joints, each casting different shadows and affecting the texture.
- Compatibility: Ensure the mortar type is compatible with the brick type and the building's requirements.
5. Building Regulations
Building regulations are essential for safety, structural integrity, and energy efficiency. Choosing bricks that meet local building codes is non-negotiable.
- Structural Requirements: Bricks must meet specific strength and durability standards based on their application (e.g., load-bearing walls, foundations).
- Weather Resistance: Bricks need to be suitable for the local climate, including resistance to frost and water penetration.
- Fire Resistance: Bricks are naturally fire-resistant, but specific ratings might apply.
- Thermal Performance: Consider how the brickwork contributes to the overall thermal efficiency of the building envelope.
- Consult an Expert: Always check with your builder, architect, or local authority building control to ensure your chosen bricks comply with all relevant standards.
6. Cost
Budget is always a practical consideration. Brick costs vary widely based on type, manufacturing process, colour, texture, and origin.
- Material Cost: Prices per thousand bricks vary significantly. Handmade or imported bricks are typically more expensive than mass-produced options.
- Laying Costs: Complex laying patterns can increase labour costs.
- Mortar Costs: While less significant than bricks, mortar choice and joint style can affect costs.
- Delivery: Factor in transportation costs, especially if sourcing bricks from a distance.
- Get Quotes: Obtain detailed quotes for both materials and labour before finalising your choice.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick overview of the factors to guide your decision:
| Factor | What to Consider | Impact On |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Shade, hue, variation, surrounding environment | Aesthetics, Style |
| Texture | Smooth, rough, uniform, irregular, surface finish | Aesthetics, Visual Depth |
| Laying Patterns | Stretcher, Flemish, English, Stack, etc. | Aesthetics, Structural Strength |
| Mortar Choices | Colour, joint style, compatibility with bricks | Aesthetics, Overall Look |
| Building Regs | Structural strength, weather/frost resistance, fire | Safety, Durability, Compliance |
| Cost | Material price, laying complexity, mortar, delivery | Budget, Project Feasibility |
By carefully evaluating these six key aspects – colour, texture, laying patterns, mortar choices, building regs, and cost – you can select the right bricks that not only look great but also perform well and meet all necessary requirements for your building project.
