The primary difference between blockwork and brickwork lies in the materials used, their typical application, and their aesthetic qualities. Here's a more detailed comparison:
Key Differences
| Feature | Blockwork | Brickwork |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Made from concrete, clay, or aerated concrete | Made from fired clay or shale |
| Size | Larger units than bricks | Smaller, more uniform units |
| Cost | Generally less expensive per square meter | Generally more expensive per square meter |
| Speed of Build | Quicker to build due to larger size | Slower to build due to smaller size |
| Aesthetics | Typically rendered, not meant for exposure | Often left exposed for its visual appeal |
| Strength | Offers good structural strength | Offers good structural strength and durability |
Material & Construction
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Blockwork: Uses larger blocks made from various materials such as concrete, clay, or aerated concrete. These blocks are typically rectangular and significantly larger than bricks, making them faster to lay and cover a larger area quickly. Blockwork is very common in internal wall construction or as the base of external walls that will be rendered over.
- Example: Concrete blocks used in the inner leaf of a cavity wall.
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Brickwork: Employs smaller units called bricks, traditionally made from fired clay or shale. Bricks are known for their consistent size and shape, as well as their strength and aesthetic variety. Brickwork is often used for the outer layer of walls due to its weather resistance and attractive look.
- Example: Traditional red brick used in a house's outer facade.
Aesthetics & Application
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Blockwork: Is often chosen for its structural qualities and cost-effectiveness. It's typically rendered or plastered over since the appearance of the blocks is not usually considered aesthetically pleasing.
- Blocks are used where a solid, strong structure is needed but won’t be visible.
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Brickwork: Is often selected for its visual appeal. Brickwork is frequently left exposed to showcase its texture, color, and pattern. Different bond patterns and brick colors add to the aesthetic versatility of brickwork.
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Reference Insight: While brickwork is usually left exposed for its aesthetic qualities and blockwork is typically rendered, both bricks and blocks can be used as facing materials or receive a render coating depending on the project's needs.
Practical Insights
- Speed: Blockwork is generally faster to build than brickwork due to the larger size of the units.
- Cost: Blockwork is often more cost-effective for large structures, as the blocks cost less than bricks, and labor costs are lower.
- Versatility: Both can be used for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.
- Durability: Both brickwork and blockwork offer durable construction options.
Conclusion
In essence, while both blockwork and brickwork serve as fundamental building materials, they differ primarily in the material used, size, aesthetics, and speed of build. Brickwork is often chosen for its visual appeal and durability, while blockwork is favoured for its cost-effectiveness and speed, often acting as a base for other finishes. However, both can be used as facing materials or given a render coating.
