Selecting the Best Brick Types for Your Construction Project

Bricks are among the most widely used materials in the construction industry, and with good reason. They are suitable for a range of projects, from driveways and walls to fire pits. Renowned for their durability, strength, and versatility, bricks are an essential element in masonry work.

With several types of bricks available, it’s important to choose the right one for your specific project. Explore this article to learn about the different brick types for construction and ensure you make the best selection for your next build.

Various Brick Types for Construction

Here are the seven most common types of bricks used in residential and commercial construction projects:

Fly Ash Bricks

If you’re focused on using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, fly ash bricks are an excellent choice. Composed primarily of fly ash, water, and cement, these bricks are made from the byproduct of coal combustion in industrial boilers and power plants.

Fly ash bricks are lightweight, making them easier to handle and transport compared to other brick types. They also provide notable strength and have low water absorption, which helps minimize the risk of moisture-related structural damage.

Sun-Dried Bricks (also known as Adobe Bricks)

Sun-dried bricks, which date back to the Mesopotamian era around 7000 B.C., are one of the earliest forms of brick. Commonly referred to as mudbricks, unfired or unburnt bricks, and adobe bricks, they are made from a mixture of clay, water, organic materials, and dried under the sun.

While they are easy to produce, sun-dried bricks lack the durability and water- or fire-resistance of other brick types, making them unsuitable for permanent structures. As a result, they are typically used for temporary construction projects.

Concrete Bricks

Concrete bricks provide a versatile and durable option for brick masonry. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, they can be manufactured in a wide range of colors and finishes, making them an excellent choice for creative and colorful projects.

Concrete bricks come in various subtypes based on their density. These include hollow concrete bricks, common concrete bricks, aerated bricks, lightweight bricks, and dense bricks, each offering specific characteristics suited to different construction needs.

Engineering Bricks

Engineering bricks offer several benefits in construction. They are known for their exceptional strength and water resistance, as well as their durability and low maintenance requirements. Additionally, they are capable of withstanding challenging environmental conditions, making them a reliable choice for demanding applications.

Engineering bricks are manufactured under high heat, resulting in a density that distinguishes them from other types. This makes them an ideal choice for masonry projects requiring strong structural support and moisture resistance, such as foundations, sewers, and walls.

Fired Clay Bricks

Burnt clay bricks, a favored choice among clay brick types, are highly regarded in construction for their strength and aesthetic versatility. They are produced by molding clay, firing it at high temperatures in a kiln, and then allowing it to cool. This process significantly enhances their durability.

Burnt clay bricks come in a range of colors, from reds to browns, depending on the type of clay used. This variety allows you to select the color that best suits your project.

Sand-Lime Bricks

Sand-lime bricks, also known as calcium silicate bricks, are made from a mixture of sand, lime, and water. This mixture is subjected to high-pressure steam curing, resulting in bricks that match the durability of traditional clay bricks. This production method is considered more environmentally friendly compared to conventional brick-making processes.

In addition to their strength, sand-lime bricks provide excellent soundproofing properties, making them suitable for a variety of construction applications.

Achieve Robust and Reliable Brick Structures with Tucson Masonry Pros

The materials you choose for your home renovation or remodeling projects play a crucial role in the quality of your structures. At Tucson Masonry Pros, we offer expert construction services using a variety of materials, including bricks, concrete, cast stone, pavers, and more.