We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Buying Bricks?

By B. Turner
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,645
References
Share

Bricks are a durable and versatile building material for walls, patios, and other structures. Given the long-lasting nature of bricks, buyers should be sure to get the most out of this investment by choosing the right bricks for the job. One of the most important things to consider when buying bricks is to match the brick to where it will be used. Another important tip involves picking the right type of brick for structural, decorative, or ground work. Finally, buyers should consider the appearance of the brick, including its profile, color, and numerous other aesthetic properties.

The biggest mistake one can make when buying bricks is choosing the wrong type of brick for the job. Indoor bricks used in an outdoor patio are destined to fail, resulting in wasted time and money. For outdoor projects in freeze-prone areas, buyers should look for severe weathering (SW) bricks. Bricks labeled as moderate weathering (MW) can be used outdoors, but are not designed for the coldest climate zones. Interior-grade bricks should only be used indoors, and builders should stick with specially crafted fire bricks when constructing a fireplace or fire pit.

To ensure the brick will fit the project, people buying bricks should look for units meant for specific types of applications. For example, bricks with holes cut through the center are known as structural bricks, and are used for constructing interior or exterior walls. These holes reduce the weight of the brick in applications where the top of the brick will be hidden from view. Face brick does not have these holes, and can be used to construct walls as well as patios and brick floors. Brick pavers can be square or rectangular, and are designed for patios, walkways, and other hardscapes.

When buying bricks, homeowners have a wide variety of options in terms of colors, textures, and finishes. When attempting to match existing brick, it's best to take a sample along for comparison. Given the different types of brick sizing, it is very easy to purchase a standard brick size, then realize that the existing bricks don't match. Even slight variations in color can be hard to spot without a sample on hand.

Those looking to save money when buying bricks may wish to consider shopping for reclaimed bricks. These units have been salvaged from existing buildings, then cleaned and prepared for reuse. This can also be an effective technique for buying bricks to match older existing units, or for those looking for unusual bricks with a unique appearance or character.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-buying-bricks.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.