Deciding Which Bricks To Use

Home improvement projects are something most of us undertake from time to time, and they often involve the use of bricks. If you’re about to embark on a project and are wondering the best sort of brick to use, read our guide to find out more about the different types available. The most common type of brick is simply called the common brick. This is useful for most projects, but it’s too porous to be used for any structural purposes so make sure not to use it below ground.

Large home improvement projects tend to require a more reliable brick, particularly if you’re going to be undertaking any structural work. The best type of brick to use here is the engineering block. While some people do use them to clad their outer walls, they aren’t made for their looks and so their main purpose is structural. They’re not particularly attractive looking things but they are sturdy and solid and so very useful, especially if you’re doing something that requires lots of bricks to be used.

Probably the most common type of brick used in small or medium sized home improvement projects is the facing brick. These are designed to be attractive to look at and they generally form the cladding on most houses. They are often the first thing people see when they look at your house so their appearance is arguably their most important feature. You can choose from a range of colors and finishes on these bricks and they tend to be fairly small so they make neat rows.

If you are on a budget and looking to cut down the amount of money you’re spending, then you could also consider using reclaimed bricks. They’re popular in many home improvement projects and involve bricks that have previously been used for another purpose. As long as their quality is good, you can use them again. You can get them from other areas of your house or source them from builders’ yards or demolished houses. There are lots of old styles available, which can be attractive.

Finally, if you are looking for bricks to spruce up an existing bit of brickwork – around the fireplace is a common option here – then you could look at the different decorative bricks available. These often feature carvings or other aesthetic qualities designed to look attractive and are available in a range of sizes and shapes to suit all sorts of projects. They should never be used for structural purposes but they can really help to make your home improvement projects more visually exciting.