Question 1

1. What are standard brick dimensions in the UK?

Accepted Answer

The standard brick size in the UK is 215 mm long × 102.5 mm wide × 65 mm high (8.46 x 4.04 x 2.56 inches in imperial). This is normally paired with a 10 mm mortar joint, giving consistent course heights and making setting out easier. This size is widely used across most builds and matches up with standard block and opening sizes, helping keep everything in line on site.

The standard UK brick width of 102.5mm also works well with common laying patterns, particularly stretcher bond, which is widely used for structural and facing brickwork.

Question 2

2. What are the standard dimensions for a concrete block in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Unlike bricks, which tend to follow a standard size (see above) concrete blocks come in a range of different dimensions. The most common size for a concrete block is 440 x 215 x 100mm. This is designed to complement brick dimensions: it's the same length as 2 bricks, and the same height of 3 bricks (including the 10mm mortar joints between them).

Concrete block prices vary by size, but also by the specific design and material make-up of the blocks.

Question 3

3. How many bricks do I need per m2?

Accepted Answer

If you’re using standard bricks, a rough guide is that you’ll need around 60 bricks per m2 for a single layer wall. If you’re working on a two-layer wall, you’ll need to double this: so, about 120 bricks per m2.

You can find a brick calculator online here.

Question 4

4. What special shaped bricks are available on Buildbuddy?

Accepted Answer

As well as bricks in non-standard dimensions, Buildbuddy lists a variety of special shaped bricks. These are designed for detailed and innovative brickwork that solves architectural and aesthetic problems. Examples include angled and cant bricks, as well as rounded bullnose bricks.

Question 5

5. What are breeze blocks?

Accepted Answer

Breeze blocks are lightweight concrete blocks traditionally made using a mix of cement and coal ash (known as "breeze"). They were commonly used in the mid-20th century for building things like internal partition walls, garages, and garden walls. They’re hollow or cored to reduce weight and improve insulation but have relatively low strength and thermal performance compared to modern alternatives.

Breeze blocks are now mostly obsolete for structural use, with modern construction typically relying on aerated or aggregate concrete blocks instead. However, the term ‘breeze block’ is still often used colloquially in the UK to refer to any generic concrete block.

Question 6

6. What’s the difference between bricks and blocks?

Accepted Answer

Bricks and blocks serve similar functions but differ in size, weight, and typical use. Bricks are smaller, usually made of clay or concrete, and are often used for visible applications such as facades, decorative finishes, or boundary walls. Blocks are larger, often made from concrete or aerated materials, and are generally used for structural purposes, including load-bearing walls and foundations. Blocks are quicker to lay and can offer better thermal or acoustic performance depending on the type.

Question 7

7. What are multi-stock bricks?

Accepted Answer

Multi-stock bricks are clay bricks made using the traditional stock brick method, where clay is pressed into sanded moulds. This process gives them a slightly irregular shape and textured surface. ‘Multi’ refers to the blend of colours, such as red, buff, or blue, within each brick or batch. This gives the bricks a mottled, weathered look so that the brickwork has a more natural feel, in keeping with older buildings. Multi-stock bricks are commonly used in residential housing, extensions, and renovation projects, especially where a softer, traditional finish is wanted.

Compare bricks and blocks

Ibstock Aldridge Ruskin Red Brick 73mm

INTERFUSE HOLLOW CONCRETE BLOCK 215mm 7N

Stowell Hollow Concrete Block 7.3N 215mm

Forterra 215x100x65 Fenlite Coursing Brick 10.4N

Interfuse 100mm Solid Interlyte Block 7N

Stowell Solid Concrete Block 7N 140mm

Tarmac Toplite Coursing Bricks 3.6N 215 X 100 X 65mm

Plasmor Stranlite Solid Block 7N 100mm

Fillcrete Fillaboard Expansion Joint Strip 2.4m x 150 x 12mm

Fillcrete Fillaboard Expansion Joint Strip 2.4m x 100 x 12mm

ET Clay Imperial Stratford Weathered Yellow Stock Brick

Ibstock Ivanhoe Olde Village Stock 65mm Facing Bricks Pack of 430

ET Clay Sinclair Red Multi Pack of 468

Carlton Heather Sandfaced Brick

Cheshire Pre War Common Facing Brick 73mm | Pack of 424

Traditional Brick & Stone London Weathered Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 600

Northcot Victorian Mellow Facing Brick 73mm | Pack of 500

London Brick Company Heather Facing Brick 73mm | Pack of 360

Forterra Village Sunglow Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 495

Terca Autumn Russet Sovereign Stock Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 430

Precast Concrete Padstone 215x140x102mm

Precast Concrete Padstone 215x140x215mm

Michelmersh Hampshire Red Stock Multi ATR Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 495

Twice Weathered Concrete Coping 6½' x 24'

14'' Once Weathered Concrete Coping 24''

12'' Twice Weathered Concrete Coping 24''

Speedy Joist Hanger 47mm Standard Leg

Ibstock Hardwicke Welbeck Red Mixture Facing Brick 65mm

Ibstock Cissbury Red Multi Facing Stock Brick 65mm | Pack of 475

Forterra Ashwell Yellow Multi Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 495

Oakthorpe Brick 65mm x 215mm x 102.5mm (Pack of 495) Red

16'' Once Weathered Concrete Coping 36''

12'' Once Weathered Concrete Coping 24''

Simpson Adjustable Joist Hanger JHA270 91

Ancon Staifix Building Pro Universal Insulation Retaining Clips

100mm Galvanised Brick Reinforcement Coil 20m

100mm x 215mm x 440mm Concrete Padstone PAD12

NoMorePly Fibre Cement Construction Board - 1200 x 800 x 12mm

Dry Ridge Batten Bracket (Box of 5)