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

ET Clay Sinclair Red Multi Pack of 468

TBS Normandy Grey 65mm Facing Bricks Pack of 730

Celcon Block High Strength Grade Block - 440 x 215 x 100mm

Celcon Block Standard Grade Block - 440 x 215 x 140mm

Celcon Block High Strength Block - 440 x 215 x 140mm

Wienerberger Nuthurst Red Multi 65mm Facing Bricks Pack of 500

Ibstock Red 65mm x 102mm x 215mm Class B Perforated Engineering Brick

Carlton Heather Sandfaced Brick

Wienerberger Berkshire Red Facing Bricks Pack of 504

Wienerberger Nevada Buff Facing Bricks Pack of 400

Lignacite GP Medium density block 7.3N 100mm

65mm Terca Olde Welwyn Facing Brick

Vandersanden 65mm Blenheim Red Multi Facing Brick (576 Pk)

Aero Block Dense Concrete Block 7.3N 440mm x 215mm x 100mm

Ibstock Brunswick Red Wirecut Facing Brick Pack of 500

Tarmac Hemelite 10.4N Standard Solid Block 100x440x215mm

215x440x215mm Tarmac Toplite Standard Block (3.6N)

100mm Thermalite Hi-Strength 7.3N

100mm Celcon H+H High Strength Grade Plain Face 7.3N Block

140mm Celcon H+H Standard Grade Plain Face 3.6N Block

Forterra Common London Brick, Mixed, 215 x 102.5 x 65mm

Tarmac Topcrete Solid Dense Hollow 7.3N 440 x 215 x 215mm

Masterblock Lightweight Block 7.3N 440 x 215 x 140mm

Tarmac Hemelite Standard Solid Block 3.6N 100mm

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

Northcot Victorian Mellow Facing Brick 73mm | Pack of 500

Forterra Kimbolton Red Multi Facing Brick 65mm | Pack of 495

Thermalite HiStrength Aircrete Block 7N 100mm

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

Olde Welwyn Red Multi Brick

AI Masterblock Solid Dense 7.3N 440 x 215 x 140mm

FORTERRA Evalast Solid Dense Block 7.3N 440 x 215 x 100mm

Newlay Newcon Solid Dense Block 7.3N 440 x 215 x 100mm

Thomas Armstrong Dense 7.3n Standard Block 440 x 215 x 140mm

100mm Celcon Standard Block 3.6N

Stranlite 7.3N 140mm Medium Dense Standard Block

Fibolite 7.3N 100mm Lightweight Concrete Blocks

Forterra LBC Nene Valley Pressed Facing Brick Pack Of 390