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

TBS Olde English Red Multi Bricks 65mm

H+H Celcon Solid Concrete Block 3.6N 100mm

Michelmersh Blockleys Park Royal Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Orange Multi Gilt Stock Bricks 65mm

Vandersanden Maltings Antique Bricks 65mm

TBS Audley Antique Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Falstaff Antique Bricks 65mm

ET Clay Stratford Yellow Imperial Brick 68mm

Wienerberger Smoked Yellow Multi Gilt Stock Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Olde Henfield Multi Bricks 65mm

Vandersanden Alexia Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Tradesman Antique Grey Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Surrey County Red Bricks 65mm

Class B Engineering Brick Smooth Red - Solid 65mm

Carlton Civic Multi Bricks 73mm

Forterra Oakthorpe Red Multi Brick 65mm

Ibstock Cavendish Dorket Fireglow Brick 65mm Red

Ibstock Dorset Red Stock Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Crofters Medley Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Tradesman Sandfaced Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Audley Red Mixture Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Swanage Imperial Light Red Brick 68mm

Ibstock Surrey Russet Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Bradgate Claret Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Bradgate Red Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Brindle London Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Swanage Red Imperial Bricks 68mm

Ibstock Reigate Medium Multi Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Surrey Orange Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Tradesman Common Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Sheerwater Silver Yellow Stock Bricks 65mm

TBS Old Coach House Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Sienna Red Bricks 65mm

Vandersanden Jubilee Bricks 65mm

TBS Fine Handmade Textured Red Blend Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger New Red Multi Gilt Stock Brick 65mm

Tarmac Toplite Solid Concrete Block 3.6N 100mm

Fillcrete Brickfill Expansion Joint Roll 10mm X 100mm X 10m

Wienerberger Cinnabar Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra Village Russet Red Mixture Bricks 65mm