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

Forterra LBC Heather Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Warnham Red Stock Bricks 65mm

Solid Dense Concrete Block 7.3N 100mm

Ibstock Birtley Olde English Bricks 65mm

Forterra Sherwood Red Mixture Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Harvest Buff Multi Brick 65mm

Hollow Dense Concrete Block 7.3N 215mm

Wienerberger Tuscan Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Sandfaced Red Brick 65mm

Forterra Kimbolton Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Dapple Light Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Coleridge Yellow Multi Bricks 65mm

Michelmersh Freshfield Lane 1st Quality Bricks 65mm

Forterra Clumber Red Bricks 65mm

Forterra Atherstone Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Claydon Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Ivanhoe Westminster Bricks 65mm

Forterra Atherstone Red Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Pre War Common Bricks 73mm

Forterra Chatsworth Grey Rustic Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Brecken Grey Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Kassandra Multi Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Tradesman Heather Mixture 65mm

Class B Engineering Brick Smooth Red - Perforated 65mm

Wienerberger Hurstwood Brick 65mm Yellow

Ibstock Ashdown Cottage Mixture Brick 65mm

Ibstock Crowborough Multi Stock Brick 65mm

Wienerberger Waresley Orange Stock Brick 65mm

Ibstock New Chailey Stock Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Weston Red Multi Bricks 65mm

Wienerberger Smeed Dean London Stock Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Tudor Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Ivanhoe Cream Brick 65mm

Forterra LBC Milton Buff Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Cotswold Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Aldridge Anglian Red Rustic Brick 65mm

Thermalite Solid Hi-Strength Block 7.3N 100mm

Forterra LBC Hereward Light Bricks 65mm

Forterra LBC Honey Buff Bricks 65mm

Ibstock Capital Brown Multi Bricks 65mm