Six Things to Consider When Selecting the Brick for Your Next Project

Selecting the color texture and size of brick to complement your project can be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider when buying bricks for a project.

 

Quality: It's important to choose high-quality bricks that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. The brick brands we represent have been around for generations and maintain fine-tuned production processes that yield a durable product that will stand the test of time. As a testament to their quality, most of the brick we carry come with a lifetime warranty.

Size: Take time to consider the different sizes that may be available for your project. Typical brick sizes for residential construction are Modular, Queen, King, and Standard. Your builder or mason may have a preferred size they like to work with.

With thousands of color and texture combinations, the possibilities are endless. If you are curious about what different brick might look like on a project, I encourage you to take a look at the virtual designer tool, Picture Perfect, ran by our friends at Glen-Gery. It will let you change everything from the brick selection to the color of your mortar. It is a phenomenal tool for anyone who is just beginning to hunt for that perfect brick.

Color: Choose bricks that complement the color palette of your project. The texture of the brick you choose can play an important role in how the color is perceived when the project is complete so be sure to keep that in mind. Lastly, when it comes to color, the mortar color you choose will make up nearly 20% of what you see. The mortar color can have a huge impact on the look and feel you are trying to achieve.

Availability: Make sure the bricks you want are readily available from your supplier. If your project is dealing with a tight timetable, be sure to communicate this early in the selection process so we can help identify products that are readily available and can be delivered to your job site within a window that works for you.

Ease of Installation: Brick masonry is a fairly straight forward process when performed by a skilled mason. Some brick sizes may be easier to work with than others or are preferred by the mason that will be installing them. This is a good conversation to have ahead of making your final selection. Often times we will know the preferred sizes for most builders in our markets, so if you're stopping by and don't have this information on hand, we've got you covered. 

Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of the bricks you choose. Some bricks may be more sustainable or have a lower carbon footprint than others. The distance a brick travels from plant to job site and the methods used for firing the clay into a brick can impact the products overall footprint. More manufacturers are beginning to list products that make use of recycled clay or aggregates making it easier for the end user to identify these noteworthy traits.

 

The things to consider for your next project can seem daunting at times. Feel free to reach out or stop by your closest Brickworks Supply Center location to discuss your upcoming project and let our staff do some of the heavy lifting for you.