Common brick size for buildings or walls is the most common standard in Australia. The measurements of bricks are 24.5cm long, 11.5cm wide and 4.5 cm thick (9 5/8 x 4 3/4 inches).
Bricks can be smaller than this but they will need to be laid in a thicker layer. They can also be longer but they will need to be cut or snapped into smaller pieces before laying them.
This is the most common brick size for walls and buildings because it allows you to lay standard bricks at even spacing with just enough mortar to fill in the gaps. It is also easy for most people to find standard bricks of this size in common construction and home improvement stores.
Types of Bricks Used in Construction
There are many different types of bricks used in construction.
There are two very common types of bricks that are used in construction, Clay Bricks and Concrete Bricks. Both have their own unique set of characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
Clay Bricks
Clay bricks are relatively small in size, but their weight is substantial. Their small size allows them to be easily transported by foot or on carts which reduces cost during transportation. The smaller sized brick also makes it easier to insulate the wall because there are more air pockets between individual bricks.
Concrete Bricks
Concrete bricks are very popular because they are extremely durable. They can be used indoors or outdoors which makes them perfect for all types of construction projects.
Concrete bricks are very sturdy because they are made out of concrete, which is a mixture of rocks, sand and water. This means that the material can be used for any structural application. Concrete bricks come in many shapes and sizes so finding one that fits your needs should not be difficult.
Decorative Bricks
There are many types of decorative bricks on the market today. They serve an aesthetic purpose, but they also serve to increase insulation values between wall surfaces to improve energy efficiency in buildings.
Standard Brick Dimensions in Australia and UK
UK Standard Bricks
- Length: 215.9mm (8 5/16 inches)
- Width: 102.1mm (4 inches)
- Height: 65.0mm (2 1/2 inches).
Australia Brick Size
- Length: 230.90mm
- Height: 76.00mm
- Width: 110.00mm
- Depth: 65.00mm
Brick sizes are measured height x length x width. They are sized this way because they need to be easily stackable while still holding weight securely.
A brick that has different dimensions than these is unsuitable for construction purposes, so it is best to use brick sizes as outlined above. Brick dimensions can be described in the following format: the length of one side followed standard brick size and dimensions followed by the length of one side.
Brick measurements are typically recorded in units of feet or inches, but they can also be expressed using standard metric units. Since bricks are almost always measured in regard to their height, width and length it is essential to be aware of how you are measuring them so that your measurements will be accurate. External walls and internal walls require different nominal sizes for bricks
There are multiple brick sizes adopted nationally in Australia. Depending on the type of construction you’re working on. The standard brick size is 76mm high x 230mm long x 110mm wide. This is known as the normal face brick. However, different style bricks such as internal fast bricks and double course bricks exist however, they are not the same size.
How Long is a Standard Brick Size?
Brick dimensions vary from place to place because of local building regulations. Brick comes in many different shapes and sizes, so finding the specified size of brick for your project should not be difficult. Brick measurements are typically recorded in units of feet or inches, but they can also be expressed using standard metric units.
Brick measurements may also include the size of mortar joints between bricks to indicate that they are measured as a brick and mortar structure. Standard brick dimension can be written as:
Brick (brick and mortar) length x Brick (brick and mortar) width x Brick (brick and mortar) height +/or Brick cutting depth.
Brick Grades and Types in Australia and UK
Brick grade is a way to classify bricks based on their physical characteristics. The grading determines the quality of brick used for construction purposes. For example, a house construction will differ from an industry building detailing.
There are four main grades acceptable when classifying building bricks: economy, standard, engineering and firebrick. Each one has its own unique set of characteristics that make them suitable for different applications depending upon how they will be used in construction projects. Architects and builders choose the standard size of a brick that will yield the best construction result.
Economy Bricks
This is the cheapest type of building brick available because they lack sufficient strength and durability which means they can’t bear heavy loads or high wind speeds without breaking or cracking. Economy bricks also break and chip easily and can be crushed under stress so they should not be used for critical structural applications.
Standard Bricks
The most common type of building brick that has reasonable strength, durability and consistency. Standard bricks are generally effective at carrying light to moderate loads over short distances without breaking down or losing their shape too quickly. They work well as a load-bearing component in construction projects such as chimneys, garden walls and sheds etc.
Engineering Bricks
This grade is stronger than standard bricks but it still won’t meet all the requirements if you need to construct load-bearing walls or other permanent structures. Not all bricks are suitable for both wet and dry applications, but engineering bricks work well in both conditions. So they can be used in unplastered brickwork where water may penetrate the external face of the wall.
Firebrick Bricks
The highest grade out of all types of building bricks that are durable enough to bear extremely high loads on permanent structures such as chimneys, furnaces and fireplaces etcetera. They work well in most wet conditions because their low water absorption rates make them less susceptible to breaking down when they are exposed to moisture over time.
What is the Most Common Standard Brick Size?
There are many different brick sizes. According to BuildDirect, here are the most common brick measurements for residential construction:
Common Brick Measurements
- Common flat face brick size is 4″ x 8″. Used often with a cinder block.
- Common unit masonry wall brick is 8″ x 4 1/2″. Used for above-grade walls and veneer applications.
- Common engineering brick is 8″ x 3 5/8″. Used in load-bearing projects where strength is needed.
- The minimum mortar joint is 3/8″.
