15 Types Of Bricks Building You Should Know

Bricks have been a part of the construction and architecture world for centuries. And as time has progressed, so too have bricks. Today, there are many different types of bricks that can be used in a variety of ways. There's brick paving, brick cladding, brick veneer...the list is endless! In this article we'll explore 15 different types of bricks you may not know about!

Brick paving

Brick paving is quite popular in many countries around the world. The durability of brick paving that has withstood weather and erosion has made it a popular choice of many homeowners. Brick also creates a warm and welcoming feel to your yard or property.

1. Pressed bricks

Pressed bricks have not been made from clay. Instead, they are formed with concrete and other materials that will make them hardier than regular bricks. Pressed bricks often come in many different colors so this is a great option for those who want to add color to their property.

The only downside to pressed bricks is that they take longer to install than regular clay bricks. You'll also need to make sure the ground you're installing them on is extremely solid and will not break down over time, otherwise your pavers can shift and cause an uneven area across your lawn or driveway.

2. Bullnose bricks

Bullnose bricks is a type of brick that has been cut or rounded on the corner to give it an easy-to-walk-on feature. This adds to its appeal and makes it even more visually attractive for your property. For a more traditional look, you can also choose bricks where the corners have been rounded.

One of the drawbacks to bullnose bricks is that they crack easily. This often occurs when two brick pavers are next to each other and a heavy object falls on them or if the ground shifts underneath them from too much rain.

3. Slabs

Slabs are perfect to have installed on your pool or patio. You can even put them up on the walls of your house for an added aesthetic benefit! Slabs are easy and quick to install, so this is a great option for those who want their space completed rather quickly.

Slabs are made by cutting clay bricks into thin, rectangular pieces. They can be installed in some cool ways so you'll find that slabs can be quite versatile.  Slabs are a great option for those who want something that is trendy and unique. They also keep your property looking nice, tidy, and organized since everything will be uniform.

4. Cut and laid bricks

Cut and laid bricks are another great option for those who want to give their property that traditional look. These will match the heights of your typical brick while also being easily cut to allow you to lay them down in a pattern or design that best suits your desires. They're quite popular as they can be used on any surface of the house, from the walls and roof to the backyard.

Some downsides to cut and laid bricks include them being quite heavy. Because of this, there's a chance they can break or crack if you haven't installed them correctly into the ground.

5. Traditional bricks

Traditional bricks are identical to those used in the construction of homes up until the 19th century. These can be created using elastic lime and clay, which makes them incredibly durable.

The biggest drawbacks to traditional bricks is that they're heavy and not very mobile if you need to move them from location to location. You'll also find that traditional bricks will require sand and cement to stay in good shape, so that's another thing you'll need to keep a lookout for.

6. Accent bricks

Accent bricks are those that aren't the same size or type as your other brick pavers. These can be used in all sorts of different patterns and designs to spice up your property's design, while also being incredibly easy to apply.

Accent bricks are often decorated and have some sort of additional feature. This makes the additional work you put into them worth it because your property will look much nicer as a result.

The only downfall to accent bricks is that they are very fragile, so you'll need to be extra careful when installing them on your property.

7. Retro brick pavers

Retro brick pavers are very common and were actually the first type of bricks used for paving in the United States. The main advantage to retro bricks is that they're incredibly cheap.

One downside to retro bricks is that they can be damaged quite easily if you send something heavy rolling over them or let water sit on top of them too long. This can cause stains and cracks. 

8. Mosaic brick pavers

Mosaic brick pavers provide a very unique look to any surface they're installed on. These can be used as patio bricks or in your front yard, and are an excellent choice for anyone who wants a natural-looking design to their property.

The downside to mosaic brick pavers is that they're very difficult to work with. This means you'll need to spend a lot of time making sure everything is in place before you can go on to install them. 

If you're planning to install mosaic brick pavers, then you'll need to get a lot of help. They're generally very heavy and difficult to lay out, which will require the work of several people in order to ensure they're laid properly on your property.

9. Random-length brick pavers 

Random-length brick pavers are an ideal choice for those who want a traditional look on their property. These bricks can be used to create pathways or patios as well as other things that require some sort of hard surface area, such as walkways going up stairs.

The random length makes each paver different and unique so you won't have to worry about any of them looking the same. 

The downsides to random-length brick pavers include that they're quite heavy and even more expensive than regular bricks. You'll also be required to send them out for laying, so this makes the overall installation process a bit more drawn out than you might have been expecting.

10. Pavers with stone inserts

Pavers with stone inserts are another great choice for those who want their surfaces to look just like traditional bricks. They're also quite easy to install as you won't have to spend too much time laying them out anyway.

These can be used on any surface of the home, including the patio, backyard, or flooring inside your house. Pavers with stone inserts will require a lot of work to install, so you'll need to do your research on this if you're interested in making the best possible choice.

11. Fire Brick Brick pavers

Firebrick brick pavers are often used in areas where something flammable is kept nearby. For example, they may be installed on a patio near an outdoor fireplace or alongside an outdoor grill to ensure that no sparks from the fire fly into your home's siding or roof.

They're very easy to install as well and you won't have to worry about much of a learning curve in order to install them. The only downside is that these bricks will cost more than your average brick paver, but this is usually worth it if you have the extra money available.

Brick cladding

Brick cladding is a type of cladding that's often used on the exterior of homes. It has a few advantages over other types of cladding, which includes its ability to clean easily and last for hundreds of years.

While brick cladding can be expensive, it also gives the home an extremely traditional look. This will make your home stand out from neighboring homes in your neighborhood as well as give it an air of elegance that you might not get with other types of claddings.

The downsides to brick cladding is that it requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep. You'll need to ensure that you clean the bricks regularly and reseal them every two years or so in order to preserve their appearance. 

12. Glass brick pavers

Glass bricks are a very popular choice for homeowners because they're not only easy to install but also provide a stunning appearance once installed. They're best used as wall or floor cladding, and you may find that they work well in an indoor patio.

Some glass brick options will require insulation in order to make them work better in colder temperatures. This can be an expensive option for your home, but the results are worth it if you're able to afford it.

The downside to glass bricks is that they aren't very durable when compared to other types of pavers. If something heavy falls on them or if a tree root causes damage underneath them, then they can be very difficult and expensive to repair. You will need professional help in order to do this.

13 .Paver Stones

Paver Stones consist of small stones that are placed next to each other in order to form a larger surface. While this isn't typically done with bricks, you can still get pavers made out of brick materials if you'd like. You may also use this material for walls, such as creating a type of retaining wall around your property.

If you choose to create a retaining wall out of paver stone, then it will end up costing more than other types because you'll need to hire professionals to install the stones for you. This will mean you won't be able to do it yourself. The good news is that paver stones can last for decades and will look great the entire time.

14 .Clay Brick Pavers 

Clay brick pavers are the most traditional type of paving material you can install. They're one of the most expensive types to install, but this is often worth it because there's a lot you can do with clay bricks that you cannot do with many other types of tiles.

Some homeowners have managed to find some great deals on clay brick pavers since these items aren't used very often any longer. You can also reuse them if you want, and most people do not mind if they're a little worn out. They'll still be able to add their own unique look to your home's exterior or interior as well.

Clay bricks are easy to install as well. You'll only need to lay them out on the ground in a pattern that looks appealing. You can also seal these bricks for added protection and for aesthetics.

15 . Terracotta

Terracotta pavers are a type of paving stones that's been used for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient civilizations. They're still popular today due to their durability and flexibility, which is why they remain as one of the most common types of paving materials installed in gardens around the world.

If you decide to use terracotta pavers, then you may want to make sure that the color scheme of your home matches their own. You also have many different choices for colors and patterns if you're looking to create a more unique look with these pavers.

If you decide to install terracotta pavers around your home, then they're very easy to care for. You can simply sweep them clean and hose them down when they get dirty if you prefer.

16 . Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are paving tiles that have been made out of concrete rather than other materials. While there is a solid base, this material offers great flexibility and versatility that many people prefer.

You can also use concrete pavers as garden ornaments and create beautiful patterns that stand out in order to add a little flair to your home's exterior.

Concrete pavers are more difficult to install than other types of paving materials. You'll need to pour concrete into molds and then let it sit for at least 24 hours before removing the mold and letting the concrete set up completely. This means you'll need a way to get rid of any excess water that's left over in order for your pavers to look their best.

FAQs

- What is the difference between concrete pavers and other types of paving materials?

Concrete pavers are paving tiles that have been made out of concrete instead of other types of clay or stone materials. Concrete is much more durable than other types, which means you can use them in high traffic areas if you want to. While they are a bit more difficult to install, you'll be able to get the job done with a little bit of elbow grease and patience.

- What are some of the disadvantages of using different types of bricks for your patio or garden area?

Bricks have been around for centuries, which means they're some of the most well-known and popular materials that people use for paving. If you decide to create a brick patio or garden area, then there are several disadvantages that you'll want to consider before doing so:

They can become very expensive if you hire professionals (or experienced DIYers) to install them for you. This is especially true if you're using materials like clay tiles, which are some of the most expensive types that you can use around your home. They'll also need to be sealed on a regular basis and cleaned regularly in order to stay in good condition.

- What are some of the advantages of using bricks for paving?

Bricks are some of the oldest and most widely used types of paving materials. They're also very durable, which means you'll never have to worry about them getting damaged by weather or heavy traffic.

You can use almost any type of brick for paving around your home, including both hard and soft bricks. Soft bricks tend to be a little bit easier to work with, which is why they are often used in home gardens.

Conclusion

Brick cladding can be a great way to easily update your home's appearance without having to replace materials or start from scratch. Brick cladding is a simple upgrade that adds durability and style to your home!  It comes in different sizes which you can use to create walls, pillars, walkways, patios, and other areas of your home!