Choosing brick is a major structural and aesthetic choice to make for your home. While most people assume it is as simple as selecting a color, there are a few other factors to think about. Beyond color, quantity, and cost, there are a few other aspects to consider.
Color is the first thing most people think about when selecting a brick for their homes. Bricks come in a wide array of colors, however, as the name suggests, the most common color is red brick. Bricks can also come in black, white, browns, reds, and yellows too. The color depends on the type of clay and other elements used to manufacture the brick. You can select several colors of brick to create more variety in your exterior. However, if you are not satisfied with the colors you’re seeing, you can always stain or paint them to suit your preferences.
Modern brick is graded for exterior use. More specifically, SW is the highest grade and is made to withstand below-freezing temperatures in moist climates. MW is the second exterior grade and can withstand freezing temperatures in a more dry, mild climate. NW is the third grade but is made mostly for interior use. However, it can be used outdoors as a secondary brick, laid behind a layer of tougher, exterior grade brick. In warmer, drier regions, it can be used as face brick though.
Another option for exterior bricks is used or antique bricks, reused from old buildings that have been demolished. This style will likely not conform to modern exterior grading, however, it is usually acceptable if it lasted outside for 50+ years. Used brick is generally more textured and has softer edges than new brick. However, with this option, you’ll need to be careful and check each brick for quality before using them. Wastage can be high with this option and you may need to throw away a few bricks.
The standard size for bricks is 2 by 4 by 8 inches, but specific dimensions differ among manufacturers. There are also other sizes, too. The King is longer and thicker; the Roman is longer and thinner, and the Economy is longer and square. Even if you know what size you’d like, it helps to look at samples and measure the actual sizes before finalizing your selection.
The typical exterior brick, also known as face bricks, have smooth surfaces, but there are several variations. Certain types of bricks are finished on one side with irregular line patterns on the face. Others are sand struck and have a rough surface texture. Another option is glazed where the face has a ceramic layer.
Look no further. Bedrock Orlando is ready to help you choose the best brick for your home. Give us a call at 407-859-1300 or fill out our online form and we’ll get in touch with you.
407.859.1300
10500 Rocket Court - Orlando, FL 32824
