Complete Guide to Bricks: Types, Uses, Quantity Calculation & Price in Pakistan (2025)

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Introduction – What are Bricks?

Bricks are one of the oldest and most widely used masonry units in construction. They are rectangular blocks traditionally made from clay and hardened by firing in a kiln. Bricks are mainly used for walls, partitions, and boundary walls in residential and commercial buildings.

Despite modern alternatives, bricks remain popular worldwide due to their availability, durability, thermal comfort, and cost-effectiveness.

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1. What are Bricks? (International Perspective)

From an engineering point of view, bricks are small masonry units bonded together using mortar (cement + sand + water) to form walls and other structural or non-structural elements.

According to international standards:

• Bricks must have adequate compressive strength
• Uniform shape and size
• Low water absorption
• Durability against weather effects

Bricks are widely used across:

• Asia
• Europe
• Middle East
• Africa

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2. Importance of Bricks in Grey Structure

Bricks play a vital role in building construction:

✔ Provide enclosure and privacy
✔ Carry self-weight and minor loads
✔ Offer thermal insulation
✔ Provide fire resistance
✔ Act as a base for plaster and finishes

In most houses in Pakistan, brick masonry is the primary wall system.

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3. Types of Bricks Used in Construction

a) First Class Bricks (Awwal Bricks)

Characteristics:

• Uniform size and shape
• Well-burnt in kiln
• Sharp edges
• High strength

Uses:

• Load-bearing walls
• External walls
• High-quality masonry

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b) Second Class Bricks

Characteristics:

• Slightly irregular shape
• Moderate strength

Uses:

• Internal walls
• Plastered surfaces

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c) Third Class Bricks

Characteristics:

• Under-burnt
• Low strength

Uses:

• Temporary structures
• Non-load-bearing work

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d) Fly Ash Bricks

Characteristics:

• Made from industrial waste
• Smooth surface
• Environment-friendly

Uses:

• Modern construction
• Load & non-load bearing walls

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e) Concrete Bricks

Characteristics:

• Cement-based
• Uniform size
• Higher water resistance

Uses:

• Facing masonry
• Boundary walls

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4. Standard Brick Size (Pakistan & International)

Pakistan (Traditional)

• 9″ × 4.5″ × 3″

With Mortar

• Approx. 10″ × 5″ × 4″

International (UK Standard)

• 215 × 102.5 × 65 mm

👉 Size affects quantity calculation, so always confirm before estimation.

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5. Uses of Bricks in Construction

Masonry Walls

• Load-bearing walls
• Partition walls

Boundary Walls

• Security walls
• Compound walls

Architectural Features

• Exposed brickwork
• Decorative facades

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6. Brick Quantity Calculation (Most Important)

a) Bricks per Cubic Foot

• Standard bricks ≈ 13.5 bricks per CFT

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👉 Click Here Brick Masonry Calculator.

b) Bricks per 100 Square Feet Wall

For 9″ thick wall:

• ≈ 1,350 bricks

For 4.5″ thick wall:

• ≈ 675 bricks

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c) Mortar Quantity (Approx.)

For 1,000 bricks:

• Cement ≈ 3.5 – 4 bags
• Sand ≈ 0.6 – 0.7 m³

(Mortar ratio 1:6)

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7. Brick Masonry Mortar Ratios

Work Type	Ratio
Load-bearing walls	1:5
Partition walls	1:6
Boundary walls	1:6
Damp-proof work	1:3

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8. Quality Tests for Bricks (Site Level)

Water Absorption Test

• Should not exceed 20% by weight

Compressive Strength

• Good quality bricks produce a clear ringing sound when struck

Shape & Color

• Uniform shape
• No cracks
• Deep red color (for clay bricks)

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9. Current Brick Rates in Pakistan (2025)

Average Market Prices

Brick Type	Price (PKR / 1,000)
Awwal Bricks	18,000 – 22,000
Second Class	14,000 – 17,000
Fly Ash Bricks	16,000 – 19,000
Concrete Bricks	17,000 – 20,000

🔹 Prices vary by:

• City
• Kiln location
• Season
• Fuel cost

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10. Storage & Handling of Bricks

✔ Stack on level ground
✔ Protect from rain & mud
✔ Soak bricks before use
✔ Avoid mixing broken bricks

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11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using dry bricks without soaking
❌ Excessive mortar thickness
❌ Poor bonding pattern
❌ Using low-quality bricks for load-bearing walls

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12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Which brick is best for house construction?
First-class (Awwal) bricks.

Q2: How many bricks are required per sq ft?
Approx. 13.5 bricks per CFT.

Q3: Are fly ash bricks better than clay bricks?
They are eco-friendly and uniform but depend on availability and acceptance.

Q4: Why bricks are soaked before use?
To prevent bricks from absorbing water from mortar.

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Conclusion

Bricks remain a fundamental material in grey structure construction. Selecting the right type, ensuring quality, and calculating accurate quantities are essential for durable and economical construction. Proper brickwork directly affects the strength, appearance, and life of a building.