Are you considering using brick or stone for your project? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming finding the right material. But here at Darlaston Builders, we’ve made it easy. From the pros and cons of each material, choosing the type of brick or stone for your specific needs, and caring for the materials - we'll cover everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision. Read on for a comprehensive buyers' guide for anyone wanting to invest in brick and stone.
The Different Types of Brick and Stone
Brick and stone come in many different types, shapes, sizes, colours and textures. When making the decision to buy brick or stone, it is important to consider the aesthetic appeal of each type as well as its performance characteristics.
Common type of brick include:
Clay bricks:
Made from fired clay and typically have a red, orange or pink hue.
Sand-lime bricks:
Made with sand and lime and usually have a yellowish hue.
Cement bricks:
Made using cement and aggregate material that can be buffed to a variety of colours.
Concrete blocks:
Usually grey and often used for structural purposes.
Common types of stone include:
Granite:
Known for its strength and durability as well as its varied colouring options including white, pink or grey hues with flecks of black or green throughout.
Marble:
Mainly a light-coloured rock with veins running through it that give it character.
Limestone:
Many shades available such as tan or cream with some variations featuring streaks of blue or black running through them.
Slate:
Highly durable and available in several shades ranging from black to green.
When selecting brick or stone for construction projects there are many variables that must be considered including the desired look and feel of the finished product as well as its performance characteristics such as strength, resistance to weathering, and ease of installation.
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The Pros and Cons of Brick:
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting
- Fireproof
- Low-maintenance
- Timeless aesthetic appeal
- Environmentally friendly as it does not emit any toxins
Cons:
- Heavier than other materials so can lead to higher transportation costs
- Absorbs and radiates heat quickly
- Requires more maintenance as it takes more effort to clean
The Pros & Cons of Stone:
Pros:
- High durability
- Erosion-resistant
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Various types available
Cons:
- Time-consuming to install
- May require specialised cutting tools
- Longer lead time than other materials
How to Choose the Right Type of Brick or Stone for your Home:
Choosing the right brick or stone for your home is an important decision that can have a lasting impact on the beauty and durability of your home. Understanding the different types of brick and stone available and their features can help you make the best choice for your project.
When considering brick, look at the size, shape, colour, texture, and strength. Brick come in various sizes, ranging from large blocks to small pavers. They also come in a variety of shapes including rectangular, square, curved, and interlocking bricks.
Colour is an important factor when it comes to choosing brick as it can affect the overall appearance of your home. Texture is also an important factor; smooth bricks are more uniform while rough bricks will add texture and character to the exterior.
Stone also offers a wide range of options for homeowners looking for beautiful additions to their homes. The most common type of stone used in construction is limestone because it’s strong enough to withstand wear and tear but still flexible enough to be carved into intricate designs.
Granite is another popular option due to its hardness which makes it ideal for outdoor features such as patios or driveways where increased sturdiness is necessary. Homeowners should consider factors such as aesthetic appeal and budget when deciding between bricks and stones.
Bricks may be less expensive than stones, but they tend to require more maintenance over time due to their porosity which increases water absorption leading to cracking or chipping of bricks if not properly sealed or maintained regularly. Stones such as granite tend to be more expensive initially but may last longer without needing extensive repairs due to their hardiness against water damage.
How much do brick and stone cost per square m?
The cost of brick and stone can vary greatly depending on the type of material, its quality, and where you source it from. Generally speaking, brick and stone costs around £10-£30 per square metre in the UK, although the cost can be higher or lower depending on your requirements.
For example, a high-grade clay brick might cost more than £30 per square metre whereas some types of natural stone might cost less than £10 per square metre. If you are looking for a more affordable option, then concrete blocks might be a good choice as they tend to cost between £3-£15 per square metre.
Aside from the actual material being used, other factors that will affect the price include labour costs for installation (which can range from £100-£200/m2), transportation costs for getting the material to site, and any additional treatments such as staining or sealing which may need to be applied once installed. All these things should be taken into consideration when budgeting for your project to make sure that it comes in at the right price.
How to Care for Brick and Stone Exterior
Caring for brick and stone exteriors is essential to ensure they last a long time. To maintain their lifespan and appearance, the following tips should be kept in mind:
Regular maintenance is essential:
This can involve lightly scrubbing away any dust and dirt with a brush or broom. For tougher stains, a pressure washer should be used at low pressure to ensure the brick or stone is not damaged. It is important to rinse off any residual cleaner or soap after using a pressure washer.
Don’t forget to seal:
Sealing your brick or stone exterior periodically will help protect it from harsh weather conditions like extreme temperatures and moisture damage. When applying sealant, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for best results.
Inspect regularly:
Inspect your brick or stone exterior regularly for signs of wear and tear such as crumbling mortar, cracks, loose pieces, etc., and have these issues repaired as soon as possible before they become more serious. If you notice any mould growth on the surface of your brick or stone exterior, use bleach or other specially formulated masonry cleaners to remove it carefully.
Divert water:
If there is standing water near the brick or stone exterior due to heavy rainfall or flooding, take steps to divert the water away by adding drainage channels around the structure if needed. If you don't have proper drainage in place already, you may need professional assistance in making sure all materials are properly graded away from the house so that water flows away from instead of towards it.
To Wrap Up...
Ultimately, brick and stone can be used to create beautiful and lasting exterior for your home, so it’s important to select the right materials based on your needs and budget. Brick is highly recommended for those who want something energy efficient and frugal, while stone is perfect if you’re looking to create an eye-catching statement piece.
While there are pros and cons associated with each material type, selecting the right one will ensure you create a beautiful result that stands the test of time.