Hollow Blocks vs. Bricks: Which is the Cost-Effective Option for Your Build?
In this article, we break down the differences and compare bricks vs. blocks to help you decide which option is more cost-effective for your build.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
Hollow Blocks vs. Bricks: Which Is the Cost-Effective Option for Your Build?
Table of Contents
Core Concept
What Are Bricks and Hollow Blocks?
Cost Comparison: Bricks vs. Hollow Blocks
Cement and Sand Costs
Labour Costs
Total Cost Summary
Which Option Is Cheaper?
Why Hollow Blocks Are Better for Masonry Work
When to Use Bricks
Frequently Asked Questions
Core Concept or Idea
Choosing the right building material for masonry walls is a crucial step in building and construction, and that's why, in this article, as a civil engineer by profession, I'm going to share with you my experience based on a cost comparison between concrete blocks and clay bricks so that you can make the right choice between the two. i will also share with you my recommendation where you can use each of them to have a strong structure
What Are Bricks?
Bricks:
These are single-unit building materials made from either clay or mud. Clay bricks are made out of clay, whereas mud bricks are made out of mud. Clay bricks are stronger and bit more costly than mud bricks
Hollow Blocks
These are large rectangular concrete blocks primarily made from a mix of cement and stone dust. They are often lighter because of the hollow space inside, which can also help with insulation and also reduce its weight.
Cost Comparison: Bricks vs. Hollow Blocks
Let’s walk through a cost comparison using a simple example:
a wall with an area of 8 square metres (4 metres long and 2 metres high).
Three options will be covered here: bricks in stretcher bond, bricks in header bond, and hollow blocks in stretcher bond.
Dimensions Used in this Example
Brick: 230mm length, 150mm width, 70mm height
Hollow Block: 400mm length, 150mm width, 200mm height
In this case, we need:
48 bricks per square metre for stretcher bond
65 bricks per square metre for header bond
11 blocks per square metre when using hollow blocks
Cost of Materials (in USD):
One clay brick: $0.10
One hollow block: $0.67
Based on an 8 square metre wall:
Bricks in stretcher bond: 48 bricks x 8m² x $0.10 = $38.40
Bricks in header bond: 65 bricks x 8m² x $0.10 = $52.00
Hollow blocks: 11 blocks x 8m² x $0.67 = $58.96
At this point, it’s clear that hollow blocks are more expensive in just material costs. But there’s more to consider.
Cement and Sand Costs
Cement is mixed with sand to create mortar, which is used for binding both bricks and hollow blocks The amount you need depends on the type of material and bond used.
Cement Usage for an 8m² Wall:
Considering a mortar mix of 1:4 for masonry work, that is 1 part of cement and 4 parts of sand
Bricks in stretcher bond: 2 bags of cement ($10/bag), total = $20.
Reason: 1 bag of cement can build 4 square metres of bricks of a stretcher bond wall
Bricks in header bond: 4 bags of cement, total = $40
Reason: 1 bag of cement can build 2 square metres of bricks of a stretcher bond wall
Hollow blocks: 1 bag of cement, total = $10.
Reason: 1 bag of cement can build 8 square metres of a hollow block wall
Adding these cement costs to the materials:
Bricks in stretcher bond total: $38.40 + $20 = $58.40
Bricks in header bond total: $52.00 + $40 = $92.00
Hollow blocks total: $58.96 + $10 = $68.96
Looking at the totals now, it’s clear that bricks in header bond are the most expensive, while hollow blocks are relatively more affordable when considering the combined cost of blocks and cement.
What About Labour?
The materials aren't the only cost involved, as you also have to pay for the labour to build the wall.
For labour:
The costs charged by masons to build a masonry wall are as follows:
Bricks in stretcher bond: $3 per square metre
Bricks in header bond: $3.80 per square metre
Hollow blocks: $1.30 per square metre
The difference in the above prices is because bricks in header bond take a lot of time to build, whereas hollow blocks take a short time to build.
Labour costs to build an 8 square metre wall:
Bricks in stretcher bond: $3 x 8 = $24
Bricks in header bond: $3.80 x 8 = $30.40
Hollow blocks: $1.30 x 8 = $10.40
Now, let’s add the totals by adding the labour cost to the material plus cement:
Bricks in stretcher bond: $58.40 + $24 = $82.40
Bricks in header bond: $92.00 + $30.40 = $122.40
Hollow blocks: $68.96 + $10.40 = $79.36
Which Option Is Cheaper?
From these calculations, it becomes apparent that hollow blocks come out cheaper overall in terms of both material and labour costs when compared to using bricks, especially bricks in header bond.
Why are hollow blocks better for masonry work?
Less cement and mortar are used. Hollow blocks, due to their size, require less mortar for binding and plastering. This reduces the overall cost of materials for the entire construction of masonry walls when hollow blocks are used
Efficiency in labour: Because hollow blocks are larger, fewer are needed per square metre; the labour cost to build with these blocks is considerably lower
Reduced wastage: Hollow blocks result in less breakage and wastage compared to bricks nearly 100% of hollow blocks can be used, whereas bricks break when loading, when offloading and when building the walls
Faster construction: Builders can finish projects quicker with hollow blocks, cutting down on time and costs involved in accommodating the workers
When to Use Bricks
Despite hollow blocks being more cost-effective in most cases, bricks do have their place in construction at certain stages during the construction process. One of the primary advantages of clay bricks is their low water absorption and greater stability, making them better for use in foundations or other structural elements that require more strength, as they can be used when building load-bearing walls. You cannot use hollow blocks in the foundation
Personally I normally use one of the 2 options all the time
1. Clay bricks in the foundation and then hollow blocks for the superstructure
2. Solid concrete blocks in the foundation and hollow blocks for the superstructure.
In summary, you cannot use hollow blocks in the foundation; you only use hollow blocks for non-load bearing applications Use bricks in the foundation for their stability and low water absorption, and then switch to hollow blocks for the superstructure. This way, you balance cost while ensuring the stability of the structure
Frequently Asked Questions
Bricks or concrete blocks: which is better?
Both bricks and blocks have their own pros and cons
Bricks (pros)
They create stronger walls.
They have a better thermal insulation
They are resistant to fire and pests
They have a alow water absorption range; hence, they are good to use in waterlogged areas or foundations
cons
They are expensive to build labourwise, because they take lot of money
More sand and cement is used so masonry becomes more costly
Concrete blocks (pros)
Large in size meaning faster construction
Cheaper construction
Cons
Not strong enough
They absorb water lot
Final say
When you are working on a low budget, its better to use hollow blocks for the superstructure and then clay bricks for the foundation
When you have enough money and you want something very strong, then use clay bricks for both the foundation and the superstructure