What are the standard sizes of clay bricks?
The standard imperial size is 222mm long x 106mm wide x 73mm high with a mass of between 3.0kg and 3.5kg.
Two important criteria determine this size. First, it is the ideal width for the human hand to lift and place in position with minimum strain and secondly, it satisfies the need for bricks to be modular in terms of BOND patterns. Thus there is an approximate arithmetic relationship of length to width of 2:1 and in length to height of 3:1, which allows for bonding in any direction.
However every manufacturer can offer and range of sizes and dimensions to suit different applications.
Common brick sizes
|
LENGTH (mm) |
222 |
222 |
222 |
222 |
222 |
190 |
190 |
290 |
290 |
390 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
WIDTH (mm) |
90 |
40 |
90 |
140 |
110 |
90 |
106 |
90 |
150 |
190 |
|
HEIGHT (mm) |
73 |
73 |
114 |
114 |
73 |
90 |
90 |
90 |
190 |
90 |
Superbricks & Maxis
“Superbricks” come in a range of non-standard, large sizes that lower material costs, use less mortar and have fewer joins per square metre. With 140mm wide bricks, one can build a single leaf wall that meets SABS10400XA for a single leaf wall.
For winter rainfall coastal regions, manufacturers have developed brick formats that are narrower and taller than the imperial brick to reduce labour and costs of double skin cavity wall construction.
Fewer bricks per m² afford savings in mortar and accelerate the speed of construction consequent to fewer bricks per m² laid. But as this is still a double leaf wall, the property owner still enjoys all the benefits of double leaf cavity clay brick walling
Special Shapes
A range of special shapes are available to enhance the aesthetic detailing of buildings and landscaped areas. The most common specials available are the cants and the bullnose bricks although special shapes can also be manufactured to specification. It is advisable to discuss your requirements with your supplier.
