Every you need to know about bricks sizes
In this article, you will read everything about the sizes of old bricks and how many you need per square meter (m²)..
What are the dimensions of a Brick?
The size of a brick can vary significantly depending on where it was made and when it was manufactured.
- Continental standard size: In parts of Europe, the standard size measures approximately 210 mm in length, 100 mm in width, and 50 mm in height.
- UK brick standard size: If you are sourcing materials locally in Great Britain, standard brick dimensions builders typically use are slightly larger, measuring 215 mm × 102.5 mm × 65 mm
However, it is important to remember that there can be differences. This depends entirely on the specific application or the historical era in which the brick was produced and what type of brick.
Dimensions old bricks vs. new bricks
When comparing the dimensions old bricks versus new bricks, you will find that modern manufacturing values absolute uniformity. Today’s bricks are highly standardized, with sharp edges and identical measurements.
By contrast, when looking at traditional brick dimensions, older reclaimed bricks vary slightly from one to the next. Not only does this apply to the different types of bricks but sometimes also the the same type of bricks. Antique bricks, such as those offered by Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, have unique dimensions and characteristics that contribute to their rustic charm. Reclaimed brick dimensions can vary slightly due to physical wear and tear, including the gradual erosion of the original manufacturing molds, decades of weather exposure, and the abrasive cleaning process required to salvage them. Because these bricks are collected from centuries-old farms and buildings, they carry historical variations, that makes them a imperfect beauty. After demolition, these old bricks are carefully chipped and cleaned by hand so that they can be reused directly in your project.
Brick dimension comparison table
To help you easily compare dimensions of bricks, the table below outlines sizes in both the International System of Units (millimetres) and the Imperial system (inches).
Brick Type / Era | Metric System (Millimetres - mm) | Imperial System (Inches - in) |
Standard UK Metric Brick (Modern) | 215 mm × 102.5 mm × 65 mm | 8.46" × 4.04" × 2.56" (approx. 8½" × 4" × 2½") |
Continental Standard (Waalformaat) | 210 mm × 100 mm × 50 mm | 8.27" × 3.94" × 1.97" (approx. 8¼" × 4" × 2") |
Traditional UK Imperial Brick (Pre-1970) | 228 mm × 108 mm × 73 mm | 9" × 4¼" × 2¾" (often up to 9" × 4½" × 3") |
Standard US Brick (Modern) | 203 mm × 92 mm × 57 mm | 8" × 3⅝" × 2¼" |
How tall is a brick with mortar?
When building a brick wall, it is not only the brick itself that matters, but also the mortar joint that comes between the bricks.
- A standard joint thickness is about 10 mm. This means that the total height of a brick with mortar would be approximately 60 mm. Correctly calculating the height of bricks including the mortar is essential for the accuracy of your project.
Again, it can vary since old bricks may differ slightly from the standard dimensions. For the width and length of the brick, you can also account for the mortar. You can add the average joint thickness to it. (Always consider about 10% cutting/breakage loss in your purchase!)
How many bricks do I need per m2?
A frequently asked question is how many bricks are needed per square meter. This is an important consideration when planning your budget.
Significantly fewer bricks fit into a square meter with a joint of 1.5 cm than with a joint of 1.0 cm. The larger the wall area, the greater this difference becomes. Therefore, the physical size of the brick in relation to your chosen joint thickness plays an important role. Because there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution in the world of historic and old building materials, it is always wise to seek expert advice before ordering.
At Van Dillen Antieke Bouwmaterialen, we understand that every construction project is unique. That’s why we are ready to provide you with antique and characterful bricks that not only meet your technical requirements but also add a story and a sense of history to your home.
