So, you’re staring at your dream home plans, coffee in hand, and suddenly you hit a wall—literally. Brick veneer or double brick? It’s the age-old Aussie debate that’s sparked more heated BBQ conversations than “should pineapple go on pizza?” (Spoiler: It shouldn’t. Fight me.) But don’t sweat it—we’re here to break it down like a sledgehammer to a demo wall. And hey, if you get stuck, you know where to find us—The Brick Pit has been settling brick-related arguments since 2009.
Let’s get one thing straight: both options have their pros, cons, and secret superpowers. But which one’s right for your build? Grab a cuppa, mate—we’re diving in.
What’s the Deal with Brick Veneer? (Hint: It’s Not a Cheap Knockoff)
Brick veneer is like the mullet of construction: business up front (a single layer of bricks), party in the back (timber or steel frame behind it). It’s lightweight, cost-effective, and gives you that classic Aussie charm without maxing out your budget.
Why Aussies Love It:
- Cost: Let’s cut to the chase—veneer costs about 30–40% less than double brick. That’s a lot of extra cash for a pool, solar panels, or a lifetime supply of Bunnings snags.
- Flexibility: Want to add a window later? Veneer’s your buddy. Renovations are easier since you’re not wrestling a solid brick wall.
- Insulation: Pair it with modern insulation materials, and you’ll stay cooler than a kangaroo in a shaded billabong.
But here’s the kicker: brick veneer isn’t just for tight budgets. At The Brick Pit, we’ve seen clients use it for modern, minimalist designs where the look of brick matters most. One customer even joked, “It’s like Spanx for houses—holds everything together without the bulk.”
Double Brick: The Heavyweight Champion (Literally)
Double brick is the Arnold Schwarzenegger of building materials—thick, strong, and built to last. Two layers of bricks with a gap (or “cavity”) in between? That’s the gold standard for durability.
Why Go Double?
- Durability: These walls laugh at storms, heatwaves, and the occasional rogue cricket ball.
- Noise Reduction: Got a neighbor who blasts AC/DC at 2 AM? Double brick turns “Highway to Hell” into a faint hum.
- Resale Value: It screams “quality” to buyers. FYI, we’ve helped clients sell double-brick homes 20% faster than veneer ones in some suburbs.
But let’s keep it real: double brick isn’t for everyone. It’s heavier (shocking, I know), pricier, and takes longer to build. Ever tried lifting a double brick? Yeah, neither have we—we leave that to our tradie legends.
The Face-Off: Brick Veneer vs Double Brick
Let’s pit these two titans head-to-head. We’ve whipped up a table so you can compare without falling into a Google rabbit hole:
| Feature | Brick Veneer | Double Brick |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 1,500–2,000 per m² | 2,500–3,500 per m² |
| Build Time | 4–6 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Insulation | Good (with added materials) | Excellent (natural thermal mass) |
| Maintenance | Low (just repoint mortar) | Very low (built like a tank) |
| Flexibility | Easy to modify | Harder to alter |
Pro Tip: Not sure which suits your soil type? Check out our guide on Choosing the Right Brick for Your Soil.
“But What About…?” Your Top 3 Questions, Answered
- “Will brick veneer crack in Aussie heat?”
Nah, not if it’s installed right. We use flexible mortar and expansion joints to handle the heat—like giving your bricks room to breathe. - “Is double brick overkill for a mild climate?”
IMO, it depends. If you’re in Melbourne’s “four-seasons-in-a-day” chaos, double brick’s thermal mass is a godsend. For Queensland? Maybe save the cash for a better aircon. - “Can I mix both styles?”
Absolutely! We’ve done projects where clients use double brick for ground floors (hello, durability) and veneer upstairs. Genius, right?
Why We’re Team “It Depends” (And Why You Should Call Us)
Look, we’ll level with you: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your budget, location, and design goals matter. At The Brick Pit, we’ve helped everyone from first-home buyers to luxury developers pick their perfect brick match.
Still stuck? Here’s our not-so-secret advice:
- Want affordability + style? Veneer’s your MVP.
- Prioritize “forever home” vibes? Go double brick.
- Need a sanity check? Ring us. We’ll talk bricks over Zoom, email, or carrier pigeon—whatever works.
Wrapping Up (Without Mortar Jokes… Okay, One)
So, brick veneer vs double brick? It’s like choosing between a ute and a sedan—both get you there, but one’s got more muscle. Whichever you pick, just remember: good bricks + great install = a home that’ll outlive your Netflix subscription.
And hey, if you’re still sweating the small stuff, swing by The Brick Pit. We’ve got the bricks, the brains, and the dad jokes to make your build a breeze. Just don’t ghost us—we’re not that into small talk either.
P.S. Loved this article? Check out our deep dives on Maintaining Brick Homes in Humid Climates and Modern Brick Design Trends.
