Hey there, fellow brick enthusiasts! Letâs cut to the chase: if your homeâs exterior were a pizza, bricks would be the crustâsolid, reliable, and always in style. But whatâs a great crust without toppings? Thatâs where cladding swoops in. At The Brick Pit (yep, weâre your Aussie brick whisperers), weâve seen firsthand how pairing bricks with the right cladding can transform a âmehâ façade into a jaw-dropper. So grab a cuppa, and letâs geek out over mortar, recycled bricks, and why your neighborâs brick path low-key gives us envy.
Why Brick & Cladding Are the Ultimate Power Couple
Picture this: bricks are the steady, timeless partner, while cladding is the flashy, modern sidekick. Together? Magic. Cladding adds texture, color, and insulation, while bricks handle durability and that classic charm. Pro tip: Mixing materials like timber, metal, or stone with bricks creates contrast without clashing. Think of it as a fashion statement for your houseâno fedoras required.
And hey, letâs talk mortar. Itâs the unsung hero holding everything together. Choose the wrong color, and your masterpiece could look like a toddlerâs art project. At The Brick Pit, weâve rescued more than a few DIYers from mortar mishaps. Trust us: gray mortar for subtlety, white for contrast, and never skip the weatherproofing.
Types of Bricks: Your New Best Friends (or Frenemies)
Not all bricks are created equal. Some are divas; others are workhorses. Hereâs the lowdown:
- Red bricks: The O.G. of bricks. Timeless, affordable, and perfect for that rustic vibe.
- Sandstock bricks: Rough-textured and sun-kissed. IMO, these are Australiaâs answer to coastal charm.
- Paving bricks: Thicker, tougher, and ideal for brick paths or driveways. FYI, they laugh in the face of heavy foot traffic.
- Recycled bricks: Eco-friendly with a side of character. Second-hand bricks tell storiesâscuffs, chips, and all.
Hot take: If your brick garden edging looks too pristine, itâs missing soul. Reclaimed bricks add instant history, even if your gardenâs only three months old.
How Many Bricks Per m2? (Spoiler: Math Is Involved)
Letâs tackle the question we all dread: How many bricks do I actually need? Cue the cold sweat. But relaxâweâve got your back. Hereâs a cheat sheet:
Brick Type | Size (mm) | Bricks Per mÂČ |
---|---|---|
Standard Red | 230 x 110 x 76 | 48 |
Sandstock | 230 x 110 x 76 | 48 |
Paving | 200 x 100 x 50 | 50 |
Reclaimed (varies) | 220 x 105 x 70 | ~45 |
Pro tip: Always order 10% extra. Because nothingâs worse than running out mid-project (unless you enjoy explaining a half-finished wall to your in-laws).
Design Hacks: From âBasicâ to âShowstopperâ in 3 Steps
1. Brick Paths That Donât Scream â1970s Suburbiaâ
Swap straight lines for herringbone or basketweave patterns. Add reclaimed bricks for a cobblestone vibe. Pair with lush greenery, and boomâinstant English garden.
2. Cladding Combos That Play Nice
- Brick + Timber: Warmth meets ruggedness. Perfect for farmhouse feels.
- Brick + Metal: Industrial chic. Bonus points for rusted accents.
- Brick + Stone: Luxe AF. Just donât blame us when guests never leave.
3. Edging That Actually Edges
Brick garden edging isnât just functionalâitâs framing. Bury bricks vertically, stagger heights, or mix colors. FYI, The Brick Pit offers custom cuts if youâre feeling fancy.
Recycled Bricks: Because âNewâ Is Overrated
Confession: Weâre suckers for second-hand bricks. Theyâve got patina, quirks, and a lower carbon footprint. Use them for feature walls, fire pits, or that Instagram-worthy brick path your followers will drool over.
But wait: Not all recycled bricks are structural superheroes. Some are better suited for decorative work. Let us help you pick the right onesâbecause nobody wants a crumbling BBQ area.
3 Questions We Get Asked Daily (Besides âGot Coffee?â)
1. âCan I mix brick types?â
Absolutely! Just keep mortar colors consistent. Red bricks + sandstock = chefâs kiss.
2. âAre recycled bricks cheaper?â
Often, yesâbut pricing depends on rarity. 19th-century convict bricks? Prepare to sell a kidney.
3. âWhatâs the best cladding for Aussie weather?â
Metal and fiber cement. Theyâre like sunscreen for your house.
Ready to Brick It Out?
At The Brick Pit, we live for this stuff. Whether youâre after sandstock bricks for a coastal retreat or paving bricks for a path thatâll outlive us all, weâve got your back. Swing by our yard, shoot us a call, or just daydream on our website. Because lifeâs too short for boring exteriors.
Final thought: If your house were a Netflix show, brick and cladding would be the plot twist everyone talks about. Letâs make it binge-worthy.