Brick veneer uses a single layer of brick over a timber or steel frame, making it lighter, faster to build, and generally more affordable. Double brick uses two full brick layers with a cavity between them, giving greater thermal mass, soundproofing, and long-term durability at a higher cost and longer build time. The right choice depends on your budget, climate, and how long you plan to stay in the home.
What Is Brick Veneer?
Brick veneer construction uses a single external layer of brick fixed to a timber or steel frame, which carries the structural load. It’s one of the most widely used wall systems in Australian homes, popular for its lower cost, faster build time, and flexibility for future renovations.
- Cost: Typically the more affordable option less brick and less skilled labour than double brick.
- Build time: Faster, since the frame goes up quickly and a single brick layer is added afterward.
- Flexibility: Easier to modify later adding a window or extending a room is more straightforward than with a solid double-brick wall.
- Insulation: Performs well when paired with wall insulation batts in the frame cavity.
What Is Double Brick?
Double brick construction uses two full layers of brick with a cavity in between, rather than a timber or steel frame. It’s a heavier, more traditional building method valued for its strength and longevity.
- Durability: Two solid brick layers stand up well to weather and everyday wear over decades.
- Soundproofing: The mass of double brick reduces external and internal noise transfer more effectively than veneer.
- Thermal mass: Natural thermal mass helps moderate indoor temperature swings, particularly in climates with big day-to-night temperature differences.
- Trade-offs: Heavier, generally more expensive, and takes longer to build than brick veneer.
Brick Veneer vs Double Brick: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Brick Veneer | Double Brick |
| Relative cost | Typically 30–50% less than double brick | Higher — more bricks and skilled labour required |
| Build time | Faster — lighter frame, single brick layer | Slower — full masonry on both layers |
| Insulation | Good, with added wall insulation batts | Excellent natural thermal mass |
| Soundproofing | Moderate | Superior |
| Maintenance | Low — occasional repointing | Very low |
| Flexibility to renovate | Easier to modify or extend | Harder to alter |
Costs vary significantly by state, project scope, and current material prices — always get a written quote from a licensed local bricklayer for accurate figures before budgeting.
Which Climate Suits Which?
In areas with large day-to-night temperature swings (such as inland or southern regions), double brick’s thermal mass can help keep homes comfortable with less reliance on heating and cooling. In milder or more humid coastal climates, brick veneer with good insulation is often more than sufficient.
It’s also worth noting that updated NCC 7-star energy efficiency requirements, phased in across several states from 2025, mean uninsulated double brick alone often no longer meets minimum standards on its own — cavity insulation is generally needed to bring it up to the current benchmark. This is worth discussing with your builder regardless of which wall system you choose.
Can You Mix Both Styles?
Yes. It’s common in multi-storey builds to use double brick on the ground floor for durability and thermal mass, with lighter brick veneer on upper floors to reduce structural load. A builder or structural engineer can advise whether this suits your specific design.
Recycled Bricks Work With Both Systems
Whichever wall system you choose, genuine recycled bricks can be used for both brick veneer and double brick construction, giving your home character and a lower environmental footprint. Browse our full range of recycled brick products, including our sandstock brick guide if you’re after a heritage look, or see our guide on how many bricks you’ll need per square metre to help plan your order.
FAQs
Will brick veneer crack in Australian heat?
Not if it’s installed correctly. Flexible mortar and properly placed expansion joints allow the brickwork to handle normal thermal movement without cracking.
Is double brick overkill for a mild climate?
It depends on your priorities. In milder, more stable climates, brick veneer with good insulation is often sufficient, and the cost saved can go toward other parts of the build. In climates with large temperature swings, double brick’s thermal mass is more valuable.
Can I mix both styles in one build?
Yes — combining double brick on lower floors with veneer above is a common approach in multi-storey homes. Talk to your builder about whether it suits your design and site.
Which is cheaper, brick veneer or double brick?
Brick veneer is generally the more affordable option, mainly because it uses less brick and less skilled labour than double brick. Exact costs vary by state and project, so a local quote is the best way to compare for your specific build.
Need Help Choosing Your Bricks?
Whether you’re building with brick veneer or double brick, The Brick Pit has supplied genuine Australian recycled bricks to homeowners, builders and architects since 1975. Get in touch and our team can help you choose the right bricks for your project.
