How to Calculate How Many Recycled Bricks You Need for Your Project (Without Losing Your Mind)
Letâs face itâmath isnât everyoneâs idea of a good time. But when youâre knee-deep in a DIY project or planning a stunning retaining wall with recycled bricks, guessing your way through the numbers is a one-way ticket to âWhy did I run out of bricks halfway through?!â territory. Donât worry, though. Weâve been there (more times than weâd like to admit), and today, weâre sharing the no-BS guide to calculating exactly how many second-hand bricks, sandstock bricks, or reclaimed bricks youâll need. And hey, if youâre in Australia, weâll even toss in a shameless plug for our mates at The Brick Pitâbecause why hunt for ârecycled bricks near meâ when theyâve got you covered?
Step 1: Measure Twice, Cry Once
Before you start daydreaming about that rustic brick edging or retaining wall, grab a tape measure. Trust us, eyeballing it wonât cut it unless you enjoy mid-project panic attacks.
Hereâs what you need to do:
- Length x Width x Height: For walls, measure the total length, height, and thickness. For paving, focus on length and width.
- Convert to meters (because weâre in Australia, folksâno imperial units here!).
- Account for mortar gaps: Subtract 10mm between bricks if youâre using mortar.
Pro Tip: If math makes you sweat, use our âBrick Calculator Cheat Sheetâ below. We wonât judge.
The Brick Calculator Cheat Sheet (Because Weâre Nice Like That)
Hereâs a quick-reference table to simplify your life. These numbers assume standard red bricks (230mm x 110mm x 76mm) with 10mm mortar joints. Adjust if youâre using chunky paving bricks or slim brick edging.
Project Type | Bricks per mÂČ | Bricks per mÂł |
---|---|---|
Single-Brick Wall | 48 | 550 |
Double-Brick Wall | 96 | 1,100 |
Paving (no mortar) | 40 | N/A |
Retaining Wall | 55 | 600 |
Example: If your retaining wall is 5m long x 1m high x 0.23m thick:
- Calculate volume: 5 x 1 x 0.23 = 1.15mÂł
- Multiply by bricks per mÂł: 1.15 x 600 = 690 bricks.
- Add 10% for breakage or cuts: 690 + 69 = 759 bricks total.
Easy, right? Now, letâs talk about why old used bricks are worth the effort.
Why Recycled Bricks? (Besides Looking Cooler Than New Ones)
We get itânew bricks have that crisp, untouched vibe. But reclaimed bricks from The Brick Pit offer:
- Character: Weathering, subtle color variations, and that âIâve seen some thingsâ charm.
- Sustainability: Reusing bricks = fewer in landfills. Win for your project, win for the planet.
- Cost savings: Second-hand bricks are often 30â50% cheaper than new. Cha-ching!
FYI: If youâre in Sydney, Perth, or Brisbane, The Brick Pitâs team can even help you estimate quantities. Because driving to the ânearest brick yardâ blindly is so 2010.
âBut WaitâWhat If I Mess Up?â (Spoiler: You Wonât)
Letâs tackle the three questions we hear daily:
1. Can I return extra bricks?
Depends on the supplier! At The Brick Pit, weâre happy to take back unused recycled bricksâjust keep them clean and intact.
2. How do I dispose of broken bricks?
First, try repurposing them for brick edging or garden fill. If that fails, search âbrick disposal near meâ for local recycling centers.
3. What if I need more bricks mid-project?
This is why we add 10% to every order. But if youâre still short, call The Brick Pitâweâll find the closest match to your batch.
Final Tip: Skip the Guesswork, Call the Pros
Look, weâre all for DIY grit. But if calculating brick quantities feels like deciphering ancient hieroglyphs, save yourself the headache. The Brick Pitâs team in Australia specializes in recycled bricks, sandstock bricks, and paving bricks, and weâre happy to crunch the numbers for you.
Why stress? Weâll measure, quote, and deliverâso you can focus on the fun part (like actually building stuff).
Ready to Start?
Whether youâre in Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, or somewhere in between, The Brick Pitâs got your back. Give us a buzz, and letâs turn that pile of old used bricks into something legendary. And hey, if youâre still nervous about the math, just remember: even Bob the Builder needed a calculator once in a while :).
[The Brick Pit]âYour Go-To for Recycled Bricks in Australia. Letâs Build Something Together!