How to choose the best bricks for your dream home project in Chennai

 

Bricks have long been a fundamental element in home construction projects across Chennai, contributing to structures ranging from classic dwellings to contemporary tall buildings. As a reliable home developer, Lunazo homes recognizes the significance of selecting appropriate bricks to guarantee resilience, energy savings, and visual attractiveness. Given Chennai’s warm environment, picking the correct brick variety is vital for creating enduring buildings and pleasant interiors.

Historical Perspective of Brick Usage in Chennai

Brick construction in Chennai dates back to the Dravidian era, where locally made bricks were used in temples and traditional homes. During British rule, bricks became widely used in government buildings, railway stations, and heritage structures. 

For ages, bricks have formed the core of building. Across historical edifices and contemporary residences, bricks contribute essentially to offering robustness, longevity, and visual charm.

 But precisely what constitutes a brick, and why does it hold such significance in building work? Within this comprehensive manual, we will delve into brick categories, their measurements, costs, and applications, as well as advice for selecting optimal bricks for dwelling construction.

A foundational piece, either solid or void within, typically shaped like a rectangle, utilised as the core component in stonework creation. A brick constitutes a compact, oblong construction unit fashioned from substances like 

• clay, 
• concrete, 
• pulverised fuel ash, or 
• alternatives. 

It enjoys extensive application in erecting barriers, surfacing pathways, and other edifices. A range of brick varieties is offered commercially. 

Today, Lunazo homes, a leading home construction company in Chennai, blends traditional craftsmanship valued for their robustness, ability to withstand heat, and economical nature, with some modern techniques to preserve the city’s architectural heritage while embracing contemporary design trends.

Types of Bricks Used in Chennai

Chennai’s building firm employs various brick styles depending on structural and aesthetic demands:

Standard Terracotta Bricks: Economical and easily sourced, rendering them a frequent selection.

Clay bricks:Earthen blocks, frequently called crimson units, represent the most ancient and extensively utilized category in building. They come from a blend of earth and liquid, formed into a form, and subsequently fired in a kiln at elevated warmth. It  provides

• Excellent strength and durability
•  Good fire resistance
• Cost-effective and easily available
• used in Walls for residential and commercial buildings
• Used in Boundary walls and
• load-bearing structures

Fly Ash Blocks: An environmentally sound alternative to traditional clay bricks.crafted from industrial byproducts, recognised for durability and ecological benefit. Flyash bricks are made from 

• fly ash, 
• Lime,
•  gypsum, and 
• sand. 

 

These bricks are gaining popularity in modern construction because they utilize industrial waste and require less energy to produce. It provides, 

• Lightweight, yet strong and uniform in size
• Better thermal insulation than clay bricks
•  Minimal water absorption, reducing efflorescence
• Used in Walls for houses and apartments
• Used in Non-load-bearing partitions

 

Hollow Bricks: Hollow bricks are perforated with cavities inside, reducing their weight and improving thermal performance. They are made of clay or concrete and are especially useful in modern architecture for energy efficiency. It features,

• Lightweight, making them easy to handle.
•  Reduces dead load on the structure. 
• Provides good sound and heat insulation.
• Used in  High-rise buildings. 
• Used in Partition walls and non-load-bearing walls.

 

Interlocking Bricks:Interlocking bricks are specially designed with grooves so they fit into each other without the need for mortar. These are considered sustainable and reduce construction time significantly.It features 

•  Dry construction where no cement mortar needed
• Faster installation and cost savings
• Environmentally friendly
• Used in retaining walls
• Used in Boundary walls
• Used in Low-rise buildings in eco-friendly projects

 

Cement Blocks: Favoured for expansive housing developments owing to their weight-bearing capability.

AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) Units:

• Low in mass with superior thermal resistance, 
• best suited for contemporary residences and flats.

 

HSN Codes for different types of bricks:

• Cement/Concrete Blocks: HSN 6810 (18% GST)
• Clay Construction Bricks: HSN 6904 (5% GST)
• Heat-Resistant/Refractory Bricks: HSN 6902 (18% GST)

 

For Lunazo homes, we meticulously select brick categories according to the job specifications to guarantee lasting soundness and robustness.

What Are Clay Bricks?

Clay bricks are made by combining clay and water in a correct amount  where Clay tends to retain its colour and appearance for a longer period of time than cement combined clay and water which is then hardened by drying in sun or with industrial ovens by pressing wet clay into a mold, then drying and firing it in a kiln, which increases the bricks lifespan and strength. 

These bricks are among the oldest building materials globally, found in ancient structures known for their visual appeal and fire resistance, making them a popular choice for homes and other structures. Clay bricks vary from the traditional red brick to specialized engineering bricks and custom glazed bricks.

 Brick walls act as a structure, weather barrier, soundproofing, and sometimes the interior finish.

Advantages:

• Long life time: The color of clay bricks offers an aesthetic look which can stay for a long time.
• Exceptional Fire Resistance: Clay bricks increase the safety of buildings by offering exceptional fire resistance to buildings.
• Require Less Maintenance: Clay bricks require very little maintenance which is ultimately giving a cost-effective option.

What is a Concrete Brick?

A concrete brick is made with Portland cement, water, and other appropriate aggregates, which are pressed into shape, then dried and hardened.

 After some curing process, these concrete bricks are ready for construction use which is less expensive than clay bricks but are very strong. Concrete can also be textured which adds a unique visual appearance to the building. 

The average compressive strength ranges from 3,000 to 4,000 psi. Due to changing weather, building materials move. In a clay structure, this movement is a slow expansion over time, whereas concrete tends to gradually shrink.

 These movements may be triggered by various factors, including ground movement and thermal expansion. Construction using blocks is much faster, which saves time and money. They are suggested only for base structures not recommended for partition walls due to their weight, steadiness and load-bearing ability.

Comparing Concrete Bricks and Clay Bricks

Structural appearance: 

• Clay bricks are limited to traditional shapes like rectangles only 
• whereas concrete blocks come in numerous shapes, from squares and triangles to octagons and trapezoids.

Absorption rate: 

• Clay bricks absorb approximately 15-35 grams of moisture per minute, whereas concrete bricks absorb 40 to 80 grams per square inch. 
• So, the absorption rate in concrete bricks is more compared to clay bricks. This means your concrete bricks could be better for heavy rain.

Compressive Strength: 

• Clay bricks are 2.5 to 3 times stronger than concrete bricks. 
• However, the strength of any brick or concrete wall depends on the mortar holding it together. 
• For example, mortars that are high in lime can sustain only 350 psi,
• whereas a high-cement mortar may hold 3,000 psi. 
• Average compressive strength is from 8,000 to 10,000 psi. 
• The compressive strength of a brick is an important factor in large buildings where the bricks need to withstand heavy loads on their own.
•  Fortunately, modern commercial buildings often incorporate expansion joints,
• which account for the natural forces on building materials, preventing this from causing any issues for building owners.

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Color and Texture: Both clay and concrete bricks come in a wide range of colors and textures. 

• Often, many textures are available, including internal holes for reinforcement. 
• However, the colour of clay bricks stays for a long time compared to concrete bricks.

Also read:Sustainable Eco-Friendly Building Practices in Home Construction

 What are AAC blocks:

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks also known as AAC blocks, are a new material in the home construction market that are green, eco-friendly, low-maintenance, precast materials with excellent thermal insulation and durability which keep buildings cooler and prevent outside heat from entering, leading to significant savings on air conditioning. These blocks are cured under high-pressure steam, making them durable and energy-efficient. This material is an alternative to traditional red bricks which are made from

•  cement,
• lime, 
• sand,
•  gypsum, and
•  aluminum powder.

Because of its light weight and superior insulation which saves on labor costs compared to brick or solid cement blocks.

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Advantages of Aerocon (AAC) Blocks

• Easy installation:AAC blocks are easy to install and can speed up construction. AAC blocks are about half the weight and ten times the size of traditional bricks which provides flexibility for adjustments, cutting, and shaping. 

1. Where lightweight blocks are easy to transport, which reduces overall logistics and shipping costs compared to traditional brick transportation costs.
2.  This block is three times lighter than traditional clay bricks resulting in reducing the building’s overall weight which makes handling, transport easier and lowering labor costs. 
3. AAC blocks have fewer joints and consistent dimensions, making them easier to lay and speeding up the construction process. 
4. Lightweight partition walls are best advised and safe for the building. Walls built with Aerocon bricks, with a minimum thickness of 100mm, can resist fire for up to four hours which make them the safe choice. 
5. The edges of the blocks allow easy workability and accurate dimensions, which makes it easy to cut, drill, nail, and shape.

• High Thermal Insulation:AAC blocks provide thermal insulation, excellent heat insulation, and energy-efficient facilities throughout our lifetime which result in lower energy bills because of reduced air conditioning use by keeping indoor spaces cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Soundproof Properties:AAC blocks are lightweight and porous, they reduce sound significantly with a high Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, Aerocon Blocks reduce external noise, making them perfect for construction of studios, hospitals, and hotels.
• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable:AAC blocks are lightweight, energy-efficient, and simple to install, they reduce labor costs. It is made from non-toxic, natural materials which are certified as environment-friendly which do not emit VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) which leads to environmental pollution.

 AAC blocks are produced with minimal waste using natural, non-toxic raw materials and produce less construction waste and require less water for curing than traditional bricks which makes the building more durable and steady, preventing rot and mold. Some of the waste or offcuts produced can be recycled or used to make aggregates. It can lower the carbon footprint of buildings.

• Faster Construction:AAC blocks speed up construction and complete projects faster due to their larger size, easy to handle or install and lightweight properties.
• Fire and Pest Resistance:AAC blocks are noncombustible and fire-resistant for up to 6 hours compared to other building materials, providing better safety for homes and commercial buildings which can depend on their thickness and temperature. Unlike traditional bricks, they are resistant to termites and pests.
• High Strength and Durability:Compared to conventional bricks, AAC bricks can handle higher seismic loads. AAC blocks are extremely strong and can bear heavy loads resulting in a durable finished structure making them suitable for high-rise buildings designed to handle Earthquakes, Self-weight, and gravity.
• Moisture resistant:AAC blocks offer better moisture protection. The macro-pores within AAC blocks ensure low water absorption.

Disadvantages of Aerocon (AAC) Blocks

• Higher Initial Cost:AAC blocks which save costs for your long lifetime but the initial cost are higher than the cost of Bricks  or  Solid Blocks or traditional bricks. Easy to handle option and faster construction can balance the cost of using AAC blocks in house construction.
• Requires Skilled LaborConstruction :with AAC blocks requires specialized and experienced masons for proper installation.
• Brittle Nature:AAC blocks are more brittle than red bricks but they can break readily which makes them prone to breakage if not handled carefully and demand greater caution when handling and transporting than clay red brick.
• Requires Special Plastering and Finishing:AAC blocks have a porous surface, which may require specialized and experienced plastering techniques and masonry works should be done only by using proper adhesives made of OPC cement, polymers, graded aggregates, etc to avoid water absorption and cracks.
• Higher water absorption rate:Interior finishes must have low permeability and exterior finishes must have high permeability. Due to macro pores in AAC blocks causing fissures in the structure as a result of their expansion when water is absorbed and contraction when moisture is lost.
• Less Availability: AAC blocks are not readily available in all regions, which causes additional transportation costs.

Brick Manufacturing Process

Bricks undergo a well-defined manufacturing process to meet construction standards:

1. Material Selection:

• High-quality clay, 
• sand, and
•  fly ash are used for durability.

2. Firing Techniques:

•  Bricks are hardened in kilns, 
• from traditional clamp kilns or 
• modern tunnel kilns for efficiency.

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3. Eco-Friendly Production:

• Sustainable brick manufacturing methods help reduce environmental impact.
• to minimise carbon emissions and promote eco-friendly building solutions.

As a responsible home construction company in Chennai, Lunazo homes follows sustainable production practices .

Advantages of Brick Construction

Bricks continue to be a preferred choice in residential building projects due to their numerous benefits:

• Durability:

• Withstands Chennai’s weather conditions, 
• ensuring long-lasting structures.

• Thermal Insulation:

• Helps keep interiors cooler, 
• reducing electricity costs.

• Aesthetic Appeal: 

• Complements both traditional and 
• modern architectural styles.

Challenges in Brick Usage

Despite their advantages, brick construction comes with certain challenges:

• Rising Material Costs:

•  Price fluctuations affect construction budgets.

• Environmental Concerns:

•  Traditional brick manufacturing contributes to deforestation and 
• carbon emissions.

• Supply Chain Issues: 

• Delays in material availability can impact project timelines.

To overcome these challenges, Lunazo homes optimises logistics and incorporates sustainable materials in its residential building projects.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Sustainability is a key focus at Urban Space Builder. We use eco-friendly alternatives such as:

• Fly Ash Bricks:

• Made from industrial byproducts, 
• reducing reliance on natural clay.

• Compressed Stabilized Earth Blocks (CSEB): 

• Require less energy in production and
• offer excellent durability.

• Government-Endorsed Green Materials: 

• Complying with Chennai’s sustainability regulations.

Residential vs. Commercial Brick Applications

Brick usage varies depending on the type of construction:

• Residential Construction: Traditional clay bricks are commonly used for independent houses due to their 

• affordability and
•  strength.

• Commercial and  High-Rise Buildings: AAC blocks and concrete bricks are preferred for their

•  lightweight and 
• fire-resistant properties.

As a leading residential builder, Lunazo homes ensures the right materials are selected to meet

•  Safety,
•  durability, and 
• environmental standards.

Innovations in Brick-Based Architecture

Recent advancements in brickwork have transformed Chennai’s construction landscape. Popular trends include:

• Exposed Brickwork: a recent modern choice for 

• homes and 
• office spaces.

• Reinforced Brick Masonry:

• Enhancing structural strength in multi-story buildings.
• deliver high-quality and aesthetically pleasing homes.

Lunazo homes continuously integrates innovative brick construction techniques for your home.

Future of Brick Usage in Chennai

As a forward thinking home construction company in Chennai, Lunazo homes remains committed to adopting sustainable and innovative brick solutions. Whether for

•  independent homes, 
• residential buildings, or 
• commercial projects, we continue to shape Chennai’s skyline with durable and beautifully crafted structures.

Uses of Bricks in Modern Construction

Bricks are not only a traditional building material but have also evolved into a key element in modern architecture and design. Here are some popular applications of bricks today:

1. Residential Walls

The primary and most common use of bricks is in constructing load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls for residential homes. Bricks offer 

• strength, 
• durability, 
•  weather resistance, 
• making them ideal for building houses,
•  boundary walls, and 
• compound walls.

2. Brick Wall Design

Exposed brick wall designs are a trending  now with excelled interior and exterior style. Homeowners and designers often leave bricks uncovered to create a rustic or industrial look.

Applications:

• Modern Stylish brick walls for your living room or bedroom
• Garden walls 
• outdoor facades
• restaurant interiors for aesthetic appeal

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3. Brick Wallpaper

For those who love the charm of brick but prefer

•  a cost-effective and 
• lightweight option, 
• easy to install, making it a favorite in modern home décor.

4. Brick Ovens

Brick ovens are widely used in 

• outdoor kitchens and 
• restaurants for wood-fired cooking, especially for pizzas, bread, and traditional dishes. 
• Fire bricks are often chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures.

5. Heritage and Brick Castles

Bricks have been used for centuries in historical structures like 

• castles, 
• forts, and 
• heritage buildings, proving their long-lasting strength. 
• Even today, architects incorporate bricks into restoration projects and 
• contemporary designs for a timeless and durable finish.

6. Outdoor Landscaping

Bricks are extensively used in 

• garden paths, 
• pavements, and 
• patios for their aesthetic appeal and durability. 
• Interlocking and cement bricks are commonly preferred for landscaping.

7. Commercial Buildings

• Modern commercial projects, 
• offices, and
•  schools

often use bricks for external facades to achieve a natural, warm appearance while maintaining structural integrity.

Advantages of Using Different Types of Bricks

Bricks have been the preferred construction material for centuries due to their numerous benefits. Here are the major advantages:

 Durable and fire-resistant: bricks are ideal for building

•  safe 
• durable structures. 
• strong, 
• long-lasting, and 
• highly resistant to fire, 

 Cost-Effective and Widely Available: Bricks are 

• affordable 
•  easily available across regions, 
• reducing transportation costs and 
• making them a budget-friendly option for most construction projects.

Good Thermal and Sound Insulation: Brick walls provide 

• excellent heat insulation, 
• keeping interiors cooler in summer and 
• warmer in winter.
•  They also help in reducing external noise, 
• offering better soundproofing.

 Eco-Friendly Options:  innovations like flyash bricks and eco bricks support sustainability by using recycled or waste materials.

 Low-maintenance :

brick walls require 

• minimal maintenance 
• making them ideal for long-term use.

Disadvantages of Using Different Types of Bricks

Despite their popularity, bricks have some limitations:

Labor-Intensive Installation

Brick masonry requires 

• skilled labour and 
• takes more time compared to modern alternatives like concrete blocks or prefabricated panels. 

Slow Construction

Bricklaying is a 

• time-consuming process, 
• especially for large-scale projects, 
• delaying overall construction timelines.

Limited Use in High-Rise Structures

Due to their mass weight and size limitations, traditional bricks are not commonly used in 

• skyscrapers or 
• high-rise buildings 
• where lighter materials are preferred.

 Prone to Water Absorption

Bricks can 

• absorb moisture if not properly sealed, 
•  may lead to dampness in walls over time.

Tips to Choose the Best Types of Bricks for House Construction

•  Prefer first-class bricks  with 

1. uniform color, 
2. shape, and
3.  sound when strike

•  Check strength and
•  water absorption  that should not exceed 20%.
•  For more eco-friendly or sustainable  options, go for 

1. fly ash or 
2. interlocking bricks.

FAQs: Types of Bricks

1. What is brick?

 A rectangular block used for

•  building walls and
•  structures, typically made from clay, cement, or fly ash.

2. How to calculate bricks for a wall?

 We  can calculate bricks, for  example: For a 10 ft × 10 ft wall  with 9-inch thickness, approximately needs 500–550 bricks.

3. How many bricks are in 1 cubic meter?

Approximately 500 standard-size bricks can be used in i cubic meter.

4. Which are the best bricks for house construction?

 Red clay bricks and fly ash bricks are the most popular choices.

Conclusion

Bricks have stood the test of time as one of the most reliable and versatile building materials in the world offer durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re constructing a home, designing interiors with brick wall designs, At Lunazo homes, a leading house construction company in Chennai, with their experience backed by years and commitment to quality materials in projects make them a better construction company in Chennai. 

Choosing  lunazo homes for your dream home project will result in a higher-quality outcome. If you seek a better house construction company in Chennai, contact us today to schedule a site visit. Let’s build the foundation for your future together.