Another Brick In The Wall: A Layman’s Guide To Masonry
As a building material, brick is as old as dirt and water, and the basic way bricks are made hasn’t changed much in the thousands of years people have been using them. But there are many varieties available, and which kind you choose depends mostly on what your aesthetic goals are.
Bricklaying, or masonry, is enjoyed by many people as a relaxing hobby — Winston Churchill was an enthusiast — though of course it is more commonly used for its practical applications. Brick walls don’t need to be painted or weatherproofed, and they provide good insulation. They look sturdy and beautiful, too.
Building bricks have holes in them to reduce weight and save on materials. “Face bricks” are the more familiar bricks, the solid ones that are used when the entire brick will be visible. There are also paving stones, or “pavers,” which are used for decorative purposes such as patios and sidewalks. Firebricks are specially made heat-resistant items to be used in fireplaces and other heat-intensive places.
Another style of brick is the cinderblock. It’s not nearly as nice to look at as the standard red brick, but being larger, it’s useful for building particularly large walls, as not as many bricks are required. Cinderblocks can be glazed or burnished, too, in order to make the wall look more appealing.
If you’re planning a brick-laying project with the standard red bricks, plan on about five bricks per square foot if it’s a paving project, or seven per square foot for walls. A pallet of bricks has 516 of them. Buy a few extra bricks to allow for mistakes, particularly if you’ll be cutting any in half and are not experienced at it. Cutting bricks is tricky business — always wear protective goggles! — and even pros ruin one now and then.
About the Author: http://www.brickchoice.com is packed with information on facing bricks and faux bricks
By Jon Kilminster