Brick cladding, types, purpose, and size details

Brick cladding is a popular construction technique that involves using brick to cover the exterior of a building. It is a versatile and durable solution that can be used to enhance the aesthetics and performance of both residential and commercial properties.

It can be installed on new buildings or used to renovate existing structures. It is a cost-effective solution that provides an additional layer of insulation, weather protection, and soundproofing to a building. 

It is also a fire-resistant material that can help improve the safety and security of a property.

Purpose of brick cladding

The purpose of brick cladding is primarily to enhance the appearance of a building’s exterior. It can provide a textured, visually appealing surface that adds character and charm to a building. 

In addition to aesthetics, brick cladding can also provide practical benefits, such as improved insulation and weatherproofing.

Benefits of using brick cladding

1. Aesthetics

It provides a visually appealing surface that adds character and charm to a building’s exterior.

2. Durability

Brick is a long-lasting and durable material that can withstand the elements and is resistant to fire, pests, and rot.

3. Low maintenance

It requires little maintenance and can last for many years without the need for repairs or replacement.

4. Weather resistance

It can provide a protective layer against weather, moisture, and other environmental factors.

5. Energy efficiency

It can help improve a building’s energy efficiency by providing insulation that can help reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

6. Noise reduction

It can help reduces noise transmission from outside, providing a quieter and more comfortable living or working environment.

7. Versatility

It can be used in a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to modern, and can be installed on both residential and commercial buildings.

8. Fire resistance

It is fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for building exteriors.

Different types of brick cladding

1. Traditional brick cladding
2. Red brick wall cladding
3. White brick cladding
4. Reclaimed brick cladding
5. Rustic brick cladding
6. Terracotta brick cladding
7. Thin brick veneer cladding
8. Brick slip cladding
9. Prefabricated brick panels
10. Brick-facing tile cladding
11. Brick tile cladding
12. Brick effect cladding
13. Artificial brick cladding

1. Traditional brick clad

It refers to the use of standard-sized clay bricks that are arranged in a repeating pattern. 

This type of cladding is common in historic buildings and is often associated with a traditional or classic design.

• Pros: Durable, long-lasting, fire-resistant, and provides excellent thermal insulation.
• Cons: Heavy, may require additional structural support, and may be difficult to install.
• Uses: Suitable for traditional and modern buildings, including homes, commercial properties, and public buildings.

2. Red brick wall cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses red-colored bricks, which are often associated with a warm and welcoming aesthetic. 

This type of cladding is commonly used in residential buildings, as well as commercial and industrial buildings.

• Pros: A classic and timeless look, can add warmth and character to a building.
• Cons: Limited color options, may fade over time, and can be prone to cracking in extreme weather conditions.
• Uses: Commonly used in residential properties, restaurants, and retail stores.

3. White brick cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses white-colored bricks. This type of cladding is often used in modern and contemporary designs, as it creates a sleek and minimalist appearance.

• Pros: A clean and modern look, can brighten up a building, and reflect heat.
• Cons: Requires frequent cleaning to maintain its brightness, and may be prone to staining.
• Uses: Suitable for contemporary buildings, especially those with minimalist designs, including homes, offices, and public spaces.

4. Reclaimed brick cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses bricks that have been salvaged from old buildings. This type of cladding is often used in restoration projects, as it can provide a historic and authentic appearance. 

It is also popular in sustainable building practices as it reduces waste by recycling materials.

• Pros: Adds character and a sense of history to a building, can be more environmentally friendly than new bricks, and may be more cost-effective.
• Cons: May be difficult to source enough bricks for a large project, can be more difficult to install due to variations in size and shape, and may require additional maintenance.
• Uses: Suitable for historic or period properties, as well as modern buildings looking to add a sense of character and charm.

5. Rustic brick cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses rough, textured bricks to create a natural and organic look. This type of cladding is often used in buildings with a rural or countryside aesthetic, as well as in industrial-style buildings.

• Pros: Adds a unique and authentic look to a building, can be used to create a cozy and warm atmosphere, and is suitable for both interior and exterior use.
• Cons: May require more frequent maintenance due to the rough surface, and may not be suitable for all building styles or designs.
• Uses: Suitable for a range of building styles, including rustic and traditional homes, as well as commercial properties like restaurants and cafes.

6. Terracotta brick cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses clay bricks that are fired at a high temperature to create a natural red or brown color. 

This type of cladding is often used in Mediterranean and Spanish-style buildings, as well as in modern designs that incorporate earthy tones.

• Pros: Provides a warm and earthy look, is highly durable and long-lasting, and is resistant to weather and wear.
• Cons: May be more expensive than other types of cladding, and may require more care during installation due to its weight.
• Uses: Suitable for a range of building styles, including traditional homes and public buildings like museums and galleries.

7. Thin brick veneer cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses thin slices of brick, typically around 1/2 inch thick, to create a lightweight and flexible cladding system. 

This type of cladding is often used in retrofit and renovation projects, as it can be installed over existing surfaces without adding significant weight.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, cost-effective, and available in a range of colors and textures.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not be suitable for all building styles or designs.
• Uses: Suitable for both interior and exterior use, as well as a variety of building styles and designs.

8. Brick slip cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses thin slices of brick, similar to thin brick veneer, but with a slightly different installation process. 

Brick slips are typically adhered to a backing material, such as a mesh or cement board, and then applied to the surface of a building. 

This type of cladding is often used in contemporary designs, as it provides a clean and uniform appearance.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can provide a traditional brick look without the weight and expense of full bricks.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not be suitable for all building styles or designs.
• Uses: Suitable for both interior and exterior use, as well as a variety of building styles and designs.

9. Prefabricated brick panels

These are pre-made brick panels that are manufactured off-site and then installed on the building’s exterior or interior walls. 

This type of cladding is often used in modular construction, as it can be produced quickly and efficiently, and provides a durable and low-maintenance finish.

• Pros: Easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can be customized to fit specific project requirements.
• Cons: May be more expensive than other types of brick cladding, may require additional support structures, and may not provide the same level of durability as full bricks.
• Uses: Suitable for a range of building styles and designs, including modern and contemporary homes, as well as commercial properties like retail stores and office buildings.

10. Brick-facing tile cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses thin brick tiles that are attached to a backing material, such as cement board or mesh. 

This type of cladding is often used in renovation and retrofit projects, as it can be installed over existing surfaces without adding significant weight.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can provide a traditional brick look without the weight and expense of full bricks.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not be suitable for all building styles or designs.
• Uses: Suitable for both interior and exterior use, as well as a variety of building styles and designs.

11. Brick tile cladding

It is a type of cladding that uses small, individual brick tiles that are arranged in a repeating pattern to create a brick veneer. 

This type of cladding is often used in interior design, as it provides a unique and textured look to walls and other surfaces.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can provide a traditional brick look without the weight and expense of full bricks.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not be suitable for all building styles or designs.
• Uses: Suitable for both interior and exterior use, as well as a variety of building styles and designs.

12. Brick effect cladding

It is a type of cladding that mimics the appearance of brick but is not made from actual brick materials. This can include a range of materials such as fiber cement, PVC, or composite materials. 

This type of cladding is often used in cost-effective or environmentally sustainable construction projects, as it provides a brick-like appearance without the cost or environmental impact of using real brick.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can provide a traditional brick look without the weight and expense of full bricks.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not provide the same level of insulation or fire resistance as real bricks.
• Uses: Suitable for a range of building styles and designs, including modern and contemporary homes, as well as commercial properties like retail stores and office buildings.

13. Artificial brick cladding

It is a type of cladding that is made from a variety of artificial materials, such as polyurethane or fiberglass, that is designed to look like real brick. 

This type of cladding is often used in decorative applications, such as accent walls or interior design projects, as it provides a realistic and textured appearance.

• Pros: Lightweight and easy to install, available in a range of colors and textures, and can provide a traditional brick look without the weight and expense of full bricks.
• Cons: May not be as durable as full bricks, may require additional maintenance, and may not provide the same level of insulation or fire resistance as real bricks.
• Uses: Suitable for a range of building styles and designs, including modern and contemporary homes, as well as commercial properties like retail stores and office buildings.

Brick cladding size and thickness

Type of Brick Cladding	Size (mm)	Thickness (mm)
Traditional	215 x 102.5	65-75
Red Brick Wall	230 x 76	25-40
White	215 x 65	20-30
Reclaimed	Various sizes	Various
Rustic	Various sizes	15-25
Terracotta	Various sizes	15-25
Thin Brick Veneer	240 x 60, 215 x 65	9-15
Brick Slip	215 x 65	20-30
Prefabricated Brick Panels	2400 x 600, 1200 x 600	30-40
Brick-facing Tile	215 x 65, 240 x 60	9-15
Brick Tile	100 x 200, 150 x 300	10-15
Brick Effect	Various sizes	Various
Artificial	Various sizes	Various

Cost of brick cladding

Type of Brick Cladding	Cost per/sqft (INR)	Cost per/sqft (GBP)
Traditional	250-350	2.5-3.5
Red Brick Wall	200-300	2-3
White	300-400	3-4
Reclaimed	500-700	5-7
Rustic	400-500	4-5
Terracotta	250-350	2.5-3.5
Thin Brick Veneer	400-500	4-5
Brick Slip	200-300	2-3
Prefabricated Brick Panels	700-800	7-8
Brick-facing Tile	100-200	1-2
Brick Tile	150-250	1.5-2.5
Brick Effect	300-400	3-4
Artificial	200-300	2-3

Choosing the right brick cladding for your project

When it comes to choosing the right brick cladding for your project, there are several factors to consider. 

Here are some simple steps to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider the style of your building

The style of your building will have a significant impact on the type of brick cladding you choose. 

For example, a modern building may look better with a sleek, uniform brick, while a traditional building may benefit from a more textured or aged-looking brick.

2. Determine the desired color scheme

Think about the color scheme you want to achieve for your building. Brick cladding is available in a wide range of colors, so you can easily find a shade that complements the rest of your design.

3. Assess durability and maintenance requirements

It is known for its durability, but some types of brick may require more maintenance than others. 

For example, textured or rough bricks may collect dirt and require more frequent cleaning.

4. Consider the cost

The cost of brick cladding can vary depending on the type and quality of brick you choose. Make sure to choose a brick that fits within your budget.

5. Think about environmental factors

Some types of brick cladding may be more energy-efficient than others, so consider the environmental impact of your choice.

Frequently asked questions about brick cladding

Also, read:

• Types of brick bonds used in masonry work
• 20 types of bricks used in construction