Brick: Materials, Manufacture, Types, Uses and History

Materials and manufacture

Most bricks are produced from clay or shale, often blended with sand, lime or other additives that influence color, workability and strength. The wet mixture is shaped by molding or extrusion and then cut to size; it is dried and usually fired at high temperature to vitrify the body and improve durability. Concrete bricks are cast from cement-based mixtures and gain strength as they cure. Sun-dried units (commonly called adobe) are also used in arid regions where firing is impractical.

Types, patterns and properties

Bricks are classified by material, manufacture and intended use. Common categories include facing bricks (for exposed facades), engineering bricks (high compressive strength and low porosity), refractory or firebricks (used in high-temperature settings), and pavers for outdoor surfaces. Bricks can be laid in many bonds—arrangements that affect the wall's strength and appearance. Typical bonds include running bond, Flemish bond and English bond; a single horizontal layer is referred to as a course. Mortar unites the units and helps distribute loads.

• Facing, common and engineering bricks
• Pavers for patios and walkways
• Refractory bricks for ovens and furnaces
• Concrete and perforated bricks for lighter weight or insulation

Uses and examples

Bricks are used for structural walls, facades, chimneys, arches and paving. Their modular form simplifies construction by masons and supports repeatable patterns and details. Beyond structural roles, bricks contribute thermal mass, fire resistance and texture to architecture. Pavers provide durable, sometimes permeable surfacing for driveways, walkways and plazas.

History and development

Making bricks is an ancient craft: sun-dried and fired clay units appear in some of the earliest settled civilizations. Over time techniques evolved—standardized sizes, improved kilns and mechanized forming emerged, especially during periods of urban expansion and industrialization—leading to the broad availability of brick as a building material in many regions.

Care, sustainability and distinctions

Bricks are durable but require proper detailing to avoid moisture entry and freeze–thaw damage. Correct mortar selection, flashing and damp-proof courses extend service life. Bricks are also reused frequently in renovations, and modern manufacturing increasingly addresses energy use and embodied carbon. Important distinctions for designers and builders are fired versus unfired units, clay versus concrete composition, and common versus engineering grades chosen according to structural and environmental requirements.

Further information

For deeper technical guidance and historical background, consult construction handbooks and masonry organizations via the links below.

• Building material overview
• Manufacturing processes
• Masonry and wall construction
• Clay and raw materials
• Sand and aggregates
• Use of lime in mortar
• Concrete brick types
• Masonry techniques
• Cutting and shaping
• Kiln firing and kilns
• Professional masons and trades
• Mortar composition and jointing
• Bond patterns and laying
• Paving and outdoor brickwork