Free Brick Quantity, Mortar & Cost Estimator – Updated 2026 Prices
A common brick — also called a common building brick, fletton, or concrete common brick — is a basic-specification clay or concrete brick used where appearance is not important, typically in internal work, below the damp-proof course, in cavity wall inner leaves, in sub-floor construction, and in any location that will be rendered, plastered, or otherwise concealed. Unlike facing bricks, which are manufactured to decorative standards with consistent colour and texture for exposed external use, common bricks are produced primarily for structural function at minimum cost, and their appearance can be variable — irregular colouring, surface imperfections, and dimensional inconsistency are all acceptable within the standard.
The standard UK common brick measures 215mm × 102.5mm × 65mm — the same dimensions as all standard UK bricks — giving a coordinating size of 225mm × 112.5mm × 75mm when combined with a standard 10mm mortar joint on all three faces. This coordinating dimension means that exactly 60 bricks are required per square metre of half-brick-thick (stretcher bond) wall when using 10mm mortar joints — the fundamental calculation behind every brick estimator in the UK.
Our common brick calculator UK 2026 calculates the number of bricks, pallet quantities, mortar, sand, cement, and lime required for any wall area, accounting for openings, mortar joint size, wall thickness, and wastage — with estimated costs at current 2026 UK pricing.
Common bricks are the workhorses of UK masonry construction. Their primary applications include:
Common bricks in the UK are manufactured to BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 (Specification for masonry units — clay masonry units). They are available in two principal types:
The number of bricks per square metre is determined by the brick size and mortar joint thickness. For standard UK bricks (215 × 102.5 × 65mm) with a 10mm mortar joint, each brick occupies a face area of 225mm × 75mm in a stretcher bond (half-brick) wall — which equals 0.016875 m². Therefore, 1 ÷ 0.016875 = approximately 59.3 bricks/m², rounded up to 60 bricks/m².
For a full-brick wall (one brick thick, 215mm), the same calculation applies to each face — the wall still presents the same face area per m² of wall, so the number of bricks visible from each face is still 60/m². However, because the wall is one full brick thick (215mm rather than 102.5mm), there are effectively two layers of bricks, so the total bricks consumed per m² of wall is approximately 120 bricks/m² for English bond and similar full-brick bonds.
Common bricks are the most economical brick option in the UK. In 2026, typical prices are:
Bricks are typically delivered on pallets of 400–500 bricks. Always order whole pallets where possible as partial pallet charges can increase the effective cost per brick by 10–20%. Delivery of a pallet of bricks from major UK builders' merchants typically costs £35–£75 depending on distance and order size, with free delivery often available on orders over £150–£200 (ex-VAT).
Buy common bricks online UK 2026: Travis Perkins – Bricks | Jewson – Bricks | Builder Depot – Bricks | Ibstock Brick UK
The correct mortar specification for common brickwork depends on the location and exposure conditions of the wall. The most common mortar mixes used with common bricks in UK construction are:
The golden rule of mortar specification is that the mortar should never be stronger than the brick. A mortar stronger than the brick prevents normal stress relief through the joints, causing cracking through the brick itself rather than the joint — a much more serious and expensive defect to repair. Common bricks, being relatively soft, should generally use a lime-gauged mortar (1:1:6 or 1:2:9) rather than a strong cement mortar.
The table below shows the number of standard UK bricks (215 × 102.5 × 65mm) required per square metre of wall face for different mortar joint sizes and wall thicknesses. All figures are for stretcher bond (half-brick) face unless otherwise stated.
| Joint Size | Coordinating Width | Coordinating Height | Bricks / m² (half-brick wall) | Bricks / m² (full-brick wall) | Mortar kg / m² (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8mm joints | 223mm | 73mm | ~61.5 → 62 bricks | ~124 bricks | ~22 kg |
| 10mm joints (standard) | 225mm | 75mm | ~59.3 → 60 bricks | ~120 bricks | ~28 kg |
| 12mm joints | 227mm | 77mm | ~57.2 → 58 bricks | ~116 bricks | ~33 kg |
| 15mm joints (thick) | 230mm | 80mm | ~54.3 → 55 bricks | ~110 bricks | ~40 kg |
Note: Always round up to the nearest whole brick and then add your wastage factor. The mortar quantities above are approximate dry-mix weights for a 1:1:6 cement:lime:sand mix; actual quantities depend on the mix ratio, joint profile (flush, recessed, weathered), and the absorbency of the brick.
The table below compares the technical specifications of common UK brick types under BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 (clay masonry units) and BS EN 771-3:2011+A1:2015 (aggregate concrete masonry units).
| Specification | Clay Common Brick (Fletton-type) | Concrete Common Brick | Engineering Brick Class B | Facing Brick (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm | 215 × 102.5 × 65mm |
| Coordinating size (with 10mm joint) | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm | 225 × 112.5 × 75mm |
| Weight per brick (approx.) | ~2.5–3.0 kg | ~3.0–3.5 kg | ~3.0–3.5 kg | ~2.3–3.5 kg |
| Compressive strength | ≥ 5 N/mm² (typical 10–20 N/mm²) | ≥ 5 N/mm² | ≥ 50 N/mm² | ≥ 15 N/mm² (typical 20–40 N/mm²) |
| Water absorption | 15–22% | 10–18% | ≤ 7% (Class B) | 6–15% depending on type |
| Frost resistance | F0 (passive) – not frost-resistant | F1 (moderate) | F2 (durable) | F1–F2 depending on type |
| Soluble salts | S2 (moderately active) | S0 (passive) | S0 (passive) | S1–S2 |
| Manufacturing standard | BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 | BS EN 771-3:2011+A1:2015 | BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 | BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 |
| Suitable for external exposed use? | No – internal / concealed only | Internal / sheltered only | Yes – DPC; below ground | Yes – designed for external |
| 2026 Price per brick (ex-VAT) | £0.30–£0.55 | £0.25–£0.45 | £0.55–£0.90 | £0.60–£1.50+ |
| 2026 Price per 500-brick pallet | £150–£275 | £125–£225 | £275–£450 | £300–£750+ |
Standards and manufacturer resources: BSI Group – BS EN 771-1 | Ibstock Brick UK | Brick Development Association UK | Wienerberger UK Bricks
The table below summarises the most common mortar mixes used with common bricks in UK construction, with material quantities per m² of half-brick stretcher bond wall and 2026 material costs.
| Mix Designation | Ratio | Designation | Kg / m² (half-brick, 10mm joint) | Use Case | 2026 Mortar Material Cost / m² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1:6 (C:L:S) | 1 cement : 1 lime : 6 sand | M4 | ~28 kg total (4 kg cement, 4 kg lime, 20 kg sand) | Standard internal / sheltered brickwork | ~£2.20 |
| 1:5 (C:S) | 1 cement : 5 sand + plasticiser | M6 | ~28 kg total (4.5 kg cement, 23.5 kg sand) | External / moderately exposed brickwork | ~£1.80 |
| 1:4 (C:S) | 1 cement : 4 sand | M8 | ~28 kg total (5.5 kg cement, 22.5 kg sand) | Highly exposed / structural – avoid with soft common bricks | ~£1.90 |
| 1:2:9 (C:L:S) | 1 cement : 2 lime : 9 sand | M2 | ~28 kg total (2.5 kg cement, 5 kg lime, 20.5 kg sand) | Very soft bricks; heritage / conservation work | ~£2.50 |
The bond pattern — the arrangement of bricks in a wall — affects both the structural performance and appearance of brickwork. The table below describes the most common bonds used with common bricks in UK construction.
| Bond Name | Wall Thickness | Bricks / m² | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stretcher Bond | 102.5mm (half-brick) | 60 / m² | All bricks laid lengthwise (stretcher face). The standard modern bond for cavity wall leaves. | Cavity wall inner/outer leaf; garden walls; panels |
| English Bond | 215mm (full brick) | ~120 / m² | Alternating courses of stretchers and headers. Strongest traditional bond. | Solid external walls; retaining walls; chimneys |
| Flemish Bond | 215mm (full brick) | ~120 / m² | Alternating stretchers and headers in each course. Attractive appearance; slightly weaker than English bond. | External walls; garden walls; decorative use |
| English Garden Wall Bond | 215mm (full brick) | ~110 / m² | Three or five courses of stretchers to one course of headers. More stretchers visible on face. | Garden and boundary walls |
| Rat-trap / Silverlock Bond | 215mm (full brick) | ~90 / m² | Bricks laid on edge with cavities inside wall. Uses ~25% fewer bricks than English bond. | Internal walls; brick-efficient construction |
| Honeycomb Bond | 102.5mm (half-brick) | ~40 / m² | Bricks laid with spaces/gaps between them. Allows air circulation. | Sub-floor sleeper walls; ventilation requirements |
All standard UK bricks — common, facing, and engineering — measure 215 × 102.5 × 65mm. With a 10mm mortar joint the coordinating size is 225 × 112.5 × 75mm, giving exactly 60 bricks per m² in stretcher bond.
The standard UK calculation is 60 bricks per m² of half-brick (stretcher bond) wall with 10mm mortar joints. For a full-brick wall, use 120 bricks/m². Always add a wastage factor of 10% as standard.
Common clay bricks have a minimum compressive strength of 5 N/mm² under BS EN 771-1, with typical values of 10–20 N/mm². They are suitable for load-bearing internal walls but are not rated for severe external exposure.
Most common clay bricks are rated F0 (frost passive) — not suitable for exposed external applications subject to freeze/thaw cycling. Never use common bricks above the DPC in external walls without render protection or cavity construction.
Clay common bricks cost approximately £0.30–£0.55 per brick (ex-VAT) or £150–£275 per 500-brick pallet in 2026. They are the most economical UK brick option — typically 50–70% cheaper per brick than standard facing bricks.
UK bricks are typically delivered on pallets of 400–500 bricks. Order whole pallets where possible — partial pallet orders incur a handling surcharge. A standard 500-brick pallet covers approximately 8.3 m² of stretcher bond wall.
The mortar must never be stronger than the brick. Using a strong 1:3 or 1:4 cement:sand mortar with soft common bricks causes the bricks to crack rather than the joints — a serious and expensive defect. Use 1:1:6 (M4) for common brick as standard.
The Fletton — produced from Lower Oxford Clay in Bedfordshire — is the classic UK common brick. Its relatively low clay density allows it to be fired with less fuel than other brick types (the clay contains organic matter), making it one of the most cost-efficient bricks to produce.
All UK clay bricks (including common bricks) must comply with BS EN 771-1:2011+A1:2015 — the European standard for clay masonry units. This replaced the old BS 3921 and sets minimum requirements for dimensions, strength, water absorption, and frost resistance.
A standard UK common clay brick weighs approximately 2.5–3.0 kg. A 500-brick pallet therefore weighs 1.25–1.5 tonnes. Always check that your site access road and ground can support a loaded delivery vehicle before ordering pallet deliveries.
Always add a 10% wastage factor to your calculated brick quantity as standard — increasing to 15% for complex shapes or many corners and 20% for restoration work. Ordering short and placing a second order increases effective unit cost due to additional delivery charges.
Allow a minimum of 4–6 weeks before plastering or rendering new common brickwork, to allow the mortar joints to carbonate fully and excess construction moisture to dissipate. Applying plaster too early risks map-cracking and poor adhesion.
The table below provides a comprehensive 2026 UK pricing reference for common bricks, facing bricks, engineering bricks, and mortar materials from major builders' merchants. All prices are exclusive of VAT and delivery.
| Product | Price per Brick | Price per 500-Brick Pallet | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clay common brick (Fletton-type) | £0.30–£0.55 | £150–£275 | Internal / concealed use only; most economical |
| Concrete common brick | £0.25–£0.45 | £125–£225 | Cheaper than clay; heavier; less durable |
| Engineering brick – Class B | £0.55–£0.90 | £275–£450 | DPC courses; below ground; manholes |
| Engineering brick – Class A | £0.80–£1.40 | £400–£700 | Extreme exposure; sewers; heavy loading |
| Facing brick – standard range | £0.60–£1.00 | £300–£500 | External decorative use |
| Facing brick – premium / handmade | £1.00–£3.00+ | £500–£1,500+ | Architectural; matching existing brickwork |
| Reclaimed common brick | £0.50–£1.20 | £250–£600 | Variable quality; minimal embodied carbon |
Buy bricks online UK 2026: Travis Perkins | Jewson | Builder Depot | Ibstock Brick | Wienerberger UK | Brick Development Association – Find a Brick
Common brickwork used in structural elements forming part of a building must comply with the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and relevant Approved Documents. The key regulatory requirements for common brickwork in UK domestic construction are as follows.
Load-bearing walls constructed in common brickwork must satisfy Approved Document A structural requirements. For domestic buildings up to three storeys, the simplified rules in Approved Document A specify minimum wall thicknesses, maximum unsupported heights, and restraint requirements. A standard internal half-brick (102.5mm) common brick wall is acceptable for non-load-bearing and lightly loaded applications; for load-bearing internal walls supporting floors or roof structures, the structural engineer or building control officer must confirm adequacy. Building Control must inspect all structural brickwork at the appropriate notification stages.
Common bricks must never be used for the outer leaf of an external cavity wall or as a solid external wall without protection — they are rated F0 (frost passive) with high water absorption (15–22%) and will fail in wet, frost-prone external conditions. Where common bricks are used for the inner leaf of a cavity wall, the cavity and DPC must be properly detailed to prevent moisture bridging. Building Control will inspect DPC installation and cavity tray positions.
Common brick walls provide good airborne sound insulation due to their mass. A 102.5mm common brick wall with plaster both sides achieves approximately 45 dB Rw sound reduction — suitable for internal non-separating walls. For separating walls between dwellings, more substantial construction is required under Part E (minimum 215mm dense brick masonry or proprietary acoustic system to achieve ≥ 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr).
Regulatory resources: GOV.UK Approved Documents A, C & E | NHBC Standards 2026 | Brick Development Association | Planning Portal UK
For a standard half-brick stretcher bond wall (102.5mm thick) with 10mm mortar joints, you need exactly 60 bricks per square metre of wall face. This is based on standard UK brick dimensions (215 × 102.5 × 65mm) giving a coordinating face size of 225 × 75mm = 0.016875 m², and 1 ÷ 0.016875 ≈ 59.3, rounded up to 60. For a full-brick wall (215mm thick), use approximately 120 bricks/m². Always add a 10% wastage factor to these figures before ordering.
A common brick (also called a building brick or Fletton) is a basic-specification brick used where appearance is not important — in concealed internal locations, inner cavity wall leaves, below the DPC, and rendered external walls. Common bricks are manufactured primarily for function and cost, so surface colour, texture, and finish may be variable. A facing brick is manufactured to a consistent decorative standard — controlled colour, texture, and surface finish — for use in exposed external locations where appearance matters. Facing bricks cost approximately 50–100% more than common bricks. Common bricks should never be used in exposed external locations as they are typically frost-passive (F0 rated) with high water absorption.
In 2026, clay common bricks (Fletton-type) cost approximately £0.30–£0.55 per brick (ex-VAT) from UK builders' merchants, or £150–£275 per 500-brick pallet. Concrete common bricks are slightly cheaper at £0.25–£0.45 per brick. These are the most economical masonry units available in the UK — typically 50–70% cheaper than standard facing bricks (£0.60–£1.00+) and considerably cheaper than engineering bricks. Always request a live quote from your merchant as prices vary regionally and with order volume.
The recommended standard mortar for common brickwork is a 1:1:6 cement:lime:sand mix (designation M4). This provides good workability, accommodates minor structural movement, and is appropriately matched to the relatively low compressive strength of common bricks. The critical rule is that mortar must never be stronger than the brick — using a strong 1:3 or 1:4 cement:sand mortar with soft common bricks will cause the bricks to crack under loading rather than the joints, which is a more serious and costly defect. For external exposed pointing (where common bricks are used with a render finish), a 1:5 cement:sand mix with plasticiser is acceptable.
Common bricks can be used in external wall construction but must be protected from direct weather exposure. They are suitable for: the inner leaf of a cavity wall (concealed behind the cavity and inner plaster); rendered external walls where a render coat protects the brick from rain penetration and frost; and below-DPC brickwork concealed beneath ground level or paving. Common bricks must not be used for unprotected external facing work, parapet walls, copings, or any other location where they would be directly exposed to rain, frost, and freeze/thaw cycling, as their high water absorption (15–22%) and F0 frost resistance rating will result in rapid deterioration.
A standard UK brick pallet typically contains 400–500 bricks, with 500 being the most common quantity. At 60 bricks/m² (stretcher bond, 10mm joints), a 500-brick pallet covers approximately 8.3 m² of half-brick wall (before wastage). For ordering purposes, always divide your total required bricks (including wastage) by the pallet quantity and round up to the nearest whole pallet — partial pallet orders are more expensive per brick due to handling surcharges, and leftover bricks can usually be returned to the merchant for a credit on unopened pallets.
The UK industry standard is to add 10% wastage for straightforward rectangular wall panels with no complex details. Use 5% only for very simple straight walls with no cutting. Increase to 15% for walls with multiple corners, window reveals, soldier courses, or decorative features requiring cut bricks. Use 20% for restoration or repair work on existing brickwork where matching existing coursing and irregular opening sizes require significant cutting. Bricks are significantly cheaper than the cost of a second delivery, so slightly over-ordering is always better than under-ordering. Unused full pallets can often be returned to the merchant for a credit note.
A Fletton is the most widely recognised type of UK common brick, produced from the Lower Oxford Clay found in the Marston Vale area of Bedfordshire and other parts of the East Midlands. The Oxford Clay is unusual in that it contains a significant proportion of organic matter (carbonaceous material), which means it partially burns in the kiln — reducing the fuel cost of firing compared to other clay types. This makes Fletton bricks one of the most energy-efficient (and therefore cost-efficient) bricks to manufacture. Classic Flettons are light buff-yellow in colour with a rough, sometimes sandy finish. While the Fletton name is specific to this geographic and geological origin, the term is often used colloquially for any pale-coloured common brick in the UK.
Allow a minimum of 4–6 weeks from completing the brickwork before applying plaster or render, to allow the mortar joints to carbonate fully and excess construction moisture to dissipate. In cold or wet conditions, extend this to 8 weeks. Applying plaster or render too early is one of the most common causes of map-cracking in new brickwork finishes. If dry-lining with plasterboard on dabs, some adhesive manufacturers allow earlier application — check the product guidance. For external render, also ensure the brickwork is completely dry and the suction is even before applying the first render coat; pre-wetting common bricks lightly before rendering helps achieve good bond.
Under Permitted Development Rights in England, you can build a wall up to 1 metre high adjacent to a highway or up to 2 metres high elsewhere without planning permission. Listed buildings and properties in conservation areas, national parks, or areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) are subject to stricter controls. Any wall forming part of a new building extension or new structure requires appropriate building approval. Internal walls within an existing house generally do not require planning permission, but Building Regulations approval may be required for structural walls, walls that affect fire separation, or walls in regulated areas. Always check with your local planning authority at Planning Portal UK before commencing work.
Common bricks are basic-specification bricks for concealed structural use — high water absorption, variable appearance, frost passive (F0), cheapest option. Facing bricks are manufactured to a decorative standard with consistent colour and texture for exposed external use — lower water absorption, frost-durable (F1 or F2), more expensive. Engineering bricks (Class A and B) are the strongest and most durable UK brick type — very high compressive strength (≥ 50 N/mm² for Class B), very low water absorption (≤ 7% for Class B), frost-durable (F2), and resistant to chemical and acid attack. Engineering bricks are used for DPC courses, below-ground foundations, manholes, sewer brickwork, and any location requiring maximum durability. They are approximately twice the price of standard common bricks.
For a standard 1:1:6 mortar mix with 10mm joints, allow approximately 28 kg of dry mortar materials per m² of half-brick stretcher bond wall. This comprises roughly 4 kg cement, 4 kg hydrated lime, and 20 kg of building sand per m². For a 1:5 cement:sand mix with plasticiser, allow approximately 4.5 kg cement and 23.5 kg sand per m². For a 20 m² wall, you would need approximately 560 kg of dry mortar materials total — about 90 kg of cement (4 bags), 80 kg of lime (3–4 bags), and 400 kg of building sand (16–17 bags of 25kg). Our calculator computes these quantities automatically based on your wall area and chosen mortar mix.
Additional Resources 2026: Bricks at Travis Perkins | Jewson | Builder Depot | Manufacturer data at Ibstock Brick | Wienerberger UK | Technical guidance at Brick Development Association | Planning at Planning Portal UK