🧱 Brickwork Tips: Choosing the Right Bricks, Maintenance, & Costs

Brickwork Tips & Advice | DJJ Projects Essex

Introduction: The Art and Science of Brickwork

Brickwork is the backbone of countless properties across Essex, Suffolk, and East London, defining not only a home’s strength and longevity but also its charm and character

From heritage terraces and barn conversions to modern extensions, brick choice and craftsmanship are vital to both structure and style

Yet, many homeowners underestimate how much brick type, mortar, and maintenance influence a property’s look, performance, and cost over time

Whether you’re planning a new build, an extension, or a restoration project, understanding the fundamentals of brickwork helps ensure your investment stands the test of time

At DJJ Projects, we’ve delivered hundreds of brick and block builds, from contemporary garden rooms to full home extensions, so we’ve seen how good brickwork can elevate a property

Here’s your complete guide to choosing, maintaining, and understanding the real value of quality brickwork

Choosing the Right Bricks

Selecting the right brick is one of the first and most important decisions in any building project.

Your choice affects appearance, durability, cost, and even planning approval in certain areas

Appearance and Style

Bricks come in a wide range of textures, colours, and finishes, from smooth modern engineering bricks to rustic reclaimed ones

When working on extensions or refurbishments, matching existing brickwork is key to achieving a seamless look

In areas like Chelmsford, Colchester, and Brentwood, where period architecture is common, planners often require close colour and texture matching

Tip: Always ask your builder for sample panels or mock-ups before finalising your brick choice

Natural light and mortar colour can dramatically change the overall tone once built

Durability and Weather Resistance

Different brick types perform differently depending on the environment

• Engineering bricks are dense, durable, and excellent for damp-prone or structural areas

• Fletton or London stock bricks, commonly seen across East London and Essex, are softer and require more care

• Coastal areas like Suffolk or Kent often face salt exposure, so frost-resistant and low-absorption bricks are a safer choice

  
  

Expert insight: If you’re unsure, your builder can perform a freeze–thaw test or consult manufacturer data on water absorption and compressive strength

Sustainability and Reclaimed Materials

Sustainability is now a major factor in building material selection

Reclaimed bricks, often salvaged from demolished properties, are not only eco-friendly but add character and authenticity to period homes

However, reclaimed bricks can vary in size and condition, which makes them trickier to lay

A skilled bricklayer will account for these differences to maintain even joints and a consistent finish

DJJ Projects tip: Pair reclaimed bricks with modern lime-based mortar, it’s breathable, flexible, and ideal for heritage properties

Cost Considerations When Choosing Bricks

Brick prices can vary from £500 to £1,500 per 1,000 bricks, depending on type, colour, and finish

Special handmade or glazed bricks, often used for decorative work, can cost even more

Approximate costs (as of 2025):

Brick Type	Typical Cost (per 1,000)	Common Use
Common Clay	£450–£600	General walls and interiors
Engineering	£800–£1,000	Foundations, retaining walls
Reclaimed	£1,000–£1,500	Heritage projects, feature walls
Handmade / Glazed	£1,200–£2,000	Decorative, bespoke builds

It’s worth noting that brick choice impacts more than material cost, labour rates may increase for complex patterns, smaller formats, or restoration-grade projects

Brickwork Maintenance Tips

Even the strongest brickwork needs care over time

Weathering, pollution, and moisture can all affect appearance and integrity

Here’s how to protect your investment

Repointing

Mortar, the glue that holds your bricks together, naturally weathers faster than the bricks themselves

When joints start crumbling or gaps appear, repointing becomes necessary to maintain strength and weatherproofing

For homes in coastal Essex or urban areas like East London, repointing may be needed every 25–40 years depending on exposure

Use lime mortar on older properties, as it allows walls to “breathe” and move slightly without cracking

Pro Tip: Always hire an experienced mason, improper repointing (especially using hard cement mortar on older walls) can cause long-term damage

Cleaning Brickwork

Cleaning can restore the look of aged or stained brickwork, but it’s important to use the right method

Avoid pressure washing or harsh chemicals, which can strip the surface and cause moisture absorption

Safer methods include:

• Soft washing using mild biocides

• Steam cleaning (DOFF/TORC systems) for heritage projects

• Manual brushing for delicate or lime mortar walls

  
  

DJJ Projects tip: Always test on a small area first, as some bricks react differently to cleaning agents

Preventing Damp and Decay

Damp is the enemy of good brickwork

Causes include poor drainage, blocked gutters, rising damp, or bridging at the base of walls

Preventative measures:

• Keep gutters, downpipes, and drains clear

• Ensure air bricks and weep holes remain open

• Maintain ground clearance below damp-proof course (at least 150mm)

• Use breathable, non-sealing paints or finishes

  
  

A regular inspection especially after heavy rain or frost, can prevent small damp issues becoming costly repairs

Repairing Cracks and Movement

Small cracks in brickwork aren’t always serious but should be checked

Common causes include settlement, expansion, or nearby trees drawing moisture

Repair approach:

• Hairline cracks: Fill with lime-based mortar or colour-matched sealant

• Larger structural cracks: May require stainless steel helical bars or partial wall rebuild

  
  

Always investigate cause before repair, fixing symptoms without addressing the issue can lead to recurrence

Cost Considerations and Project Planning

Understanding cost factors helps manage budgets and expectations from the start

Brickwork Labour Costs

In Essex and the surrounding areas, bricklaying typically costs between £500–£800 per 1,000 bricks, depending on complexity and access

Heritage or decorative work (e.g., arches, tuck pointing) can command higher rates, up to £1,000 per 1,000 bricks due to craftsmanship involved

Other influencing factors:

• Site access and scaffolding needs

• Type of mortar and bond pattern (e.g., Flemish, English, stretcher)

• Waste disposal and preparation work

Budgeting for Repairs and Maintenance

For maintenance, expect:

• Repointing: £40–£60/m²

• Cleaning: £10–£25/m²

• Crack repair: £150–£500 depending on severity

  
  

These are small investments compared to the potential cost of structural repair if issues are left untreated

Specialist Heritage Brickwork

In areas like Maldon, Dedham, and Saffron Walden, heritage or listed properties often require traditional lime mortars and handmade bricks

Though this can double the material cost, it’s crucial for compliance with conservation requirements and maintains the property’s integrity and value

Pro insight: Always check with your local planning authority before starting work on a listed building

Using modern cement or non-approved bricks can lead to enforcement notices or fines

Sustainability and Modern Brickwork Trends

Modern brickwork isn’t just about tradition, technology and sustainability are reshaping how we build

Energy Efficiency

Modern clay bricks provide excellent thermal mass, helping regulate indoor temperature

Combining quality brickwork with insulation and cavity barriers can significantly reduce heat loss

Reclaimed & Eco Bricks

Manufacturers now produce low-carbon and recycled-content bricks, offering the same strength with reduced environmental impact

Reclaimed brick suppliers in Essex and Kent make it easier to source materials locally, cutting both transport costs and emissions

Design Innovation

Contemporary architecture is reviving creative brick use, from perforated “hit-and-miss” walls for light and ventilation, to bold colour contrasts and geometric bonds

Brick remains timeless yet adaptable, bridging old craftsmanship with modern design

FAQs

Q: Can I use modern bricks on a listed building?

A: Usually no. Listed buildings often require approved, traditional materials and methods, check with your conservation officer first

Q: How long does good brickwork last?

A: With proper maintenance, well-built brickwork can last over 100 years

Q: When should I repoint my brickwork?

A: Typically every 25–40 years, or sooner if you notice loose mortar or visible gaps

Q: Are reclaimed bricks worth the cost?A: Yes, they offer unique character, reduce waste, and can even add value to period properties

Conclusion: Building to Last

Brickwork is both an art and a science, combining technical skill, thoughtful material choice, and regular maintenance

Choosing the right brick for your property, investing in quality craftsmanship, and caring for your walls will pay dividends in durability, energy performance, and curb appeal

Whether you’re planning a modern extension, restoring a Victorian terrace, or maintaining a listed property, DJJ Projects brings the expertise and attention to detail your home deserves

From brick selection to aftercare, we ensure every build is beautiful, functional, and built to last

Ready to start your project or need advice on brick selection and maintenance?

Get in touch today!