Types of bricks explained: face, common, engineering and recycled

Not all bricks are the same, and picking the right one matters as much as how it is laid. Here are the main types you will come across in Melbourne.

Face bricks

The bricks you leave on show. Made to look good and weather well, in a huge range of colours and textures. Use them anywhere the brickwork is the finish.

Common bricks

Cheaper, rougher bricks meant to be covered, by render, plaster or below ground. Structurally sound, just not pretty.

Engineering bricks

Dense, strong and water resistant. Used where strength and low water absorption matter, like retaining walls and damp-prone spots.

Recycled bricks

Reclaimed from old buildings, full of character and patina. Perfect for heritage work or a warm, lived-in look. They take more time to sort and lay, so they cost more.

Which one?

For a visible wall, face or recycled. For something getting rendered, common or block. For wet or structural spots, engineering. Not sure? Send a photo of the job and we will tell you what suits.