Double Brick vs Brick Veneer

When building a brand new home or substantial extension, the materials you decide to use will have an impact on multiple aspects of the project and finished product. The end design, the durability, internal temperature, construction time, and project cost are all things that will be affected by your decision. In this article, we are going to explore the pros and cons of two of the most popular methods of construction used across Australia. Double brick and brick veneer.

So what exactly are these two methods and what are the main benefits?

Double brick refers to two bricks walls separated by a cavity that reduces thermal transmission and prevents moisture being transferred directly from the outside walls to the interior of the home.

Benefits:

• Extremely durable requiring very little maintenance
• Acts as a good insulator keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter
• Blocks noise
• Reduces risk or termites or decay
• Easy to place heavy fixings such as TV’s on internal walls

Brick veneer construction uses steel or timber frames to support the house and a brick or façade is used for the exterior appearance. While the type of brick used can be the same as double-brick, the bricks do not support the structure of the house itself.

Benefits:

• Generally more cost-effective
• Ability to create flexible design solutions to the challenges of sloping blocks and reactive soils.
• Simpler and faster to install as less retaining and engineering are required. Depending on the design, homes can be built and locked up in as little as 8 – 10 weeks.
• As there are no cavities between the internal walls, you have additional area inside your home not being taken up by the space between the internal and external walls. This space can be used to create larger rooms or even additional rooms.

Which method is right for me?

The method you choose largely depends on your project goals, timelines and budget. If your goal is to minimise expenditure and construction time or if you have design challenges due to your block shape or slope, brick veneer may be the best choice for you. If you are searching for a more solid feel, more durability and aren’t restricted by budget or timelines, you may choose to go with double brick.