Comparing UK Bricks and Timber for Commercial Buildings
When it comes to commercial building construction, architects often find themselves drawn to bricks due to the tremendous benefits they bring. Not just aesthetically, but practically speaking, UK bricks – including facing bricks, long format, glazed, handmade and engineering bricks – present so much more than other construction materials.
Having said that, we can’t ignore the fact that timber frames remain popular and versatile in the construction industry. This alternative material presents unique building opportunities, and some architectural projects may be better suited to timber than brickwork.
Should I Use Timber or Brick for Construction Purposes?
As brick suppliers, it should hopefully be clear where our preference lies. However, in the interest of fairness, it would only seem fair to compare the materials if you are still deciding on your preferred type of material.
This is why we have compiled a short guide explaining the pros and cons of bricks versus timber and wood frame construction.
Hopefully, the guide proves helpful to you in your search for the best building material to use for your commercial project.
Factors to Consider for Building with Bricks and Timber
Masonry walls are the favoured construction method in the UK, with large percentages of new builds adopting brickwork as the chosen material. Having said that, timber does have its fair share of use in commercial architecture. If you’re an architect working in the commercial sphere, you’ll need to take careful steps to ensure long-term aesthetic value as well as the safety of all who pass through the building.
When planning your building’s construction, you will have to consider numerous factors based on the material you choose, be it timber or brick. We have broken down some crucial aspects and compared the materials accordingly.
On-site Construction
Timber frames are generally made to measure off-site but can be constructed in a matter of days once they reach the construction site. Timber frames take far less time to build than stacking bricks one by one; the latter has to account for drying periods and any delays caused by weather conditions. Having said that, while wood frames take less time to build, there are methods that Modular Clay Products, as brick suppliers, can adopt to ensure swift brick construction. For example, precast panels can be assembled before site delivery, saving you time on the exterior wall construction.
Cost of Materials
Did you know that, on average, timber costs more than bricks and blocks? The construction costs of using timber framing are higher due to the increased wholesale price of wood and the lessened demand for architects using timber instead of brick. Pre-designed timber kits also tend to be expensive when compared to the cost of using a reputable brick supplier in the UK. The materials may be similarly priced at face value, but factoring in the variables to bring the material to your site can vary the final bill.
Buildability
One of the advantages of brick construction is how readily available the products are. You can view the thousands of products using our handy brick selector tool (more information on which is below), whereas some local builders’ merchants stores may be in short supply of timber due to the increased demand for the material.
Noise Reduction
Bricks are tremendously effective at reducing external sound and vibrations, which is handy if your commercial structure is in a built-up urban area and you want to create a silent barrier. Timber does not offer the same level of protection as brick does.
Heat Reduction
Bricks are naturally insulating materials, offering more warmth during the winter months and preventing as much heat from entering buildings as possible when it’s scorching hot outside. Many buildings using modern London bricks were designed for this exact purpose, and timber construction does not offer the same level of natural insulation.
Sustainability
Clay facing bricks can be reused multiple times without compromising on their strength or durability. Timber is also reusable to a point where any water or termite damage will have inhibited its structural stability and reliability. Whereas with UK bricks, their strength doesn’t fade over time, which has led to a steady, consistent demand for reclaimed bricks.