What Impacts the Cost of Bricks
Bricks can be an expensive part of any building. However, if you’re interested in bricks for a large-scale industrial or commercial project, you may be happy to find out that you can make considerable savings when buying in bulk from one of the UK’s most trusted brick suppliers.
With prior experience in supplying bricks for some of Britain’s most prestigious mega-projects such as The Shard and the renovation of The Savoy, Modular Clay Products are specialists in supplying bricks in bulk for the best prices available.
The following blog will help you to understand the factors that contribute to the pricing of bricks and the considerations you can make to help make your bricks a more cost-effective option.
Supply and Demand
While it may be the last thing you think about, naturally, the ability to supply for the demand of architects has a huge impact on how much you can expect to pay for your bricks. Over the past 12 months, the UK has been placed under a shortage of bricks, with many builders having to wait to receive their bricks.
Manufacturing Process
Another huge factor of the price is the manufacturing process used. Many modern bricks are mass-produced and fired in factories which automate much of the process. However, if you’re looking for a more bespoke type of brick, it may be wise to consider how much this will increase your overhead.
There are a variety of steps to manufacturing a brick, and all of these take time and effort for a brick manufacturer to get right. From mixing and forming the clay to drying and then firing the brick in a kiln, every part of the process is carefully managed and precise to ensure that each brick is capable of the crucial structural job it will be performing. Naturally, providing this level of precision in each and every brick has an impact on the cost of the brick.
Type of Brick
The type of brick will certainly determine most of the price, as this can significantly alter every other step. The cheapest form of brick is the common brick, as these can be mass-produced and will have less stringent standards when compared to specific bricks, such as engineering bricks which are manufactured to have increased compressive strength whilst offering protection against damage from water and frost.
Design and Aesthetics
Many buildings, including those that Modular Clay Products have supplied bricks for in the past, opt for a stylish and unique design and will need bricks to suit.
Whilst we are excited to be able to supply the bespoke and unique bricks that make stunning architectural projects come to life, it must be considered that, naturally, a specialist brick will come with a large increase in price when compared to common bricks. However, if you’re working with an architect to make a building come to life, or if you are one yourself, please get in touch with us to find out how one of the UK’s most interconnected brick suppliers can help bring your project together.
Waiting Times
Bricks will usually have a lead time that spans from 4-12 weeks, or even longer in some cases. This is an essential factor that should be taken into account when planning your project to avoid any delays. It’s essential to note that bricks will arrive in batches, so planning is obviously a crucial step.
Labour Costs
Finally, you’ll need to be aware of labour costs. It’s hard to give any exact figures on what a team of bricklayers will end up costing you, but for a large-scale project, it will definitely be something to consider. Ideally, you should work with a builder that has experience in handling large-scale projects as they’re likely to be able to give an accurate estimate of their labour costs.