Types of Bricks Used in Construction

By Vystra · 21 October 2026

Bricks and blocks form the walls of most buildings, but there are several types with different strengths, costs and uses. Choosing the right one affects cost, strength and even your electricity bills.

Common types

1. Burnt clay bricks. The traditional red bricks. Widely available and reliable. Quality varies — good ones are uniform and ring when tapped; poor ones are crumbly and uneven.

2. Fly ash bricks. Made from fly ash and cement. Uniform size, good strength, smooth surface (saves plaster), and eco-friendly. Increasingly popular.

3. AAC blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete). Lightweight, large blocks with excellent thermal insulation. Reduce structural load and speed up construction. Keep interiors cooler.

4. Concrete (solid/hollow) blocks. Strong and fast to lay. Hollow blocks are lighter and give some insulation.

How to compare them

• Strength — must suit the wall's load.
• Size uniformity — uniform units save mortar and plaster.
• Weight — lighter blocks reduce structural load.
• Insulation — AAC keeps homes cooler, cutting cooling costs.
• Cost and availability — varies by region.

Checking brick quality

• Uniform shape, size and colour.
• No cracks; a sharp ring when tapped together.
• Doesn't crumble or absorb too much water.
• Sharp, well-defined edges.

The takeaway

The right brick or block balances strength, weight, insulation and cost for your project. Don't just pick the cheapest — poor bricks cause cracks and extra plaster. With BuildVystra you can compare material choices and track brick quantities and cost in your estimate.

Frequently asked questions

Which brick is best for house construction?

For most Indian homes, good quality burnt clay bricks or fly ash bricks are common choices. Fly ash and AAC blocks offer uniform size and good strength, while clay bricks are traditional and widely available. The best choice depends on cost, local availability and load.

What is the difference between red clay bricks and AAC blocks?

Red clay bricks are traditional, solid and heavy. AAC blocks are lightweight autoclaved aerated concrete blocks that are larger, lighter, and provide better thermal insulation, which can reduce structural load and speed up wall construction.