Brick & Block Estimating

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How to Estimate Bricks

Bricklaying Budgeting: Estimating Bricks for Your Australian Building Project

Building your dream home or tackling a renovation project in Australia? Bricks are a popular and durable choice for walls, but before you head to the supplier, it’s crucial to estimate the number of bricks you’ll need. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of brick estimation Down Under:
Understanding Standard Brick Sizes:
In Australia, the standard size for common bricks is 230mm long (L) x 76mm high (H) x 110mm wide (W). While there are other brick sizes available, this guide focuses on the most common type.
Calculating the Area to be Covered:
The first step is to calculate the total surface area you plan to brick. Simply multiply the length (L) by the height (H) of the wall or area you’ll be bricking. For example, if your wall is 5 meters long and 2.5 meters high, the area would be:

Area = L x H = 5m x 2.5m = 12.5 square metres (m²)
Brick Coverage and Wastage:
While it might seem like you can simply divide the total area by the size of an individual brick, there’s a catch: wastage. Factors like cutting bricks for corners, window/door openings, and accounting for mortar joints all contribute to some brick usage beyond the exact surface area.
Accounting for Wastage:
Industry Standard: In Australia, a standard wastage allowance for bricks is around 10%. This means you’ll likely need to factor in 10% more bricks than the calculated area suggests.
More Complex Projects: For projects with intricate designs or a high number of cuts, consider a wastage allowance of 15% or even 20% to ensure you have enough bricks.
Calculating the Number of Bricks:
Now that you have the area and wastage figured out, it’s time to calculate the number of bricks:
Adjust for Wastage: Multiply the calculated area by your chosen wastage percentage (e.g., 1.1 for 10% wastage).
Bricks per Square Metre: While the exact number of bricks per square metre can vary depending on the specific brick size and layout, a good estimate for standard bricks with mortar joints is around 50 bricks per square metre.
Total Bricks: Multiply the adjusted area (with wastage) by the estimated number of bricks per square metre.
Example Calculation:
Let’s revisit our earlier example with a 12.5 square metre wall and a 10% wastage allowance:
Adjusted Area = Area x (1 + Wastage %) = 12.5m² x (1 + 0.1) = 13.75m²
Estimated Bricks per m² = 50 bricks/m²
Total Bricks = Adjusted Area x Estimated Bricks/m² = 13.75m² x 50 bricks/m² = 687.5 bricks
Rounding Up and Additional Tips:
Since you can’t buy parts of bricks, it’s wise to round the final number up to the nearest whole number. In our example, you would likely purchase 688 bricks.
Double-Check Measurements: Ensure your measurements for the area to be bricked are accurate to avoid underestimating the number of bricks needed.
Factor in Specials: If your project involves corners, arches, or other features requiring special-shaped bricks, factor those into your calculations or consult a professional for guidance.
Seek Professional Help: For complex projects or if you’re unsure about any aspect of brick estimation, consider consulting a builder or architectural professional for a more detailed estimate.
By following these steps and considering the wastage factor, you can get a good starting point for estimating the number of bricks needed for your Australian building project. Remember, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring you have the necessary materials to bring your bricktastic vision to life!

How to Estimate Blocks

Block It Out: Estimating Concrete Blocks for Your Australian Building Project

Concrete blocks are a popular and versatile choice for building projects in Australia, from sturdy walls to retaining structures. However, before diving into your project, estimating the number of blocks you’ll need is crucial for budgeting and avoiding material shortages. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of concrete block estimation Down Under:
Understanding Standard Block Sizes:
The most common standard size for concrete blocks in Australia is the standard hollow core masonry block, measuring 390mm long (L) x 190mm high (H) x 190mm wide (W). While other block sizes exist, this guide focuses on this common type.
Calculating the Area to be Covered:
The first step is to calculate the total surface area you plan to cover with blocks. Just like with bricks, multiply the length (L) by the height (H) of the wall or area you’ll be filling with blocks. For instance, if your wall is 4 meters long and 3 meters high, the area would be:

Area = L x H = 4m x 3m = 12 square metres (m²)
Block Coverage and Wastage Allowance:
Similar to bricks, you can’t simply divide the total area by the size of an individual block. Wastage due to cutting blocks for corners, window/door openings, and accounting for mortar joints all come into play.
Factoring in Wastage for Concrete Blocks:
Industry Standard: In Australia, a standard wastage allowance for concrete blocks is around 10%. This means you’ll likely need to purchase 10% more blocks than the calculated area suggests.
Complexities: For projects with intricate designs or a high number of cuts, consider a wastage allowance of 15% or even 20% to ensure you have enough blocks.
Calculating the Number of Concrete Blocks:
Now that you have the area and wastage figured out, it’s time to calculate the number of blocks:
Adjust for Wastage: Multiply the calculated area by your chosen wastage percentage (e.g., 1.1 for 10% wastage).
Blocks per Square Metre: The exact number of blocks per square metre can vary depending on the specific block layout and mortar joint thickness. However, a good estimate for standard hollow core blocks with typical mortar joints is around 12.5 blocks per square metre.
Total Blocks: Multiply the adjusted area (with wastage) by the estimated number of blocks per square metre.
Example Calculation:
Let’s revisit our earlier example with a 12 square metre wall and a 10% wastage allowance:
Adjusted Area = Area x (1 + Wastage %) = 12m² x (1 + 0.1) = 13.2m²
Estimated Blocks per m² = 12.5 blocks/m²
Total Blocks = Adjusted Area x Estimated Blocks/m² = 13.2m² x 12.5 blocks/m² = 165 blocks
Rounding Up and Additional Tips:
Since you can’t purchase parts of blocks, round the final number up to the nearest whole number. In our example, you would likely purchase 166 blocks.
Double-Check Measurements: Ensure your measurements for the area to be covered with blocks are accurate to avoid underestimating the number of blocks needed.
Special Blocks: If your project requires corner blocks, soldier courses (vertical block placement), or other specialty blocks, factor those into your calculations or consult a professional for guidance.
Seek Professional Help: For complex projects or if you’re unsure about any aspect of block estimation, consider consulting a builder or architectural professional for a more detailed estimate.
By following these steps and considering the wastage factor, you can get a good starting point for estimating the number of concrete blocks needed for your Australian building project. Remember, a little planning can go a long way in ensuring you have the necessary materials to build strong and secure structures with your concrete blocks!