Red brick loaf. Standard red brick size. It’s worth noting right away that, unlike many brick factories that focus on producing one or two types of bricks, the choice of Rozhdestvensky KZ fell not on ordinary solid brick, but on brick

For many decades, people have been using red bricks to construct buildings. This building material has a number of advantages, thanks to which it has gained such popularity. During construction, you must adhere to standards and check all materials for compliance with standards.

This is done to avoid mistakes during construction and to purchase the right materials, tools and equipment. The red brick size standard is described in the Interstate Standard (GOST 530-2012), and below we will discuss the main points that need to be taken into account before starting construction.

Properties

Ordinary red brick is popular due to the properties that it acquires during manufacturing and takes over from the materials taken as a basis. The source material, of course, has its influence, but the basic properties are the same for all bricks:

1. Frost resistance is a property that includes several functions at once.

Bricks must withstand low temperatures and high humidity. When exposed to extreme conditions, it can begin to change its density, which leads to its destruction.

The short designation for frost resistance is Мрз, and this value is calculated during special tests, when the brick is cyclically exposed to changes in humidity and temperature.

If the MP value is below 35 points, then the use of such bricks is not recommended on the territory of the Russian Federation.

2. Strength- another characteristic showing how much pressure 1 square centimeter of brick can withstand.

So, for the construction of a small house, it will be enough to use bricks of grade M100, and when constructing a multi-storey building, grade M150 and higher is chosen.

3. Soundproofing– an important characteristic for urban premises.

In a busy city life, it is very important create basic sound insulation with a minimum thickness of the building walls. Bricks do an excellent job of this task.

These characteristics determine the capabilities of the building material and provide an initial idea. Knowing these options will protect the novice builder from unexpected expenses. Next, several classifications will be given, and, most importantly, the dimensions of the bricks will be discussed in detail.

Classification

Brick can be made from different materials, but the options that the market provides us with are 90% made from clay and clay mixtures. After firing, the clay takes on orange, red and yellowish colors, hence the name - red brick.

By material type

Here are the main options by material type:

There are many configurations of brick dimensions. Any brick has the shape of a parallelepiped and three pairs of faces. The main face, the bed, is located parallel to the base of the masonry, which is why it is often called the working edge.

The second face is the spoon, located perpendicular to the bed and has the average area of ​​all three faces. The last edge is the poke, the smallest area. By changing the lengths of the sides of the faces, you can get different dimensions:

All sizes given above are used for cladding buildings.

Single brick standard still remains the most popular option. This standard has been used for a long time in many countries around the world.

By shape

This classification compares brick density. There are two types of bricks based on density: solid and hollow. Hollow bricks are visually distinguished by a certain number of holes, while solid bricks are monolithic products.


Solid brick (aka “loaf”) has high thermal conductivity and fairly low moisture absorption. It is used in the construction of basements, ground floors and in the construction of various load-bearing elements. Its standard overall dimensions are 250x120x65 mm (see photo above), and its weight is on average 2.4 kg.

Hollow brick cannot be used in the construction of basements, load-bearing structures and other objects for which solid brick is used.

This is due to the fact that hollow brick has many holes where water can get in, freezing in winter and destroying the structure of the building material. This option has increased sound insulation, increased thermal insulation and is sold at a lower price because less raw material is used in production.

The dimensions of the hollow brick are the same as those of the solid brick - 250x120x65 mm.

By application

Ordinary brick- This is a universal, “draft version”, used for both interior and exterior work. It may have minor chips, which is why it has a nondescript appearance.

Facing brick- an ideal, expensive brick made to extremely high quality standards. Divided into two categories:

1. Shaped option.

It is presented on the market in a huge range of variations of forms. The shaped option is used when it is necessary to build masonry of an unusual shape (with bevels, a wavy shape, or an angular version).

2. Textured option.

Used for cladding work on building facades.

Where are the different types of bricks used?

All of the above points form a variety of functions and configurations, which significantly expands the variety of offers in the building materials market.

And the experience of builders has formed a number of “rules” that everyone tries to follow so as not to lose face. For specific types of buildings, it is customary to use specific types of bricks. Therefore, you should focus on the main points:

1. For the construction of the furnace, it is customary to use ceramic, solid bricks.
2. For the construction of a foundation, basement or plinth, it is customary to use ceramic, solid bricks. bricks vary depending on the foundation configuration: 250x120x65 mm, 138x288x165 mm, 250x120x88 mm.
3. For the construction of walls, it is customary to use silicate or ceramic, hollow bricks.

These “rules” should be used to avoid destruction.

Absolutely everything about red brick in this video:

It is important to know the size of the brick, at least so that during the construction process you do not have to fuss with excess material or, conversely, buy more. The publication's experts bring you up to date: how to figure out the size of a brick if the mysterious markings don't tell you anything even after talking with a consultant.

Brick size: scope of application of different types

Scope of application:

• laying the foundation;
• construction of walls (load-bearing, including);
• construction of basement floors;
• façade cladding;
• construction of brick partitions;
• construction of stairs;
• laying fireplaces and stoves;
• arrangement of basements.

The main groups of bricks, depending on the material of manufacture:

• white silicate;
• ordinary red;
• facing;
• ceramic.

Ordinary ordinary brick differs from facing brick:

• structure;
• frost resistance and moisture resistance;
• appearance;
• at a price.

The geometric dimensions of the brick are also very important. When alternating transverse and longitudinal stones, thanks to these parameters, masonry can be done rationally, taking into account the need for dressing.

Brick size standard:

• single;
• one and a half;
• double;
• eurobrick;
• modular.

By form:

• hollow (slotted);
• full-bodied;
• porous.

The dimensions of a standard brick are determined based on the type of brick. The main parameters are (according to GOST):

1. width;
2. height;
3. length.

How many bricks are needed for 1 m2 of masonry is determined by the usual calculation, taking these dimensions as a basis. When determining how many bricks are in a cube (1m3) (according to GOST), the dimensions of the working brick should be 25 cm (length), 12 cm (width), 6 cm (height). According to calculation: single bricks - 513, one-and-a-half bricks - 379, double bricks - 242.

Note that the dimensions of single and one-and-a-half bricks differ by 23 mm, but in weight they (if solid) are almost the same.

The bricks produced are classified according to certain grades. This concept implies the strength of the brick to load and deformation, as well as frost resistance. Today, according to GOST, eight strength grades are known from M50, M75 to M200, M250, M300.

Clinker bricks are produced with strengths of both M500 and M1000. The most popular are M100, M125, M150. M100 is considered ideal for the construction of a private house, and M150 for a high-rise house. Also, a single brick is marked by size - 1-NF, double - 2-NF.

During production, different technologies are used, focusing on territorial features, therefore the types and sizes, its characteristics and technical indicators will differ from each other.

The following indicators are considered:

1. thickness;
2. dimensions;
3. thermal conductivity;
4. thermotechnical features.

Brick color

Obviously, the color of the future house directly depends on the color of the brick. Depending on the clay used in the manufacture, the brick can be white, yellow, or red. The most popular is red brick.

IMPORTANT! In addition to ordinary single bricks with dimensions of 250x120x65 mm, thickened bricks (one and a half) with dimensions of 250x120x88 mm are also used. It features a wider butt edge, but the length and width remain identical.

Masonry bricks have unusual names for the sides: the small one is “poke”, the large one is “bed”, the middle one is “spoon”.

Types of bricks offered

Type/characteristics (use)

Model	Description
	It is divided into: solid, used for laying walls of buildings, pillars, columns, laying chimneys and stoves; hollow, which is used for constructing partitions, filling frames, and additional external walls; facing (“front”, “facade”), which is used for cladding buildings.
	The speed of laying is ensured by protrusions on one side and rounded recesses and recesses on the reverse. Used for the construction of partitions, load-bearing walls, cladding, masonry of decorative columns and support pillars.
	It is divided into types: porous, thermally efficient, cement-sand, ceramic, diatomite foam. Hollow is used for load-bearing walls and internal partitions. There are different block sizes. One-and-a-half slotted ones are suitable for main walls, single slotted ones are suitable for lightweight construction, and double slotted ones are indispensable for large-scale construction.
Brick loaf	Produced by a brick factory in Makhachkala. Characteristics: red, double, full-bodied, backfill, weight up to 7 kg. Used in the construction of frames, load-bearing walls, supports, dimensions - 250x120x65 mm.
	Attention is paid to the following parameters: bricks must be of the same shape and size; surface – smooth, without chips or cracks; the color is rich and uniform. Typically, full-bodied red is used for the base, which may be burnt. Used: clinker, acid-resistant ceramic, red clay, silicate.
	For external decoration of buildings, narrow facing is used. The application is purely decorative. Often used for finishing small objects, for example, interior wall cladding and fireplaces.
	English is presented in yellow, red-brown, black and blue, and can be variegated or uniform. The old method of producing handmade bricks (available at IBSTOCK factories) is based on hammering a lump of clay directly into a wooden mold. Usually used for finishing work.
	Italian can be whole or half (there is also a spil). Stylish and sophisticated in appearance, it allows masonry to be carried out with displacement of elements to different depths.
	Rough (worker, ordinary) is used for the construction of partitions and walls that require subsequent plastering, putty, painting or cladding. Used for the construction of basements and foundations.
	Used to build walls.
	Used to create an original interior. Ideal for laying window and door openings, circular and bay windows, for all structures with arched elements, including arches.
	Clay, chopped straw, water and additives that regulate mechanical properties are used for production. Area of ​​application: southern regions with a hot and dry climate. Often used in rural areas when constructing outbuildings.
	For the construction of partitions in buildings, hollow or porous ones are used.
	Refers to a finishing building material, used for decorating architectural elements of building facades, internal cladding works, and street barriers. Features - the presence of a cut on one of the corners.
	The tile is elongated in shape, reminiscent of a brick, the chamfers (facets) are beveled, which gives a convex appearance. Used as a finishing material for loggias, bathrooms, public spaces - beauty salons, restaurants, cafes.
	In the form of backfill (rubble) brick there is a red ceramic stone, the appearance of which has disadvantages, namely: chips, roughness, oblique edges, heterogeneity of texture and color. Used as a simple working material.
	Scope of application of torn stone: cladding of fireplaces, facades, plinths, pillars and other surfaces. It is made by decorative pecking (one of the sides), which protrudes the front side and gives it a torn texture.
	The method for producing ceramic red brick is firing clay at high temperatures with the addition of plasticizers and fixatives of natural origin. This is the most environmentally friendly and warm material. Used in the construction of residential buildings.
	Able to withstand the effects of acids. Used in industrial enterprises to protect equipment in contact with aggressive substances. They are used in the construction of gas ducts, chimneys, gutters, towers, and tanks.
	They are used in the construction of cottage and multi-storey houses, gazebos, arches, fences, for interior decoration, and in the reconstruction of small architectural forms and buildings. There are 23 colors.
Fireproof (heat resistant)	Used for the construction of objects that are maximally exposed to elevated temperatures or open fire (fireplaces, chimneys). There are: fireclay, carbon, quartz, basic. The weight of fireclay is heavier than that of construction, with the same dimensions. The most famous manufacturer is Vitebsk.
	Used for the construction of furnaces. Types: oven red and oven face.
	Refers to fireproof. It is used in the construction of melting pots and furnaces in civil, residential and industrial construction. Withstands ultra-high temperatures over 1000°C.
	An excellent decorative facing stone, developed using vibration pressing technology. Available in a wide range of colors. For its production, elite grades of cement, plasticizers, and fine sifted sand are used.
	For façade cladding, a facing cladding is used, subdivided into: clinker, ceramic, silicate; hyper-pressed (concrete).
	Brick-ceramic building blocks. Suitable for different types of wall laying in one row or more: main and non-main, external and internal, filling spaces between walls, laying partitions.

• Advantages of block bricks over conventional ones:

1. ease of operation due to the large dimensions of the blocks;
2. strength;
3. fire resistance;
4. environmental friendliness;
5. coefficient of thermal conductivity;
6. flexibility in finishing and decoration.

• Aerated concrete:

1. durability;
2. low thermal conductivity coefficient;
3. environmental friendliness;
4. high fire resistance;
5. efficiency.

• Cinder block:

1. inexpensive to purchase;
2. speed of laying;
3. strength.

• Foam concrete:

1. efficiency;
2. comfort at home;
3. high heat and sound insulation properties.

• Gas silicate:

1. construction is possible without further insulation;
2. high environmental friendliness;
3. strength;
4. good sound insulation;
5. low cost.

• Offered in blocks:

1. thermal insulation;
2. thermal insulation and structural;
3. structural.

• Brick is also offered:

1. size 250x120x60 mm made of soapstone;
2. size 250x120x38 mm - Kashira construction slotted brick;
3. 190x90x70 mm - decorative modular, gives the facade of the house a “techno-style”.

IMPORTANT! Soapstone is a rock formed from soft minerals. This is a polished stone that resembles marble.

Red (ceramic) brick size

Sand-lime brick size

Dimensions of facing bricks

Characteristics according to GOST

Dimensions	Type	View
250x120x65 mm	Standard	Yellow
250x120x60 mm	Single	Yellow
250x120x103 mm	One and a half	Yellow
250x120x65 mm	Single	White
250x120x90 mm	One and a half	White
250x120x65 mm	Single	For facade
250x120x88 mm	One and a half	For facade
250x120x138 mm	Double	For facade
210x100x50 mm	Single
240x115x52 mm	Single	Custom size brick
210x100x65 mm	Single	Custom size brick
240x115x71 mm		One and a half, clinker
250x60x65 mm		American standard, ceramic
250x85x65 mm		Euro
250x88x85 mm		Euro

Ceramic brick size

Fireclay brick size

Solid brick size

Hollow brick dimensions

Specifications

Dimensions	View	Manufacturers
250x120x88 mm	One and a half	Brick factory "Votkinsky"
250x120x140 mm	Double
250x85x65 mm	Euro	Brick factory "Votkinsky"
288x138x65 mm	Modular single	Brick factories - Stary Oskol, Khabarovsk
250x200x70 mm	Ceramic	Brick factories - Stary Oskol, Khabarovsk
250x120x88 mm	White silicate hollow	Brick factory "Votkinsky"
from 250x120x140 mm to 260x510x219 mm	Large large format ceramic blocks	Brick factories - Stary Oskol, Khabarovsk

The size of the brick makes this material very convenient to work with. A wall made of compact building blocks can be easily erected with your own hands without the use of special equipment. Therefore, they are widely used by home craftsmen in the construction of buildings for various purposes.

Brick is by far the most popular building material. It is actively used both in the construction of private houses and in multi-storey construction.

It should be noted that multi-storey and block. The only drawback of such structures is the relatively high price of building materials and long construction times.

Characteristics of modern brick

Building bricks come in two varieties: red and white.

And before determining the size of the bricks needed to build the structure, you should decide on the material itself.

1. Ceramic. It is made using traditional technology, which involves firing the workpiece in a furnace under high temperatures. The raw materials for production are various types of clay, but red clay is most often used. From it, blanks (raw materials) are formed, which are fired in a kiln at a temperature of about 1000 degrees Celsius.

The photo shows a material with a full-bodied structure.

As a result, the material receives the following qualities:

• High strength and resistance to temperature changes. The ceramic block can withstand 100 cycles of temperature decreases and increases without loss of quality.
• Frost resistance.
• Excellent sound insulation, which has been duly appreciated in multi-storey construction.
• Easy to install. Most craftsmen do not require instructions to build a brick structure.
• High moisture resistance and low moisture absorption (only 8%), due to which the material dries very quickly.
• Heat resistance.

This building material has several disadvantages:

• Formation of efflorescence. Over time, white spots may appear on such masonry - efflorescence, which can ruin the appearance of the facade.

Advice! In order to avoid efflorescence, experts recommend using high grade cement when doing masonry.

• Quite a high cost, due to the difficulty of processing the material.
• If we are talking about a building block, then it does not contain dyes, and accordingly, the shade of the product depends entirely on the tone of the clay used. Therefore, building materials from different batches may have different colors. In this case, it is advisable to calculate in advance the required quantity per object, taking into account the dimensions of the modular brick.

1. Silicate- produced relatively recently, but these days it has become no less popular than its ceramic counterpart. They are produced using autoclave synthesis technology without using firing. The raw materials for production are quartz sand and air lime.

The material has the following advantages:

• It is more durable than ceramic.
• Not susceptible to efflorescence.
• Excellent sound insulator.
• Durable and environmentally friendly.

Disadvantages include low heat and water resistance.

Advice! Silicate material is not suitable for laying foundations, plinths, and cellars, since moisture destroys it. Also, fireplaces, stoves and chimneys should not be constructed from it, as it does not tolerate elevated temperatures.

Dimensions

GOST for brick sizes provides for three types of blocks: single, one-and-a-half and double. In this regard, construction and facing bricks have the same parameters.

Let's look at what sizes they have in more detail:

• Single. It has parameters of 250x120x65 mm. Brick sizes of 250 120 65 mm are considered optimal for the construction of buildings of any size and purpose.
• One and a half - corresponds to dimensions 250x120x88 mm.
• Double. It has parameters of 250x120x130 mm.

Advice! The use of a double block in construction can significantly speed up the construction process. This also reduces the cost of the construction itself by an average of 30%.

We calculate building materials

Many home craftsmen are interested in how many pieces of bricks measuring 250 120 60 mm will be needed to build a house. Taking into account the size of ordinary bricks and the number of blocks that fit in 1 m2, you can easily calculate the required amount of products that will be needed for construction.

The instructions for carrying out the calculations are as follows:

1. Determine the length of the external walls.
2. We determine the surface area, taking into account the number of floors of the building.
3. We determine the dimensions of the walls, taking into account the parameters of the building material.
4. We determine the number of blocks required for construction work.

Let's look at the calculations using a specific example:

1. So, we need to build a two-story house measuring 10 by 10 meters. The ceiling height in such a building will be 3 meters. First you need to determine the length of the external walls. In our case, they are equal, and therefore it is enough to multiply 10 by 4. We get 40 meters.
2. Determine the area. To do this, multiply the total length by the height of the building. If the height of the ceilings in the house is three meters, and the number of floors is 2, then to find out the area, you need to multiply 40 by 6. We get 240 m2.
3. Now you need to decide what size block will be used during construction. The dimensions of ordinary bricks fully satisfy the requirements for the walls of a two-story building. However, for additional strength we will use double sand-lime brick M 150. By the way, the size of the M 150 brick is used in the construction of multi-story buildings, which once again proves its high strength.

A masonry of 2.5 blocks will be enough to obtain strong and reliable structures. In this case, the load-bearing wall, 2 bricks thick, will be built from double blocks, and the cladding will use single blocks.

1. Now, having decided on all the parameters of the future house, we can calculate the amount of building materials. To do this, multiply 240 (the area of ​​the external walls) by the brick consumption per 1 m2 (data are given below).

• We determine the required quantity of double silicate block: 240×104 = 24960 pieces.
• Quantity required for M100 brick: 240×51=12240 pieces.

Consumption rate of building materials per 1 m2 depending on the width of the masonry

The information below will help you with your calculations. These are the consumption rates for blocks of various sizes per 1m2, taking into account the masonry mortar:

1. Half block masonry:

• Single – 51 pieces.
• One and a half - 39 pieces.
• Double – 26 pieces.

1. When making masonry with a thickness of 1 block:

• Single – 102 pieces.
• One and a half - 78.
• Double – 52.

1. One and a half masonry:

• Single – 153.
• One and a half - 117.
• Double – 78.

1. Double masonry:

• Single – 204 pieces.
• One and a half – 156.
• Double – 104.

1. Laying 2.5 bricks:

• Single – 255.
• One and a half – 195.
• Double – 130.

Cement consumption during wall construction

• Cement consumption does not depend on the type of masonry. The main criteria here are: the dimensions of the block and the thickness of the structure.

Advice! For the construction of load-bearing walls, it is necessary to use cement of a higher grade than for the construction of self-supporting partitions.

• If we talk about cement consumption, taking into account the size of an ordinary brick, then 1 m2 of brickwork will require an average of 0.2 m3 of mortar. The consumption of the solution increases in direct proportion to the dimensions of the block, so it is easy to calculate the amount of cement, knowing their consumption per 1 m2 of masonry.

About hollow and solid material

Regardless of the size of the brick according to GOST, solid and hollow blocks are distinguished. The structure of the first of them is a monolithic block with an extremely small presence of voids (no more than 13%). It is often called "loaf".

Hollow has on average about 35% voids, expressed in the form of edges, recesses, through and non-through holes.

The differences between solid and hollow blocks are as follows:

• The solid one is stronger, therefore it is used in loaded structures.
• The hollow one is lighter and therefore does not require a powerful foundation. Due to the presence of voids, such a material has a greater heat capacity.

Conclusion

Modular bricks come in different sizes, which significantly expands the scope of its application. By wisely using ceramic and silicate building blocks, as well as choosing the optimal brick size, you can build a truly strong and durable house. In the video presented in this article you will find additional information on this topic.

Artificial stone is made by firing clay mixed with water; under the influence of temperature, irreversible chemical processes occur in it. When purchasing, you need to consider the quality, characteristics, type and size of red brick. After all, all these indicators can give the product various properties that affect its use.

Types, their characteristics and application

1. Solid red brick of classic size is used for the construction of load-bearing and reinforced structures, laying foundations, fireplaces, and stoves. It has grades M-075, M-100, M-125, M-150, M-175, frost resistance F 50, moisture absorption 8-10%, thermal conductivity 0.51 W/(mK), voids up to 13%. The size of a single red brick for building a house is 250x120x65 mm. Unit cost is from 9.40 to 16 rubles.

2. Fireproof - created specifically for lining and laying a furnace; its production requires fired refractory clay (fireclay) and fillers. It does not melt or crumble and can withstand temperatures up to 1800 degrees, has several classes: quartz, fireclay, basic, carbon. Letters and numbers in the marking indicate the level of fire resistance. The brand and size of red facing bricks can be different and depend on the physical and chemical composition; there are hundreds of types, for example: Sh-5, Sh-8, ShA-5, Shb-47. Frost resistance F 50-75, thermal conductivity from 0.70–0.85 W/(mK), voids from 8%, moisture absorption 8%. The average price per piece is from 20 rubles.

3. Red “loaf” brick, also known as solid backfill, double, weighs up to 7 kg. Stronger than the classic one, it is used for the construction of load-bearing walls, frames and supports. Has grades: 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, frost resistance F 150, moisture absorption 10%, thermal conductivity 0.50 W/(mK), voids up to 13%. The price for a “loaf” is from 10 rubles.

4. Red ceramic is used to lay the foundation. It must be durable and withstand temperature changes and humidity. Dimensions of a standard red brick for a foundation according to GOST: 250x120x65 mm, grades: 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, frost resistance F 50-100, moisture absorption 6-16%, thermal conductivity from 0.70 W/(mK), void ratio no more than 13 %. The average cost per unit is 11 rubles.

5. The red brick for the plinth must also be durable, resistant to moisture and cold. Use grades no lower than M-125 or M-150. Fired and solid ceramic is well suited for these purposes, but “Turtle” remains the leader. Its grades are M-200, M-250, M-300, frost resistance F 100, moisture absorption 12%, thermal conductivity 0.51 W/(mK), voids less than 13%. The unit cost is within 16 rubles.

When calculating estimates, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the artificial stone, the main ones are shown in the table:

When choosing, pay special attention to the quality; if chips and cracks are visible, uneven coloring, then it is better to refuse the product.

Brick is a building material that is characterized by its strength and durability. It is considered the oldest known building material and is made by firing clay briquettes, previously well pressed.

Red brick allows you to build a building in the required architectural concept, as well as save on the construction process. Especially This material is popular in private housing construction, during the construction of fences, garages and other auxiliary buildings. Anyone who is engaged in construction, knowing the dimensions of the red brick, only needs to correctly calculate the required quantity that will be required for the construction of the facility. It can be called the most versatile material.

Story

Depending on the state, the dimensions of the masonry material differed significantly. This was due primarily to differences in metric systems. For example, the brick standard in England in the 19th century had dimensions of 9: 4.5: 2.5 inches, German material - 25: 12: 6.3 centimeters.

On the American continent it had the smallest dimensions, which were 21:10:5.3 centimeters. In the Russian Empire, the material was larger than its English or German counterparts, and amounted to 6:3:1.5 (4.45 centimeters). He weighed about three to four kilograms.

Territories remote from the center themselves determined the dimensions of the building material, which sometimes differed from the “canonical” ones, since production was not dependent on the center and the material was used to meet the needs of local communities.

With the advent of conveyor production of building materials and the beginning of mass capital construction, the need to fix the dimensions of standard red brick became more acute.

In European countries, the most common bricks are NF and D. F. The first is ordinary, with dimensions of 24 × 11.5 × 7.1 cm, the other is thin, with dimensions of 5 × 5.2 centimeters.

In Europe DF brand material is considered the best for perception, thanks to greater compliance with architectural classics. But the NF brand saves mortar and increases the speed of masonry construction.

This aspect ratio of the brick not only turned out to be the most optimal when constructing a wall, when it is necessary to alternate the longitudinal and transverse positions of the bars, but also to use material from different manufacturing plants on one construction site.

Surprisingly, bricks of a unified standard began to be produced in Russia relatively recently, compared to how long this material has been used in the country - in 1927. From that moment the standard remains unchanged- 250×120×65 millimeters for a single brick size, its weight should be no more than 4.3 kg and all this is fixed by GOST 530−2007. In Europe, it is designated by the symbols RF with parameters of 250×120×88 millimeters for one and a half bricks (although in practice it is not 1.5, but 1.35 times thicker) and 250×120×138 mm for double bricks.

In Western countries, the standards are different, and there are many more of them. Among the most popular are 200×100×50 (65) millimeters and 240×115×52 (71) millimeters. In addition to the above, foreign bricks can be of different sizes, since in Europe there is an opinion that masonry made of material with a non-fixed length can emphasize the uniqueness of the building.

The importance of standardization

The normal dimensions of the brick are in the ratio 1:½:1/4, which makes it possible to give the building structure additional strength using masonry ligation. This happens due to the fact that longitudinal and transverse alternation of building material is carried out in relation to the axis of the masonry and, as a result, the load is more evenly distributed.

In addition to the above, the proportionality that is present in the standard brick size allows masonry work to be carried out with low labor costs. The briquette lifts easily and can be held with one hand.

Also, the size of a standard window when building a brick house is much more convenient to determine based on the standardization of the dimensions of the material.

Types of bricks, their characteristics and areas of use

Full-bodied

Regular-sized bricks are used for the construction of load-bearing and reinforced structures, laying foundations, fireplaces, and stoves. There are brands designated as M-075, M-100, M-125, in addition, there is M-150, M-175, frost resistance level F 50, degree of moisture absorption 8-10 percent, thermal conductivity parameters 0.51 W/( m/K), void ratio up to 13 percent.

Refractory

This brick is intended directly for cladding and laying stoves. For its production it is necessary fired refractory clay(called fireclay) and various fillers. It does not melt or crumble and can withstand heat levels up to 1800 degrees Celsius. Letters and numbers in the marking indicate the level of fire resistance. The brand and size of such material can be different and depend on the composition; there are a large number of types, for example: Sh-5, Sh-8, ShA-5, there is also ShB-47. Frost resistance level F 50−75, heat conductivity from 0.70−0.85 W/(m/K), void ratio from 8 percent, degree of moisture absorption 8 percent.

Red

It is also called “loaf”, full-bodied butt or double and it weighs up to 7 kg. The strength is higher than the classic one, and it is used to build load-bearing structures, frames, etc. There are brands: 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300 are also available for sale, frost resistance level F 150, moisture absorption ability 10 percent, thermal conductivity parameters 0.50 W/(m/K), void ratio up to 13 percent.

Ceramic

Red ceramic bricks are used to lay the foundation. It requires strength, the ability to withstand temperature changes and high humidity. Dimensions according to GOST standards 250×120×65 mm, brands sold: 150, 175, 200, 250, 300, frost resistance level F 50−100, degree of moisture absorption 6−16 percent, thermal conductivity parameters from 0.70 W/(m/K ), the void ratio is no more than 13 percent.

For the construction of a basement

This brick must also be strong enough and resistant to moisture and low temperatures. It is best to use brands of at least M-125 or M-150. For such purposes fired and solid ceramic may be optimal, but the most popular remains “Turtle”. The following brands are on sale: M-200, M-250, M-300, frost resistance level F 100, degree of moisture absorption 12 percent, thermal conductivity parameters 0.51 W/(m/K), void ratio less than 13 percent.

What material is required to build a furnace?

Sometimes red solid ceramic stone can be confused with real stove brick. It is produced by mixing red and blue clay, adding sand, and then firing the mass. It can withstand temperatures of no more than 800 degrees Celsius, so the walls of the stoves will quickly collapse (wood burning occurs at 900 degrees Celsius).

There are four types of real stove bricks:

• the main one is a mixture of lime and magnesia, mostly used in metallurgy;
• quartz - sandstone, quartz, with the addition of red dense clay;
• carbon - made of pressed coke, intended for the construction of blast furnaces;
• fireclay is a fireproof material, it consists of 70 percent fireclay, is universal in use, and resistant to chemical influences.

How to choose a brand of brick?

In the construction of household stoves and fireplaces, quartz and so-called fireclay red bricks are used. Second option is more popular, since quartz at significant temperatures changes its structure and, as a result, thermal conductivity and volume. Gradually, this inevitably leads to deformation and destruction of the walls.

Kiln brick size according to GOST

For bricks specifically for stoves a separate document has not been developed, there is only GOST 8426–75, which specifies the size and shape of clay bricks for chimneys. According to the established standard, there are 2 sizes of regular straight bricks, listed below:

• single - dimensions 250×120×65 millimeters;
• thickened - dimensions 250×120×88 millimeters.

Also, according to GOST 8426–75, wedge-shaped bricks of 2 types are produced.

1. Radial-longitudinal. There are also single (dimensions 120 (70)x250×65; 120 (100)x250×65) and thickened (dimensions 120 (70)x250×88; 120 (100)x250×88).
2. Radial-transverse. The single standard size is available in 2 dimensions: 250 (200)x120×65; 250 (225)x120x65. And the thickened standard size, instead of 65 mm, has a size of 88 mm.

Bricks for the construction of fireclay stoves, existing shapes and sizes

To make laying easier, stoves produce products that differ in configuration and dimensional parameters- this can be seen from the table below.

The standard size of the kiln brick is the blade. It, like straight types, is produced in the shape of a parallelepiped. The largest edge is called a bed, the medium-sized one is called a spoon, and the smallest one is called a poke. The butt is narrowed in the end wedge, and the spoon is narrowed in the rib wedge. These two varieties are used for figured masonry. In addition to standard products, You can find fireclay slabs for sale- their dimensions correspond to the size of the firebox they need to cover. The most common bars of this size are 460×230×75 millimeters; there is also a dimension of 600×230×90 millimeters.

Due to the ability to accumulate heat well, fireclay bricks can be recommended not only for the construction of fireboxes, but also for the entire structure of the furnace as a whole. This solution will be interesting in decorative terms, because the straw-golden color of the clay products will create a visual effect of warmth in the room. The many shapes and sizes that fireclay stove bricks have make it possible to lay out not only standard straight ones, but also vaulted ones; trapezoidal surfaces are also possible.