Bricks & blocks

Overview

Bricks and blocks are the modular units laid with mortar to form masonry. Bricks are the smaller units — typically fired clay, but also calcium silicate (sand-lime) or concrete — while blocks are larger units, most often concrete, lightweight aggregate or autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC).

They are chosen by role. Facing bricks are selected for appearance and weather resistance, engineering bricks for strength and low water absorption, and common bricks for general structure. Blocks range from dense load-bearing concrete to lightweight and AAC units that add thermal insulation. Key properties include compressive strength, density, water absorption, frost resistance and, for some units, fire and thermal performance. Buyers include contractors, developers, masonry subcontractors and builders merchants.

On Digibition, brick and block manufacturers and distributors publish verified profiles, so professional buyers can discover and compare them by specialization and country.

What to check when sourcing

When you source bricks or blocks, match the unit to its role: compressive strength for load-bearing walls, water absorption and frost resistance for external or exposed work, density and thermal performance where insulation matters, and appearance class for facing. A facing brick and an engineering brick are specified very differently even at the same size.

Masonry units are heavy and ordered in large quantities, so logistics drive the deal. Confirm units per pack and per pallet, pallet weight, and whether delivery includes offloading, and plan for colour and texture variation in fired clay between batches. Performance is often declared against recognised standards — in the EU a Declaration of Performance may accompany a CE mark for masonry units — so ask which standards and documents apply in your market.

Use the directory to shortlist suppliers by specialization and country, then contact several, compare samples, batch availability and lead times, and confirm minimum order quantities before you commit.

What to check when sourcing bricks & blocks

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a brick and a block?

Bricks are the smaller masonry units, usually fired clay, sized to be handled in one hand. Blocks are larger units, most often concrete or autoclaved aerated concrete, which cover more wall area per unit and are often used for structure or insulation behind a finish.

What is the difference between facing and engineering bricks?

Facing bricks are selected mainly for appearance and weather resistance on visible walls. Engineering bricks are made for high compressive strength and low water absorption, which suits load-bearing, below-ground or damp-exposed situations. The right choice depends on whether looks or performance leads.

How do I find brick and block suppliers?

Use the Digibition directory to filter by this specialization and by country, then open each company profile to review its products, certifications and specializations. You can message suppliers directly, or add several to a quote list and request quotes from all of them at once.

Why does colour vary between brick batches?

Fired clay bricks take their colour from natural clays and the firing process, so shade and texture can vary between batches. Ordering from a single batch, or blending packs on site, helps avoid visible banding on a facade. This is general information, not legal or technical advice.

What should I check before placing a large order?

Confirm the material, role class, compressive strength and durability properties, agree units per pallet, delivery and offloading, lead time and minimum order quantity, and clarify which performance documents your market needs. Where possible, request samples and agree quality terms in writing before committing to volume.