Brick and stone are two of the oldest building materials on the planet, with some of the world’s oldest buildings being made of one or the other. With all of the modern advancements in the industry, stone and brick masonry is still used in buildings to this day. All of this leads us to this article’s topic: brick or stone? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each material.
Brick Homes – Advantages and Disadvantages of brick masonry
Pros:
More Eco-Friendly: Bricks are made from clay, shale and other readily available materials.
Long-lasting and durable: Many heritage buildings you see in your city are made of brick, provided it is a durable material that can last through various conditions.
Low maintenance: Brick requires little maintenance compared to other construction materials like timber.
Can increase your home value: Brick houses tend to perform well on the housing market and often draw higher bids than other materials.
Cons:
Mortar isn’t as durable: Though brick is durable, the mortar that holds it together isn’t as long-lasting. However, it’s usually a cheap fix so long as you don’t leave it until the brick becomes damaged.
Less design variation: Compared to materials such as timber, brick is less flexible when it comes to design choices.
Stone Homes – Advantages and Disadvantages of stone masonry
Pros:
Stone masonry is very durable: Some of the oldest structures are made from stone, which proves what a long-lasting material it can be.
Luxurious, timeless look: Though it is one of the oldest building materials on the planet, stone masonry is often associated with luxury and will add a timeless look to your new home.
Naturally cool material: Stone can be a great material for hot climates, like Queensland because it naturally stays cool.
Use local stone: Depending on where you live, you may be able to use local stone for your home. Stone from different regions will have a distinct texture and look which can be incorporated to make your home unique.
Cons:
More laborious installation process: Stone requires specialised installation knowledge, and is time-consuming and manually intensive. Therefore, it will have higher labour costs than other materials.
More expensive: Stone and brick are both expensive options, but of the two materials, stone will cost more.
Insulation: While stone is great for keeping your home cool, this may come back to bite you in winter unless you take steps to combat this. Whether this will depend on the climate in your area (people in Canberra will notice more than those in Cairns).
Negative Environmental Impact: Stone needs to be quarried and therefore isn’t as eco-friendly as other available construction materials.
Construction and Insulation Considerations
Both brick and stone masonry are two of the more expensive materials available on the market, with both taking longer than other construction methods. Stone buildings in particular require specialist contractors to design and construct successfully.
Brick provides great insulation, preventing heat loss in winter and keeping your home cool in summer. If you do wish to change the temperature in a brick house, it will take more energy due to the thermal mass of the building. Stone structures are fantastic at staying cool which could be a huge advantage during the scorching summer. On the flip side, they can become very cold in winter if you don’t take steps to combat this.
Maintenance and Longevity
When it comes to durable materials, it’s hard to beat a stone or brick home. These materials are top of the table when it comes to longevity. Brick and stone also require little maintenance compared to other materials. The downside is if your brick or building stones crack or need repairs, it will be pricey to fix. The best way to avoid this is to try to catch any issue early.
Design and Aesthetic Considerations
When it comes to whether brick or stone masonry looks better, it is really a matter of personal taste. Both are well-regarded by a wide range of people, but each gives off a distinct vibe. Stone masonry nowadays is often associated with luxury and up-market houses, often being associated with custom-built house designs. Brick on the other hand creates a more traditional, classic home look. It may not have the distinct, unique atmosphere of stone, but it still adds value to your home and is incredibly popular.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Sustainability has never been more relevant than it is now, so it’s an important consideration when choosing a building material. Between brick and stone, brick is more eco-friendly as it is made from abundant materials like clay and shale. In comparison, virgin stone needs to be dug up and has a negative impact on the environment. In the long term, both materials provide quality insulation and can potentially cut down on energy costs.
Cost Considerations
Both good quality bricks and natural stone are on the higher end when it comes to initial costs. If you’re on a budget that is especially tight, the truth is neither of these materials is going to be ideal. Of the two, brick is the cheaper option, both in terms of cost of materials and labour. Stone masonry is a specialised field that automatically jacks up your labour costs.
Regional and Climate Considerations
Both materials are durable against a wide range of weather conditions, so the bigger consideration will be temperature. Stone has a natural tendency to stay cool, so will thrive best in warmer climates. Brick can maintain heat better while still staying cool in summer, making it a great all-rounder for areas where temperatures can get extreme in both directions. Keep in mind air-conditioning and heating can still be used on especially hot or cold days/nights.
Resale Value and Market Trends
Brick will have a wider market appeal while still attracting a high price, making it a safer bet if you’re looking to resell. Stone on the other hand will have more of a niche appeal but could attract a good price from the right buyer.
Which should I choose? Brick or Stone?
Both brick and stone are excellent, durable materials, and your final choice will come down to what you want for your house. Stone is great for creating a luxurious, unique look to your home. Brick on the other hand is more affordable, has a higher resale value and better all-around insulation.
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