Calculate the number of bricks, mortar bags, and total cost for walls, patios, veneer, and fireplaces. Supports all standard brick sizes, mortar joints, and bond patterns.
Brick has been humanity's premier building material for thousands of years — and for good reason. It's durable, fire-resistant, low-maintenance, and beautiful. But accurate estimation is essential because bricks are heavy (expensive to ship) and come in specific manufacturing lots where color can vary between batches. This guide covers wall construction, paver patios, veneer, columns, and everything in between.
| Type | Dimensions (L×H×W) | Per Sq Ft (wall) | Cost Each |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Modular | 7⅝ × 2¼ × 3⅝" | 6.86 | $0.40–$0.75 |
| Queen | 9⅝ × 2¾ × 3⅛" | 5.76 | $0.50–$0.85 |
| King | 9⅝ × 2¾ × 3" | 5.76 | $0.55–$0.90 |
| Engineer | 7⅝ × 2¹³⁄₁₆ × 3⅝" | 5.68 | $0.45–$0.80 |
| Paver | 8 × 4 × 2¼" | 4.5 (flat) | $0.50–$2.00 |
Mortar is the adhesive between bricks. The type you need depends on the application. Type N is the most common for above-grade walls and veneer — it's medium-strength and flexible. Type S is stronger and used for below-grade walls, retaining walls, and high-wind areas. Type M is the strongest and used for foundations, load-bearing walls, and structures in contact with soil. Type O is the weakest and used only for interior non-load-bearing walls and repointing historic masonry.
Brick pavers are laid flat on a compacted gravel and sand base — no mortar needed for the joints (use polymeric sand instead). The base preparation is critical: 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, 1 inch of leveling sand, then pavers, then polymeric sand swept into joints and activated with water. Edge restraints (aluminum or plastic) keep pavers from shifting. Budget $2–$5 per sq ft for pavers and $3–$5 per sq ft for base materials.