While brick is considered by many to be one of the most attractive building materials, there was a period in which it went out of fashion. Much to the relief of brick fans all over the world, it soon came back into fashion, and even the most luxurious homes are opting to have brick surfaces within them.
Solid masonry was once the only way to have a brick feature in your home, meaning that full-size bricks were used – something that is both expensive and time consuming. However, another option is now available called brick veneer installation, and it comes without the disadvantages of solid masonry.
What is brick veneer?
When a brick veneer is installed, thin pieces of brick (around an inch in thickness) are installed onto existing walls, and this is carried out at far less expense than constructing a solid brick wall, and can be accomplished in a lot less time.
What is solid masonry installation?
Solid masonry has been used in construction for centuries, and many still prefer it due to its retro appeal. It’s important to remember that masonry will always give a more realistic brick effect than a veneer, but that it is more expensive, and this is thanks mainly to the intensity of labor required when constructing it. Walls are built entirely from scratch with solid masonry, and when done right, this can take a long time.
With fewer qualified masons around nowadays, solid masonry continues to be an expensive option within the home building industry, and that doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth it, but price may factor it out for some people trying to construct on a tight budget.
Should you choose solid masonry or brick veneer?
If you’re looking for a more affordable masonry option, brick veneer walls might be an option. Here’s a closer look at its advantages to help you decide whether it’s the right type of masonry for your construction project:
- Brick veneer walls are fashionable
- They are cost effective
- Brick veneer is much quicker to install than solid masonry
- A skilled masonry contractor will make the veneer look like real brick
However, if you’re looking for a wall that looks as attractive and sturdy as it is, and you don’t have too many budgetary or time restrictions, then solid masonry is undoubtedly the right choice.
Whichever type of masonry construction you choose, you must only ever hire a masonry contractor who can prove that they have the skill, training and qualifications to complete the installation professionally, anything less, and not only might your walls look like a shambles, but the structure may not be sound. With safety in mind, be sure to choose a masonry contractor who is licensed and insured, too.