Concrete VS Brick House: Which Material Is The Right Choice For Your Home?

Constructing a home is likely one of the most important options you will ever have and let’s be honest, it can feel overwhelming. An early and basic decision you will face will be what material to use for the structure. In choosing right, you set in motion the durability, comfort, and beauty of a home; choose wrong, and you may face years of regret, unexpected costs, or a continual headache with maintenance.

We have two of the most famous building materials: concrete and brick. Both have been used for centuries to build house structures because we know that they are strong enough to withstand time. Which one is the better choice for your specific project? 

This article breaks down the key differences, advantages and disadvantages, and considerations for concrete vs brick houses, putting aside your fears of cost, durability, and insulation, so that you can advance with confidence in creating the desired home of your dreams.

The Cost Factor: Initial Investment vs. Long-Term Value

When looking at the cost factor of concrete vs brick house, the real cost includes the expenditures on material, labor, time of construction, foundation requirements, and lifetime expenses.

Factors Influencing Cost:

Factor	Brick Considerations	Concrete Considerations (Varies by type, e.g., ICF)	Notes
Material Cost	Can vary significantly based on brick type and quality.	Consider energy savings, insurance (potential discounts), and repairs.	Always get quotes for specific materials in your region.
Labor Cost	Masonry is skilled labor; can be time-consuming & costly.	Can require specialized crews (esp. ICF, precast).	Labor rates vary greatly by location and expertise.
Construction Speed	Generally slower due to laying individual bricks.	Can be faster (esp. ICF, precast panels).	Faster construction can mean lower overall labor costs.
Foundation	May require substantial foundations due to weight.	Also requires strong foundations; design might differ.	Engineer specification is key for both.
Insulation	Often requires a separate insulation layer (cavity/internal).	ICFs include insulation; other types need added insulation.	Impacts long-term energy costs.
Finishing	Brick is the finish (low maintenance).	Requires finishing (stucco, siding, paint, etc.).	Adds to initial cost but offers design flexibility.
Long-Term Costs	Minimal exterior maintenance; potential mortar repointing.	Very low structural maintenance; finish needs upkeep.	Adds to the initial cost but offers design flexibility.

It’s essential to get detailed quotes from builders for your specific design, considering both materials. Our article on “What is the Best Material to Build a House?” explores cost alongside other crucial factors.

Durability and Resilience: Building a Home That Lasts

When you think about your dream home, safety, strength, and longevity comes first. Concrete and bricks rate high in durability when it comes to heavy materials, but on various levels:

1. Weather Resistance: 

Both materials are good resistors of wind and rain. Properly formed concrete walls, specifically monolithic pours or insulated concrete forms (ICFs), usually resist extreme winds (hurricanes and tornadoes).  

2. Pest Resistance: 

Both are totally resistant to termites and such wood insects.

3. Fire Resistance: 

Concrete tends to have more fire resistance than brick assemblies.  

4. Seismic Performance: 

Concrete structures do very well during earthquakes. Brick requires certain reinforcement strategies in earthquake-prone territories.  

5. Longevity: 

Both materials can keep standing for hundreds of years if properly built and maintained.

Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Comfort and Savings

Dreading uncomfortable temperatures and high energy bills? Insulation is key. Here’s how concrete and brick stack up:

1. Thermal Mass: 

Both of these materials have very high thermal masses, which absorb, store, and naturally emit heat. They contribute to moderating the indoor temperature and reducing reliance on HVAC systems. 

The level of thermal mass is higher in concrete than in brick. In regions with wider temperature swings day and night, this could be a benefit, keeping houses cooler during the day and warmer at night.

2. R-Value (Resistance to Heat Flow): 

Neither brick or standard concrete would boast a particularly high R-value; rather, the insulation applied is what really counts.

• Brick Veneer: It depends on insulation within the wall cavity (behind the brick) and possibly insulation in the internal lining. Quality of installation is crucial to avoid thermal bridging.

• Concrete (ICF): Insulated Concrete Forms offer continuous insulation on both sides of the concrete core, which means they can be expected to have very high effective R-values and an excellent airtightness property, thus minimizing any energy losses.  

3. Airtightness: 

Concrete structures, especially in ICFs or well-sealed precast systems, are inherently more airtight compared to traditional brick construction, which minimizes energy loss through drafts.

Weighing the Pros and Cons: Concrete vs Brick House Breakdown

Here are the advantages and disadvantages between the materials concrete and brick:

Pros Of Brick Houses:

Feature	Details
Classic Aesthetics	Timeless beauty, character, and curb appeal; available in various colors, textures, and sizes.
Low Exterior Maintenance	Requires little upkeep; no painting needed, though mortar may need attention over decades.
Proven Longevity & Resale Value	Associated with quality and durability, potentially increasing resale value.
Good Fire Resistance	Non-combustible material offering strong fire resistance.
Natural Material	Made from natural elements like clay and shale.
Decent Thermal Mass	Helps regulate indoor temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.

Cons Of Brick Houses:

Feature	Details
Slower Construction	Bricklaying is labor-intensive and takes more time than some modern methods.
Potentially Higher Labor Costs	Skilled masons are required and can lead to increased labor costs.
Limited Design Flexibility (Exposed Brick)	Complex or highly modern shapes can be difficult or costly with exposed brick.
Requires Separate Insulation System	Brick has a low R-value and extra insulation must be installed.
Mortar Joints	Can become weak points or allow water ingress if poorly installed or maintained.
Weight	Heavy material necessitating a robust and well-engineered foundation.

Considering brick? See how it compares to another popular choice for houses: “Brick vs Wood House: Which One is the Better Choice?”

Pros Of Concrete Houses:

Feature	Details
Exceptional Strength & Durability	Highly resistant to storms, impacts, fire, and pests.
Design Versatility	Can be molded into various shapes and finished with stucco, siding, stone, brick veneer, or left exposed.
Excellent Fire Resistance	Offers among the highest fire ratings of any building material.
High Thermal Mass	Great at regulating interior temperatures by storing and releasing heat.
Potential for Faster Construction	Systems like ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms) and precast panels can speed up the building process.
Superior Airtightness (esp. ICF)	Improves energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Integrated Insulation (ICF)	Built-in insulation simplifies construction and ensures consistent thermal protection.

Cons Of Concrete Houses:

Feature	Details
Industrial Aesthetic (if unfinished)	Raw concrete may not appeal visually; requires additional finishes for traditional looks.
Potential for Cracking	Cosmetic cracks can develop; structural issues are rare with proper engineering.
Requires Specialized Labor	Some concrete systems, like ICF, demand trained and experienced crews.
Can Have Higher Upfront Material Costs	Material expenses may be higher depending on the system used.
Moisture Management	Proper planning and detailing are critical to prevent moisture-related problems during and after construction.

Concrete VS Brick House: Some Final Thoughts You Should Consider

So, after comparing concrete vs brick house options, which material wins? The truth is, that both materials are great choices capable of creating beautiful, durable, and comfortable homes. The “best” material truly depends on your individual priorities, budget, climate, and desired aesthetic.

Consider Brick if:

1. You deeply value the timeless, classic aesthetic of traditional brickwork.  
2. A very low-maintenance exterior finish is a top priority.
3. You’re building in a region where skilled masons are readily available and competitively priced.
4. Your primary concern isn’t necessarily achieving the absolute maximum storm resistance or thermal mass (though brick performs well).

Consider Concrete If:

1. Maximum durability, strength, and resistance to extreme weather are paramount.
2. You prioritize superior energy efficiency through high thermal mass and airtightness.
3. You desire significant design flexibility, including modern styles or complex shapes.
4. Faster construction timelines are important.
5. Noise reduction is a key consideration (concrete offers excellent sound insulation).  

Whether you are interested in a concrete vs brick house, the expertise and experience of your builder are essential. Generally, you want proper engineering, site preparation, moisture mitigation, and workmanship in order to realize the potential of either option.

If your goal is to construct a durable home that will be resilient to extreme weather, pests, and time, and you would like professional assistance to be able to make the right decision of materials, Skyroot Developments is offering you a free 30-minute consultation, to discuss your goals with house-building materials, costs, and more.

This is your opportunity to get advice on products, prices, and design options for your new house.