Clay brick vs AAC block vs concrete block compared: which should you build your walls with?

When we plan to build a house, extend a room or put up a new wall, the question that has many homeowners scratching their heads is "Which brick should we build the wall with?" Because on the market there are clay bricks, AAC lightweight blocks and concrete blocks , each with completely different strengths, weaknesses and prices. Choosing the right brick for the space not only saves money, it also affects strength and comfort in the long term.

A review of each type of brick

Let's start with clay bricks (red bricks) — time-tested and durable, notable for their strength and excellent resistance to moisture, sun and rain. They're good for drilling and hanging heavy items such as kitchen counters or wall cabinets, but the downside is that they're heavy and store heat. Next is AAC blocks — the modern favourite, with standard sizes, light weight and fast construction, plus air bubbles inside that insulate against heat and sound very well, but it needs special mortar and render. And concrete blocks stand out as the cheapest option and quick to build thanks to their large size; they suit fences, carports or walls that don't carry much load

Checklist for choosing the right brick for each part of the house

• Bathrooms and wet areas: choose clay bricks because they resist moisture well and are best at preventing water seepage and mould
• Bedroom walls and west-facing walls: Recommended AAC blocks because they block the sun's heat from entering the house, so rooms cool faster and you save on air-con
• Thai kitchens with heavy wall cabinets: choose clay bricks , or if you use AAC blocks, plan for special anchors and prepare fixing structures in advance
• Fences, warehouse walls or storerooms: choose concrete blocks save money and get the job done quickly

Besides the type of brick, bricklaying and rendering need skill and care — for example inserting wall ties to fix the wall to the columns, adding lintels over doors and windows to prevent cracking, and choosing the right render for the brick type. If you use AAC blocks with ordinary clay-brick render, you may get hairline cracking later.

An important precaution: if the extension touches the main structure, or you need to cut into walls to run wiring and embedded pipes, always consult an engineer or specialist tradesperson . Never demolish, alter or knock down walls yourself, as it may affect the load-bearing structure of the house and cause serious danger.