Brick prices in South Africa vary considerably based on the type (clay vs. cement, standard vs. maxi), quality grade, and quantity purchased. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of current brick prices across the country.
Building Bricks Prices in South Africa
Price Overview by Brick Type
| Brick Type | Price Range (per brick) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Cement/Stock Bricks (NFP) | R2.00 – R3.90 | General plastered walls, foundations |
| Clay/Clinker Bricks (FBS) | R4.00 – R6.50 | Face bricks (exposed), structural walls |
| Maxi Bricks | R6.50 – R10.00 | Faster wall construction, boundary walls |
| Premium Face Bricks | R5.00 – R8.00 | Aesthetic facades, feature walls |
| Clay Bricks (General) | R3.50 – R6.50 | Load‑bearing walls |
Detailed Pricing by Supplier and Brick Type
1. Standard Cement Bricks (NFP – Non-Face Brick)
Cement bricks are suitable for plastered walls where the final appearance will be covered.
– Clinker Brick (Solid Clay) – R2.00 per brick (was R2.50). These high-density clay bricks offer exceptional strength for structural walls and exterior applications. They are fired at high temperatures, resulting in a compressive strength of 32.1 MPa.
– Maxi Bricks 7MPa – R2.90 per brick (was R3.90). These concrete maxi bricks are larger than standard bricks, offering faster coverage. They are suitable for load-bearing walls, foundations, and boundary walls. Note that these require plastering or rendering for the final finish.
2. Premium Face Bricks (FBS Grade)
Face bricks are designed to be exposed, offering aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
– Nguni Satin Face Brick – R4.00 per brick (was R6.00). This high-performance FBS-grade brick features an earthy brown/orange blend with dark dappling and a satin finish. It delivers superior structural performance (20.0 – 30.0 MPa compressive strength). Bulk discounts apply for orders of 10,000+ bricks (R3.90 per brick), and delivery is included within 120km of the supplier’s yard.
– General Face Bricks – R5.00 – R8.00 per brick. Premium face bricks suitable for facades and feature walls.
3. General Bricks by Category
– Cement Bricks – R2.80 – R4.50 each.
– Clay Bricks – R3.50 – R6.50 each.
– Maxi Bricks – R6.50 – R10.00 each. The larger format of maxi bricks (approximately 290 x 140 x 90mm) allows for faster wall construction (30-40% faster than standard bricks) and requires fewer mortar joints. This can result in lower labour costs despite the higher per-brick price.
Specialised Brick Products
Brick Tiles (Cladding)
For decorative applications such as feature walls or facade cladding, brick tiles are an alternative to full bricks.
– Topaz Brick Tile – R512 per box (incl. VAT). Each box covers 1 square metre and contains approximately 52 tiles. This premium clay cladding tile features warm golden hues and amber tones. Delivery is available nationwide.
Bulk Pricing and Discounts
Most brick suppliers offer significant discounts for volume purchases.
| Order Quantity | Price per Brick |
|---|---|
| 1 – 9,999 bricks | R4.00 |
| 10,000+ bricks | R3.90 (2% discount) |
Note: Many suppliers, including SA Home Builder Store, do not publicly list specific bulk discount tiers. It is recommended to contact suppliers directly for quotes on large orders, especially for cement bricks and other common building materials.
Regional Price Variations
Brick prices and overall construction costs vary across South African provinces due to logistics, fuel costs, and local demand.
Construction Cost Per Square Metre (Including Bricks and Labour)
Based on current Q2/Q3 construction estimates, the average building cost per square metre has risen due to fuel price spikes and shipping disruptions:
| Region | Average Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| KwaZulu‑Natal | ~R16,400 |
| Gauteng | ~R14,800 |
| Western Cape | ~R17,500 |
National Average Range: R11,500 – R23,000 per square metre.
Key Cost Drivers:
– Global conflict has disrupted shipping routes and spiked energy costs, leading to a 10-15% “Conflict Surcharge” on construction quotes
– Diesel price increases have driven up the cost of transporting bricks and other heavy building materials
– Construction material inflation has seen notable increases in cement, which directly affects brick prices
Where to Buy Bricks in South Africa
National Wholesale and Retail Chains
| Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cashbuild | Publishes a monthly catalogue with current building material specials, including bricks, cement, and hardware. The catalogue is available online and in‑store. |
| SA Home Builder Store | Online wholesale building materials supplier offering cement bricks, maxi bricks, and clay bricks. Offers nationwide delivery. |
Specialised Suppliers
| Supplier | Location | Products |
|---|---|---|
| Dezyno Bricks | Gauteng (delivery within 120km) | Premium face bricks (Nguni Satin) with bulk delivery included |
| Brick Tile Shop | Nationwide (online) | Brick tiles for cladding, decorative applications |
Major Manufacturers
Brikor, a Gauteng-based manufacturer and supplier of building materials, has indicated strategic focus areas for brick production expansion. Contact Brikor directly for pricing and availability of their brick product range.
Factors Influencing Brick Prices
Brick Type and Grade
– FBS (Face Brick Standard) and FBA (Face Brick Aesthetic) grades cost more than NFX (Non-Face Brick, plaster grade) due to superior finish and structural properties.
Quantity Purchased
– Bulk orders (10,000+ bricks) typically qualify for discounts.
Logistics and Delivery Distance
– Transport costs are a significant factor, especially for heavy building materials. Some suppliers include delivery within a specific radius, while others charge based on distance.
Fuel Prices
– Diesel price volatility directly affects the cost of transporting bricks from manufacturers to retailers or building sites.
Current Demand
– Ongoing construction projects and infrastructure delivery influence material pricing. Current data suggests cost pressures persist despite only modest demand in some segments.
Tips for Buyers
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact several suppliers, especially for large projects, as prices vary significantly.
Consider Delivery Costs: A lower per-brick price may not be a bargain if delivery costs are high. Some suppliers include delivery in their pricing.
Order Bulk for Discounts: If your project requires 10,000 bricks or more, ask specifically about quantity discounts.
Check Supplier Catalogues: Major retailers like Cashbuild publish monthly specials that can offer significant savings.
Factor in Labour and Mortar: When comparing brick types (e.g., standard vs. maxi), consider that maxi bricks require fewer mortar joints and can be laid faster, potentially reducing labour costs despite a higher per-brick price.
Verify Current Prices: Building material prices are subject to change based on fuel costs and market conditions. Always request a current quotation from the supplier.
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Summary
Brick prices in South Africa for the current year range from approximately R2.00 to R3.90 for standard cement bricks, R4.00 to R6.50 for clay/clinker bricks, and R6.50 to R10.00 for maxi bricks. Premium face bricks can cost R5.00 to R8.00 each. Bulk discounts are available, particularly for orders of 10,000 bricks or more.
Regional construction costs vary, with the Western Cape currently the most expensive (approx. R17,500/m²) and Gauteng the lowest among major metros (approx. R14,800/m²).
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, visit the Cashbuild catalogue online or contact suppliers directly for a current quotation.
Disclaimer: Prices are subject to change based on supplier policies, fuel costs, and market conditions. Always verify current pricing directly with the supplier before purchasing.