Summary
- The average price of fly ash bricks is ₹4 to ₹6 per brick, whereas red brick is priced at ₹5 to ₹8 per brick.
- Fly ash bricks usually have higher compressive strength than low-grade red bricks. However, both provide good durability when manufactured properly.
- Fly ash bricks can be used in partition walls, plastered masonry, and RCC framed buildings, and red bricks can be used in traditional structures, compound walls, and exposed brickwork.
Fly Ash Bricks and Red Bricks differ in cost, strength, weight, and suitability for Indian construction. Fly ash bricks offer uniform dimensions and potential cost savings, while red bricks are widely available and ideal for traditional construction. Both provide reliable strength when manufactured to proper standards.
This guide highlights their differences in terms of cost, strength, durability, and their suitability for a project to help you select the most appropriate bricks for a project. For other options, see our guide to types of bricks used in India.
What Are Fly Ash Bricks?
Fly ash bricks are construction bricks made from fly ash, a byproduct of coal-based thermal power plants. Manufacturers mix fly ash with lime or cement, sand or stone dust, and water. They then mould or press the mixture into bricks and cure them to develop strength.
Applications of fly ash bricks are:
- Internal and external walls in residential buildings.
- Partition walls in commercial buildings.
- Filling walls in concrete framed buildings.
What Are Red Bricks?
Red bricks are traditional construction bricks made from natural clay. Clay is mixed with water, formed into bricks, dried, and fired in kilns by the manufacturers. The firing process gives red bricks their reddish colour and strength.
Applications of red bricks include:
- Load-bearing walls, subject to structural design.
- Residential and commercial masonry walls.
- Compound walls and boundary walls.
- Exposed brickwork for traditional architectural finishes.
Read our plastering guide to understand the correct cement-sand ratios, plaster thickness, and application methods for brick walls.
Fly Ash Bricks vs Red Bricks: Key Differences
Fly ash bricks offer uniform dimensions and may reduce mortar consumption, while red bricks are widely available and suitable for traditional construction. Both vary with their raw materials, strength, water absorption, price, and environmental effects. The major differences between fly ash brick and red brick are as follows:
| Feature | Fly Ash Bricks | Red Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Raw material | Fly ash, cement, lime, gypsum | Natural clay |
| Colour | Usually grey | Red or reddish-brown |
| Shape and size | Generally uniform | May vary, especially in hand-moulded bricks |
| Water absorption | 6-14% | 20-25% |
| Weight | 2.6 kg | 3.5 kg |
| Mortar consumption | Low | High |
| Plaster requirement | Less (smooth finish) | May require more levelling plaster |
| Environmental impact | Low (uses industrial waste) | High (uses fertile soil) |
| Common applications | Plastered walls, partitions and RCC infill masonry | Residential walls, compound walls and exposed brickwork |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash bricks have uniform size, high strength, and can be used to save a certain amount of mortar and plaster. The quality is, however, dependent on proper manufacturing, and availability varies across India. Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of fly ash bricks in construction:
Advantages
- Eco-Friendly: Fly ash bricks are made from industrial waste of thermal power plants, which reduces the consumption of clay and thereby reduces the disposal of waste.
- Cost-Effective: Their smooth surface and uniform size can reduce mortar, plaster, and labour costs.
- Good Strength: Good quality fly ash bricks are capable of holding a reliable compressive strength.
- Uniform Shape: Uniformly shaped bricks make it easier to align walls and increase the efficiency of the masonry work.
- Less Wastage: Uniform size means less cutting and breakage and less material wastage.
Disadvantages
- Quality Variations: Poor raw materials or inadequate curing can affect strength and durability.
- Limited Availability: Fly ash bricks might not be readily available in rural areas, which can escalate transportation expenses.
- Bonding Issues: Proper application of the mortar is required to achieve a good bond between smooth surfaces.
- Variable Weight and Insulation: Fly ash bricks are not always lighter or better insulators than red bricks. Performance depends on density and composition.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Red Bricks
Red bricks have excellent durability, natural thermal mass, and easy availability throughout India. They may need more mortar and plaster, but clay extraction and firing in kilns affect the environment.
The following are the key pros and cons of red brick:
Advantages
- Good Durability: The red bricks with proper firing can be used to bear load with good strength, and can be used for a long time.
- Wide Availability: Red bricks are available in all parts of India, even in rural and remote areas, which eliminates sourcing problems.
- Good Mortar Bonding: Their rough surface helps cement mortar grip effectively, supporting strong masonry joints.
- Thermal Comfort: Red brick walls offer thermal mass and contribute to the control of the temperature inside the building.
- Traditional Appearance: Their natural reddish colour makes them suitable for exposed brickwork and traditional architectural designs.
Disadvantages
- Clay consumption: Manufacturing requires natural clay, sometimes obtained by removing agricultural topsoil.
- Kiln emissions: Traditional firing consumes fuel and produces air pollutants.
- Dimensional variations: Poor moulding of the bricks can cause greater usage of mortar and plaster.
- Breakage during handling: Insufficient or improperly fired bricks can break when they are being handled or transported.
Cost Comparison: Fly Ash Bricks vs Red Bricks
The indicative price of fly ash bricks is ₹4 to ₹6 per brick, and red bricks cost is ₹5 to ₹8 per brick. However, the actual price will vary based on the location and brick supplier. Let's now have a look at the estimated cost of fly ash bricks and red bricks in India:
| Brick Type | Cost per Brick | Cost per 1,000 Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Fly Ash Bricks | ₹4-₹6 | ₹4,000-₹6,000 |
| Red Bricks | ₹5-₹8 | ₹5,000-₹8,000 |
These prices are indicative and may vary by location, size, quality, and supplier.
Several factors influence the overall cost of fly ash bricks and red bricks, including:
- Raw Materials: Fly ash bricks use industrial byproducts, while red bricks require natural clay.
- Manufacturing: Red brick production involves kiln firing, fuel, and labour costs.
- Location: Local availability and transportation distance affect delivered prices.
- Bulk Orders: Large orders may reduce the cost per brick.
- Installation: Uniform fly ash bricks can reduce mortar, plaster, and labour expenses.
- Cost Tip
- Calculate the number of bricks you need, then compare the total cost of bricks, delivery, mortar, and plaster before purchasing. Fly ash bricks may offer better overall savings when reliable local suppliers are available.
Strength and Durability: Fly Ash Bricks vs Red Bricks
Fly ash bricks typically offer higher compressive strength than low-grade red bricks, while both can provide long-lasting durability. The real strength and durability of these depend on the quality of the brick, its production process, and the construction environment. The following are comparisons of the strength and durability of both brick types:
| Factor | Fly Ash Bricks | Red Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | 75 to 100 kg/cm² | 30 to 35 kg/cm² |
| Durability | Long-lasting with proper curing and quality control | Long-lasting with proper kiln firing and moisture protection |
Making the Right Choice for Your Construction Project
Fly ash bricks are suitable for cost-effective, plastered walls, while red bricks work well for traditional construction and exposed brickwork. The decision of which type to choose will depend on your project needs, budget, strength, and availability. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing between fly ash bricks and red bricks:
- Project Type: Choose fly ash bricks for partition walls and RCC-framed buildings.
- Red bricks: Suitable for traditional masonry and exposed brick finishes.
- Budget: Fly ash bricks may reduce mortar and plaster costs. However, compare total material, transportation, and labour expenses before purchasing.
- Strength: Both brick types offer different strength grades. Select bricks that meet your project's structural requirements.
- Environmental Impact: Fly ash bricks reuse industrial waste and reduce natural clay consumption, making them a suitable option for sustainability-focused projects.
- Local Availability: Red bricks may be easier to source in rural areas. Fly ash bricks are a practical choice where reliable manufacturers are available.
- Workmanship: Consider local mason experience and installation requirements to maintain construction quality.
- Final Recommendation
- Choose fly ash bricks for economical plastered masonry when quality supplies are available. Choose red bricks for traditional designs or areas with limited fly ash brick availability. Read our building materials checklist to plan the cement, bricks, steel, and other essential materials required for house construction in Bangalore.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between fly ash bricks and red bricks?
Fly ash bricks use industrial byproducts and generally have uniform dimensions. Red bricks use natural clay and undergo kiln firing. Both differ in cost, appearance, manufacturing methods, and environmental impact.
Which type of brick is considered better for construction?
Fly ash bricks are often suitable for economical plastered masonry, while red bricks suit traditional construction and exposed brickwork. The better choice depends on strength requirements, local availability, and total construction costs.
What are the strength characteristics of fly ash bricks compared to red bricks?
Fly ash bricks often provide consistent strength due to controlled manufacturing. Red brick strength depends on clay quality and kiln firing.
How does the cost of fly ash bricks compare to red bricks?
Fly ash bricks cost approximately ₹4-₹6 each, while red bricks cost ₹5-₹8 each. Actual costs vary by location, quality, size, and transportation.
What are the advantages of using fly ash bricks in construction?
Fly ash bricks offer uniform dimensions, reliable strength, and potential savings on mortar and plaster. They also reuse industrial waste, reducing the need for natural clay.
Next Steps: Building Stronger Walls with the Right Materials
Fly ash bricks are available in uniform sizes, have good strength, and can be economically produced, while red bricks are durable, have good availability, and have a traditional style. Both are suitable for Indian construction when they meet the required quality standards.
Clearly compare brick prices, compressive strength, water absorption, and transportation cost before buying. Choose quality-tested bricks that meet the applicable Indian Standards (IS) to ensure strong and durable masonry. Planning a new construction or renovation project? Order building materials from HomeRun and get them delivered to your site in as little as 60 minutes.