Even the best bricks fail if you misuse them.
Ceramic bricks are strong, reliable, and long-lasting—but only when used correctly. Builders often make small mistakes that lead to cracks, uneven walls, or costly repairs. Let’s look at the five biggest slip-ups—and how to avoid them.
1. Using the wrong type of brick for the job.
Not all ceramic bricks are made for every part of a building. For example, 10-hole bricks are great for non-load-bearing walls but can’t handle heavy loads. Some builders mistakenly use them in structural walls, which can lead to sagging or collapse.
Solution: Know your brick. Use solid bricks for foundations and load-bearing walls, 3-hole bricks for partitions, and 10-hole bricks for thermal insulation or internal dividers.
2. Ignoring alignment during installation.
Some masons rush the job, laying bricks unevenly or without checking levels. This leads to crooked walls, weak joints, and more plastering work later.
Solution: Always use a spirit level and plumb line. Take a few extra minutes per row—it saves hours in corrections.
3. Using too much or too little mortar.
Too much mortar makes walls bulky and unstable. Too little leads to weak bonding. Both can cause gaps, cracks, or even water seepage.
Solution: Follow proper guidelines—typically 10–12 mm thick mortar joints. Mix mortar consistently and apply evenly between bricks.
4. Soaking bricks incorrectly.
Ceramic bricks don’t need heavy soaking like clay bricks. But some builders drench them unnecessarily, causing water retention and efflorescence (white salt deposits).
Solution: If bricks are dry or dusty, lightly sprinkle with water, but don’t soak. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes before laying.
5. Stacking bricks carelessly on-site.
Improper storage causes breakage, wastage, and confusion. We’ve covered this before—but it’s so common, it deserves a second mention.
Solution: Store on pallets, covered and separated by type. Don’t stack more than 1.5 meters high and keep near the construction zone, but out of wet areas.
Avoiding these mistakes means fewer delays, fewer costs, and stronger results.
Ceramic bricks offer a great return on investment—but only if you treat them right. Build smarter. Avoid shortcuts. Your walls will thank you.
