When planning to build a house, office, or any other building, one of the first decisions you need to make is about the type of wall material to use. In India, two of the most popular options are red bricks and AAC blocks (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks).
Both are widely used in modern construction, but they are quite different in cost, performance, and long-term benefits. Many people get confused about which material is better and more affordable. In this blog, we will explain the cost difference between brick and AAC block construction in very simple words, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What Are Red Bricks?
Red bricks are the traditional building material used in construction for hundreds of years. They are made from clay, shaped into rectangular blocks, and fired in a kiln at high temperatures. Bricks are strong, durable, and give a classic look to buildings. Because of their long history, most people in India still prefer using red bricks.
What Are AAC Blocks?
AAC blocks, or Autoclaved Aerated Concrete blocks, are a modern alternative to red bricks. They are made from cement, lime, sand, fly ash, and a small amount of aluminum powder. These blocks are cured in a high-pressure steam chamber, which makes them lightweight, strong, and eco-friendly. AAC blocks are becoming more popular in urban areas because they save time, reduce construction costs, and are easier to handle compared to traditional bricks.
Cost of Brick Construction
Brick construction usually involves higher material and labor costs. This is because:
- Material Cost – On average, one red brick costs between ₹6 to ₹8. To build one cubic meter of wall, around 500 bricks are needed, which makes the material cost higher.
- Mortar Consumption – Bricks require more mortar (cement and sand mixture) because of their smaller size and more number of joints.
- Labor Cost – Laying bricks takes more time, so labor charges are higher compared to AAC blocks.
- Plastering Cost – Brick walls are uneven, which means more plaster thickness is required to achieve a smooth finish.
Overall, brick walls can cost around ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 per cubic meter, depending on location, quality, and labor rates.
Cost of AAC Block Construction
AAC blocks are larger in size and lighter in weight, which reduces both material and labor costs.
- Material Cost – One AAC block usually costs between ₹40 to ₹60, but since each block is much bigger than a brick, only about 7–8 blocks are needed per cubic meter of wall.
- Mortar Consumption – AAC blocks require less mortar because of fewer joints, which reduces cement and sand usage by almost 70%.
- Labor Cost – Because the blocks are lightweight and larger, masons can work faster and cover more area in less time, reducing labor charges.
- Plastering Cost – AAC block walls are more even, so plaster thickness is less compared to brick walls, which reduces overall plaster cost.
On average, AAC block walls cost around ₹1,400 to ₹1,800 per cubic meter, which is cheaper than brick walls.
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison
Parameter | Brick Construction | AAC Block Construction |
Material Cost | High (500 bricks needed per m³) | Lower (7–8 AAC blocks per m³) |
Mortar Consumption | More (thicker joints, more cement & sand) | Less (thin joints, 70% less mortar) |
Labor Cost | Higher (slow process, heavy work) | Lower (lightweight, faster work) |
Plaster Cost | More (uneven surface) | Less (smooth surface) |
Overall Cost per m³ | ₹1,800 – ₹2,500 | ₹1,400 – ₹1,800 |
From this table, it is clear that AAC blocks can reduce wall construction cost by 20–30% compared to red bricks.
Advantages of Brick Construction
Even though brick walls are more expensive, they have some benefits.
- Strength and Durability – Bricks are very strong and last for decades.
- Thermal Comfort – Brick walls keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
- Traditional Appeal – Many people prefer the natural red color and classic look.
- Easy Availability – Bricks are easily available in most parts of India.
Disadvantages of Brick Construction
- High Cost – Both material and labor costs are high.
- Time-Consuming – Laying bricks is a slow process.
- Heavy Weight – Brick walls are heavy, which increases the load on foundations.
- Not Eco-Friendly – Bricks require topsoil and coal for burning, which harms the environment.
Advantages of AAC Block Construction
- Lower Cost – Material, mortar, and labor costs are significantly lower.
- Faster Construction – Large, lightweight blocks make construction quicker.
- Better Insulation – AAC blocks provide good thermal and sound insulation.
- Eco-Friendly – Made from fly ash and other waste products, they reduce environmental damage.
- Lightweight – They reduce the load on foundation, which can save additional structural costs.
Disadvantages of AAC Block Construction
- Higher Initial Price per Block – Each block costs more compared to a single brick, though overall wall cost is lower.
- Availability Issues – In some smaller towns and villages, AAC blocks may not be easily available.
- Water Absorption – AAC blocks can absorb more water if not properly plastered or painted.
- Skilled Labor Requirement – Masons may need some training to handle AAC blocks properly.
Which is More Cost-Effective – Brick or AAC Block?
When we compare both materials, AAC blocks are clearly more cost-effective for most projects because they reduce overall construction cost, save time, and provide additional benefits like insulation and eco-friendliness.
However, in rural areas or places where AAC blocks are not easily available, bricks may still be the practical choice. Bricks are also preferred by people who want a traditional look and proven durability.
Real-Life Example
Suppose you want to build a wall of 100 cubic meters.
- With bricks: At ₹2,000 per cubic meter, the total cost will be ₹2,00,000.
- With AAC blocks: At ₹1,600 per cubic meter, the total cost will be ₹1,60,000.
This means you save ₹40,000 just by choosing AAC blocks for the same wall.
Conclusion
Both red bricks and AAC blocks have their own advantages. Bricks are strong, traditional, and widely available, but they are costly and less eco-friendly. AAC blocks are lightweight, eco-friendly, and reduce construction cost by 20–30%, making them a better option for modern projects.
If your goal is to save money and complete construction faster, AAC blocks are the right choice. But if you prefer a classic look and don’t mind paying a little extra, then bricks are still a reliable option. The final decision depends on your budget, project size, and local availability of materials.
FAQs on Brick vs AAC Block Cost
Are AAC blocks cheaper than bricks?
Yes, AAC blocks reduce overall construction cost by 20–30% compared to bricks.
Why are bricks still popular despite being costlier?
Because they are durable, give a traditional look, and are easily available everywhere.
Can AAC blocks be used for high-rise buildings?
Yes, AAC blocks are lightweight, making them suitable for high-rise projects.
Do AAC blocks require more plaster?
No, AAC blocks need less plaster since they are smoother than bricks.
Which is more eco-friendly – bricks or AAC blocks?
AAC blocks are more eco-friendly because they use waste products and save natural resources.