What Are Bricks? (Mostly for Exterior Looks)
In New Zealand, bricks are usually used as a veneer — meaning they sit on the outside of your house for appearance and weather protection.
Why people choose bricks:
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They look great.
Modern colours like white, cream, grey, and charcoal create a clean, architectural look.
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Low maintenance.
Brick veneer handles rain, sun, wind and coastal conditions very well.
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Long-lasting.
It stays solid for decades with very little upkeep.
👉 Important:
Bricks don’t hold your house up.
They are not structural — the load is carried by timber or steel framing behind the brick.
Best for:
Exterior walls, façades, renovations, architectural homes.
What Are Concrete Blocks? (For Strength & Structure)
In New Zealand, concrete blocks are used as structural elements.
They carry load, support floors, and create strong walls for residential and commercial buildings.
Why people choose blocks:
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They’re structural.
Blocks can support upper floors, roofs, and retaining loads.
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Strong and durable.
Ideal for basements, foundations, retaining walls, boundary walls, and commercial buildings.
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Better at handling moisture.
Especially useful in NZ’s coastal and high-rainfall regions.
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Great for acoustic and thermal mass.
Blocks help regulate indoor temperature and reduce noise.
👉 Important:
Concrete blocks can hold your house up — they perform the opposite role of brick veneer.
