Strength Battle: Is Brick Masonry Really Stronger Than Concrete?

When we compare two of the more common building materials, concrete vs. masonry brick or stone, it’s important to consider that even though both of these materials have many similarities, they also have some sizeable differences.

Both of these materials are made up of smaller elements that give them their individual characteristics. Brick, for example, is generally made up of a clay that has hardened and then joined with another brick through the use of a mortar (mixture of sand, lime, cement and water). Concrete, on the other hand, is made up of a mixture of cement, aggregates, and water. Each of these material have their place in the construction world. If you want to understand if brick masonry is stronger than concrete then you’ll have to consider other factors such as load-bearing capacity and tensile strength just to name a few.

Is masonry stronger than concrete?

For those who are looking for a direct answer without other considerations - no, masonry brick and stone are not stronger than concrete. Concrete has a compressive strength ranging between 2,500 to 5,000 PSI while masonry generally has a rating of 2,000 PSI. Depending on the mortar being used, you can see PSI ratings as low as 500 for those with a higher concentration of lime. For this reason, concrete is a more suitable material for construction projects that require a significant load bearing capacity.

Overall Strength

As previously mentioned, both materials are relatively strong when it comes to their use in construction. That’s why you see them used in nearly all types of structures, including both residential and commercial use. You’ll ultimately have to weigh out your needs for strength compared to your need for aesthetic appeal and design.

Since concrete has a higher compressive strength compared to brick and stone, it can bear more weight and withstand greater forces pressing down on it before failing, but again, this is all relative to your needs. 

Are you working on a project that requires a higher degree of compressive strength? Structures such as foundations, high-rise buildings, and bridges would require the use of concrete, whereas masonry's aesthetic appeal and its ability to create more visually diverse facades make it a popular choice for external walls of buildings, retaining walls, and other landscape applications.

Insulation Value

The insulation value of brick and concrete is measured by their thermal resistance, or R-value. In simpler terms, it’s really just a reflection of how much heat (energy) either one will absorb and release. The thermal mass of brick is higher than that of concrete which makes it much more suitable for keeping temperatures more consistent. During the day, brick masonry will absorb the heat of the sun better than concrete. This is because it’s a more porous material. As the sun falls and the temperature drops, the brick will release the heat at a slower pace, allowing it to keep your home at a more consistent temperature.

Since concrete is a much denser material, it has a higher thermal resistance value and won’t conduct heat as well as brick. However, concrete blocks can be better used to block the transfer of sound from one room to another. If you’re trying to keep noise at a minimum, you’ll want to consider the use of concrete blocks to muffle the sound in an adjacent room. 

Exposure To Elements

As previously mentioned, bricks are more porous and have a higher concentration of air pockets than do concrete blocks. This can cause problems in areas that experience harsh winters like we do here in Chicago. When the temperatures drop below freezing and we experience freezing rain or snow, the moisture can get trapped in the brick or between the mortar joints causing the moisture to expand. Over the course of many years, or even decades, the freeze-thaw cycle will eventually cause the structural integrity of the brick to fail. This is why having a professional to maintain your brick or stone is so important.

Even though concrete blocks are still susceptible to the elements, they are much more resilient due to their density. They simply won’t break down the same way that clay bricks do as blocks can withstand moisture, heat, chemicals, and direct sunlight better. This is assuming that the concrete was mixed, cured, and maintained as recommended.

That being said, both can be treated or modified to enhance their resistance to the elements—concrete through sealants and waterproofing agents, and masonry through various surface treatments and improved drainage techniques.

So, Which Is Better?

This is the million-dollar question!

Without attempting to be obscure, the answer is it depends. 

You’ll need to consider the specific requirements of your project. What are the objectives? What is the context of your project? If you’re simply going after the material that can withstand the most pressure then concrete is your obvious and clear choice, but in every project, there are multiple objectives to consider.

Concrete tends to lack aesthetics, charm, and appeal, whereas brick, stone, limestone, and other natural material can add a variety of textures, colors, and patterns that will enhance the appearance of your home or building. In many cases, masonry does this without compromising the structural integrity of the project.

However, if you’re building foundations, load-bearing walls, and large infrastructural projects then building codes will require the use of concrete. Concrete can be cast into almost any shape and reinforced with steel while at the same time taking on a certain amount of flexibility.

Either way, a professional mason can help you in constructing your unique project.

Pros & Cons Of Each

Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons for each material: