When building or renovating a home in South Africa, one of the biggest decisions is whether to use brick tiles or full clay bricks. While both are made from durable fired clay, their applications, costs, and performance differ significantly. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most cost-effective, compliant, and visually appealing option for your project.
Brick tiles (also known as cladding brick tiles) are thin slices cut from genuine face bricks. They are typically 9 mm thick and used for decorative wall cladding, both indoors and outdoors.
Lightweight — ideal for renovations and non-structural walls
No need for plastering or painting — maintenance-free finish
Perfect for feature walls, fireplaces, and facades
Available in various colours and textures — including popular tones like Rosso Eleganza, Imperial Stone, and Charcoal Opulence
SANS-compliant when cut from A-grade face bricks
Interior feature walls
Fireplace and braai cladding
Exterior façades
Commercial and retail interiors
💡 At Brick Tile Shop, our range of South African-made cladding tiles gives you the beauty of a full brick wall at a fraction of the cost and weight.
Full clay bricks are solid, load-bearing units made from natural clay, fired at high temperatures. Common sizes include 222 × 106 × 73 mm, though variations exist depending on the manufacturer and brick type (e.g., FBX, NFP, NFX).
Structural strength — suitable for load-bearing walls
Long lifespan — can last over 100 years
Excellent thermal mass — keeps homes cool in summer and warm in winter
Natural fire resistance and sound insulation
SABS and SANS-approved for construction use
Residential and commercial construction
Boundary walls and foundations
Load-bearing and cavity walls
External façades in new builds
| Feature | Brick Tiles | Full Clay Bricks |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ± 9 mm | ± 103 mm |
| Weight | Light | Heavy |
| Purpose | Decorative | Structural |
| Installation | Fixed to wall with adhesive | Built using mortar and cement |
| Maintenance | No painting or plastering | May require plaster or paint |
| SANS Compliance | Yes (cut from face bricks) | Yes (SABS tested) |
| Cost per m² (approx.) | Lower labour and cement use | Higher labour and cement cost |
| Energy efficiency | Moderate insulation | Superior thermal performance |
| Ideal for | Renovations & interiors | New builds & exterior walls |
While the price per brick tile and per full brick can seem similar, overall project costs differ due to labour, cement, and transport.
Brick Tiles: Lower cement usage, lighter weight reduces transport costs, and faster installation means reduced labour hours.
Full Clay Bricks: Require more cement, sand, and labour — but deliver long-term strength and insulation.
🧮 Example: For every 10 m² of wall, brick tiles can save up to 40 % in labour and mortar costs compared to full clay bricks.
Both products comply with SANS 227 and SABS building standards when sourced from approved manufacturers.
At Brick Tile Shop, all clay bricks and tiles are sourced from approved plants ensuring:
Dimensional accuracy
Compressive strength compliance
Weather and moisture resistance
Clay bricks have a lower carbon footprint than most alternatives due to their long life cycle and thermal performance. Brick tiles further reduce environmental impact by:
Reusing cuttings from full bricks
Minimizing transport weight
Reducing cement consumption
| Project Type | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| New residential or commercial construction | Full Clay Bricks |
| Home renovations or feature walls | Brick Tiles |
| Cost-sensitive aesthetic upgrade | Brick Tiles |
| Load-bearing or multi-storey structure | Full Clay Bricks |
A homeowner in Gauteng renovated a home using Rosso Eleganza brick tiles on the façade and Imperial Stone tiles indoors. The project achieved a 30 % cost saving compared to rebuilding with full clay bricks — with no compromise on appearance or durability.
Always use tile adhesive and grout suitable for exterior or heat-exposed areas.
Ensure the surface is clean, level, and primed before installation.
Combine with Pratliperl insulation for braai or fireplace areas for enhanced heat resistance.
Q1: Are brick tiles waterproof?
➡️ Yes, when correctly installed and grouted, they are water-resistant and ideal for exterior cladding.
Q2: Can brick tiles be used behind a braai or fireplace?
➡️ Absolutely — they can withstand high temperatures and enhance the appearance of any braai area.
Q3: Are full clay bricks better for double-storey homes?
➡️ Yes, their load-bearing strength makes them ideal for multi-storey construction.
Both brick tiles and full clay bricks offer beauty, durability, and long-term value.
Your choice depends on your project goals — use full clay bricks for structural builds, and brick tiles for lightweight cladding and renovations.
For expert advice or to explore our full range, visit Brick Tile Shop — South Africa’s trusted supplier of approved clay bricks and decorative cladding tiles.
We carry over 20 000 sq/m in of cladding brick tiles in stock and deliver nationwide direct to your door.
