Prices for red brick typically fall within a broad range depending on brick type, size, and installation specifics. The main cost drivers are brick wholesale price, mortar, labor, and delivery. This article breaks down expected costs, regional differences, and practical budgeting guidance.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brick (face/red common) | $0.60 | $1.15 | $2.00 | Per brick; varies by grade and finish |
| Mortar & Mortar Mix | $0.15 | $0.40 | $0.80 | Per brick joint; includes cement sand mix |
| Delivery | $0.25 | $0.60 | $1.00 | Per brick equivalent or load; depends on distance |
| Labor (masonry) | $8.00 | $14.50 | $25.00 | Per hour; crew size affects total hours |
| Equipment & Tools | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.30 | Scaffolding, trowels, cutters, jointer |
| Permits & Inspections | $50 | $250 | $1,000 | Depends on local codes |
| Waste & Delivery Disposal | $0.05 | $0.15 | $0.30 | Per brick worth of waste |
| Warranty & Overhead | $0.10 | $0.25 | $0.50 | Contractor markup |
| Taxes | $0.05 | $0.10 | $0.20 | Sales tax varies by state |
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Costs span a wide range from roughly $6.50 to $20.00 per brick installed, driven by brick type, regional labor rates, and project scope. For an entire project, most homeowners see totals in the $8,000-$40,000 range for a standard exterior wall job, depending on wall area and finish. The per-square-foot range also helps, with red brick generally in the $8-$25 per sq ft installed, including materials, labor, and waste handling, assuming typical thickness and standard mortar joint.
Typical project ranges include materials plus labor to install a standard bonded wall. Projects that require thicker walls, decorative patterns, or epoxy coatings raise both per-brick and per-square-foot costs.
Cost Breakdown
In a typical installation, materials dominate the low end, while labor drives most of the variance at higher levels. The table below shows a representative mix for a full wall replacement or new wall build, with 1,800 sq ft of face brick possible in a mid-range scenario.
| Category | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $4,125 | $9,000 | Red face bricks + mortar mix; SEER/tonnage not applicable |
| Labor | $3,600 | $8,800 | $18,000 | Crew hours × hourly rates; includes setup and cleanup |
| Equipment | $90 | $450 | $900 | Scaffolding, mixer, saws |
| Permits | $100 | $350 | $800 | Code compliance |
| Delivery/Disposal | $400 | $1,000 | $2,000 | Brick delivery + waste disposal |
| Warranty & Overhead | $200 | $600 | $1,000 | Contractor protections |
| Taxes | $120 | $350 | $700 | State/local taxes |
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Pricing Variables
Two niche drivers affect red brick pricing: brick grade and bond pattern. Higher-grade bricks with uniform color and fewer defects cost more, and complex bond patterns (running, stack, or English bond) require more labor hours and careful placement, increasing both materials handling and installation time. Mortar type and joint size also shift costs, with wider joints or specialty mortars adding to material and labor lines.
Ways To Save
Budget-aware homeowners can reduce cost by adjusting scope and sourcing. Options include selecting standard brick types, choosing a thinner veneer alternative, combining brick with other cladding, or planning work during off-peak seasons when crews are more available and rates are lower.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary across regions due to labor costs and shipping distances. In the Urban Northeast, installed red brick often runs 5-12% higher than the national average, while Suburban Midwest is near the average, and Rural Southwest can be 8-15% lower when concrete and mortar costs are leaner. The table below compares three scenarios with approximate deltas.
| Region | Low Cost Delta | Average Delta | High Cost Delta |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban Northeast | +5% | +0% | +12% |
| Suburban Midwest | +0% | +0% | +6% |
| Rural Southwest | -6% | -9% | -15% |
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards illustrate common builds. Each includes specs, labor hours, per-unit prices, and totals to show how choices shape the bottom line.
Basic
Spec: 600 sq ft wall, standard red brick, simple running bond, minimal mortar joint. Labor: 180 hours; Brick: 6,600 bricks; 8 units of mortar per 100 bricks. Total: $7,200-$9,400. Assumptions: suburban area, standard mortar, no decorative work.
Mid-Range
Spec: 1,200 sq ft wall, red brick with light texture, running bond with header accents. Labor: 360 hours; Bricks: 13,000; Mortar: standard mix; Delivery included. Total: $14,500-$26,000. Assumptions: regional average labor, typical permits.
Premium
Spec: 1,800 sq ft wall, high-grade red face brick, English bond, decorative accents, sealant finish. Labor: 520 hours; Bricks: 26,000; Enhanced mortar and sealants. Total: $38,000-$60,000. Assumptions: urban market, complex pattern, higher waste allowance.
Note: The figures reflect typical ranges for exterior walls and can vary with site access, climate exposure, and foundation conditions. There are no-year-specific considerations beyond general market trends.