How Many Bricks in a Single Skin Garage

When planning to build or renovate a garage, one of the first practical questions most people ask is how many bricks they will need. Calculating this number accurately can save both time and money, helping you budget properly and avoid waste. For a single skin garage, the process is more straightforward than for a double wall structure, but it still requires some careful thought. The number of bricks depends on the size of the garage, the size of the bricks being used, and the layout pattern chosen for the walls.

In the UK, most garages are constructed using standard bricks, which come in a consistent size and are easy to work with. However, it is important to remember that no two garages are exactly alike. The inclusion of doors, windows, piers, or decorative features can all influence the final count. Understanding how brickwork is measured and how to calculate your requirements will give you a clear picture before you begin.

What Is a Single Skin Garage?

A single skin garage refers to a structure built with one layer of bricks, usually laid in a stretcher bond pattern. This means the bricks are laid lengthways, with each course overlapping the one below it to provide strength and stability. The walls are typically around 102.5 millimetres thick, which is the standard width of a UK brick.

Single skin garages are popular because they are cost-effective and easier to build. They are ideal for detached or standalone garages that do not require the same level of insulation or structural strength as a double skin or cavity wall. While a single skin wall is not as thermally efficient, it provides adequate strength and weather resistance for a typical domestic garage used for car storage, garden tools, or general household items.

However, because single skin walls have no cavity for insulation or damp protection, it is essential to ensure that the brickwork is well-pointed and properly maintained. A damp proof course should always be installed to prevent moisture rising through the walls.

Understanding Brick Sizes and Quantities

Before calculating how many bricks you need, you must know the size of a standard UK brick. The typical brick measures 215 millimetres in length, 102.5 millimetres in width, and 65 millimetres in height. When laid with mortar joints of approximately 10 millimetres, the overall module size becomes 225 millimetres by 75 millimetres.

This means that, on average, there are around 60 bricks per square metre of wall when using a standard stretcher bond pattern. This figure includes the space taken up by mortar joints and is widely used across the building industry as a standard calculation.

However, it is wise to allow an additional 5 to 10 percent of bricks to cover cuts, waste, and breakages. Even experienced bricklayers encounter some loss during construction, especially around corners, windows, and doors.

Calculating the Wall Area

To determine how many bricks you need for your single skin garage, start by calculating the total wall area. This involves measuring the length and height of each wall and multiplying these dimensions to find the area in square metres.

For example, let us assume you are building a standard single garage that measures 6 metres long by 3 metres wide with walls 2.4 metres high.

The perimeter of the garage would be the total length of all four walls, which is 6 + 3 + 6 + 3 = 18 metres. Multiply the perimeter by the height to calculate the total wall area.

18 metres x 2.4 metres = 43.2 square metres of wall surface.

Now, multiply the wall area by the number of bricks per square metre.

43.2 square metres x 60 bricks per square metre = 2,592 bricks.

Since you should allow for waste, adding around 10 percent is sensible.

2,592 + 259 = 2,851 bricks in total.

Therefore, for a single skin garage of this size, you would need roughly 2,850 to 2,900 bricks.

Accounting for Openings

Most garages include a large opening for the main door, and some also have side doors or windows. These openings will reduce the number of bricks required. To adjust for them, calculate the area of each opening and subtract it from the total wall area.

For instance, a typical single garage door might measure 2.4 metres wide by 2.1 metres high.

2.4 metres x 2.1 metres = 5.04 square metres.

If your total wall area is 43.2 square metres, subtracting the door area gives:

43.2 – 5.04 = 38.16 square metres.

Now multiply this by the brick density.

38.16 square metres x 60 bricks per square metre = 2,289.6 bricks.

After adding 10 percent for waste, you will need about 2,520 bricks.

If you plan to include a side door or window, you can repeat the same process. For example, a standard personnel door might measure 0.9 metres by 2 metres (1.8 square metres), and a window could be 1 metre by 1 metre (1 square metre). Subtracting these openings reduces the total again, meaning you might end up needing around 2,400 bricks overall.

Brick Bond Patterns and Their Effect

The pattern in which bricks are laid, known as the bond, can slightly affect the number of bricks required and the overall look of the garage. The most common pattern for single skin garages is the stretcher bond, where each brick overlaps the one below it by half its length. This pattern is efficient, strong, and economical in terms of brick usage.

Other patterns, such as English bond or Flemish bond, use alternating headers and stretchers. These are typically used for double skin or decorative walls and are less common in single skin construction. Using these would increase the number of bricks required because the wall thickness and bonding arrangements differ.

If you are sticking with a simple stretcher bond, your calculation of 60 bricks per square metre remains accurate.

Corner Details and Piers

Corners, pillars, and piers can slightly increase the total number of bricks required. Piers are vertical columns of bricks built into the wall to provide additional stability, especially on longer walls. For example, if your garage has walls over five metres long, it is often recommended to add piers every three metres to prevent bowing or movement.

Each pier typically adds an extra 50 to 100 bricks depending on its size. If you have two piers per long wall, that could add around 400 bricks in total.

Corners also require some additional cuts and adjustments, which may increase waste. Therefore, it is always sensible to buy slightly more than your calculations suggest.

The Importance of Mortar

Mortar not only holds the bricks together but also affects the total count. Thicker joints mean fewer bricks per square metre, while thinner joints increase the number. Standard mortar joints are around 10 millimetres thick, which is the basis for most industry estimates.

When calculating materials, remember to include enough sand and cement for the mortar mix. A single skin garage will typically require around 0.3 cubic metres of mortar for every 1,000 bricks. That means for a 2,500-brick garage, you will need around 0.75 cubic metres of mortar.

Foundation and Height Considerations

The foundation or base of your garage does not affect the number of bricks directly, but it determines the wall height and stability. Standard single garages have walls around 2.4 metres high, which is sufficient for most vehicles. However, if you plan to store larger vehicles or add a pitched roof with additional height, you will need to increase the number of bricks proportionally.

For every additional 0.3 metres in wall height, you will need about 12 to 13 extra bricks per square metre of wall area. If you extend the height by half a metre, you could add several hundred bricks to the total count.

Regional and Design Variations

In the UK, most garages are built using standard metric bricks, but in older properties, you may encounter imperial-sized bricks that are slightly larger. If you are matching the new garage to an existing building, check the brick dimensions carefully before ordering. Using a different size can affect both appearance and quantity.

The overall design of the garage also matters. A simple rectangular shape requires fewer bricks than a structure with multiple returns, decorative arches, or a parapet wall. If your design includes a decorative course or soldier bricks above doors and windows, you should allow extra materials accordingly.

Example Breakdown for a Typical Garage

Let us take another example of a standard single garage measuring 6 metres by 3 metres with a height of 2.4 metres, a main door, and a small window.

Wall area: 18 metres (perimeter) x 2.4 metres = 43.2 square metres
Subtract door area: 5.04 square metres
Subtract window area: 1 square metre
Net wall area: 43.2 – 5.04 – 1 = 37.16 square metres
Brick requirement: 37.16 x 60 = 2,229.6 bricks
Add 10 percent for waste: 2,229.6 + 223 = approximately 2,450 bricks.

If you include two piers for extra stability, you can add around 150 to 200 bricks, giving a final total of about 2,600 to 2,700 bricks.

Sourcing and Buying Bricks

When purchasing bricks, always buy from the same batch or supplier if possible. This ensures consistent colour and texture across the entire garage. Bricks can vary slightly in tone even from the same manufacturer, and differences may become noticeable once the wall is built.

It is also worth checking lead times and delivery costs, especially for larger quantities. Bricks are heavy, and delivery fees can add to your overall budget. Storing them in a dry, secure place will keep them clean and prevent damage before building begins.

Tips for Estimating Accurately

Always measure twice before ordering, as small errors in your initial measurements can make a big difference to the final count. Double-check the dimensions of doors and windows and confirm the wall height with your builder or designer.

If in doubt, round up rather than down. Having a small surplus is far better than running short midway through construction. Extra bricks can always be used for small garden projects, edging, or repairs in the future.

The Role of the Builder

While it is useful to understand how to calculate the number of bricks yourself, consulting a qualified builder or bricklayer is still recommended. Professionals can confirm your estimates, adjust for specific design details, and ensure that the materials ordered will be sufficient. They can also help you plan the mortar mix, foundation depth, and wall thickness to ensure the structure complies with building standards.

Conclusion

Calculating how many bricks you need for a single skin garage involves understanding the size of the structure, the brick dimensions, and the layout pattern. On average, a standard single garage measuring around 6 metres by 3 metres will require roughly 2,500 to 2,700 bricks once you account for doors, windows, and waste.

By following accurate measurements and factoring in openings, piers, and brick bonds, you can make sure you order the right amount without overspending. Taking time to plan your material requirements not only saves money but also ensures your build progresses smoothly.

A well-built single skin garage, constructed with care and precision, can provide decades of reliable service. Knowing how to estimate your brick requirements correctly is the first step toward achieving a sturdy, attractive, and lasting structure that enhances both the practicality and appearance of your property.