How Many Bricks in a Single Skin Garage

How Many Bricks in a Single Skin Garage

Building a single skin garage requires careful planning to ensure you have the correct number of bricks. The total will depend on the size of the garage, the type of bricks used and the method of construction. By understanding the standard dimensions and using the correct formula, you can estimate the number of bricks needed before starting the build.

What is a Single Skin Garage?

A single skin garage is constructed with a single layer of bricks, typically 102.5mm thick. Unlike a double skin wall that has an inner and outer layer with insulation in between, a single skin garage is a more cost-effective and space-saving option. However, it may require reinforcement such as piers or additional support to maintain stability.

Brick Sizes and Wall Calcultions

The most common type of brick used in the UK is a standard 65mm engineering or facing brick, which has a typical dimension of 215mm in length, 102.5mm in width and 65mm in height. When laid with mortar, the standard size including joints is approximately 225mm x 112.5mm x 75mm.

To calculate the number of bricks required for a garage wall, you need to determine the surface area and divide it by the face area of a single brick. The basic formula is:

Total number of bricks = (Wall area in m²) ÷ (Brick face area in m²)

Estimating the Number of Bricks

For a standard single garage (3m x 6m) with an average height of 2.4m, the approximate number of bricks required is:

  • Front and rear walls (including the door opening): ~800-1,000 bricks

  • Two side walls: ~1,200-1,400 bricks

  • Total: Around 2,000–2,500 bricks

This estimate varies depending on the size of door and window openings, as well as any piers or reinforcements.

Additional Considerations

When ordering bricks, it is always recommended to purchase extra to account for waste, cutting and breakages. Typically, adding 5-10% extra ensures you have enough material for the build. If you are using special bricks or decorative elements, factor those into your calculations separately.

A single skin garage offers a simple and practical storage solution, but ensuring structural integrity is key. Proper foundations, reinforcements and a good quality mortar mix all contribute to a long-lasting and stable construction.