Are you searching for innovative ways to build your dream house? Want to build the house in an eco-friendly way with a minimal budget and in a shorter time span? Then you must go for an interlocking brick house. It is not only practical but also gives a raw and industrial vibe.
In this blog, Brick & Bolt shares what interlocking bricks are, the types of interlocking bricks, how you can build a house with them, and interlocking bricks’ house construction cost.
What Are Interlocking Bricks?
Interlocking bricks are specially designed to lock one brick with another without the need for mortar. These interlocking bricks fit together similarly to puzzle pieces and have the self-locking capability to create a structure. This interlocking brick house design is based on a shear key and lock mechanism.
Based on the materials used for manufacturing, types of interlock bricks are classified as follows:
- Concrete interlocking bricks will be manufactured with cement, sand, and stone dust.
- Mud/soil interlocking bricks will be produced by laterite soil and cement.
- Fly ash interlocking bricks are made by including fly ash (a byproduct of coal combustion) as a major component. Fly ash will be mixed with cement, sand, and stone dust. This will enhance stability and strength.
You can choose them based on your budget and structural requirements.
Interlocking Brick Construction Procedure
You need to be more careful during the construction of interlocking brick houses. You can follow the following steps to maintain the structural integrity of your house:
Site Preparation and Foundation
Before starting construction, you need to conduct a site assessment to find any problems that might affect the building’s strength. Start building a strong foundation to support the weight of the bricks. Interlocking bricks depend on their interlocking design to distribute loads more evenly. You can go for a concrete base with a level and even surface. After completing the basement, cover it with a layer of typical baked bricks. The width of this layer should match the interlocking brick wall’s thickness before placing the interlocking bricks above this layer.
Construction Techniques
This construction technique doesn’t ask for the use of mortar mix, and it only takes interlocking bricks. This dry-stacking design helps bricks lock into place tightly. You can use a “rubber mallet” to tap them into position. However, sometimes, if it’s needed, you can use mortar layers to get better structural stability, mainly in the initial courses above the damp-proof course (DPC) and the top courses for roof bands. This minimal use of mortar reduces cement dependency and overall project expenses. The interlocking mechanisms between blocks resist external forces through shear keys, improving the structure’s durability. You must initiate the construction from the corners using half-cut blocks; this will help to make correct alignment. The ridges and interlocking faces must be aligned properly. Additionally, a brick force (a reinforcing wire) should be secured in the centre of each brick to reinforce the joints and keep everything aligned.
Roof & Waterproofing
Since you will not use mortar to build interlocking brick walls, you must prioritise the type of roof you will use and waterproofing techniques. Always extend the house’s roof edges to create overhangs and prevent water from reaching the walls and foundation. This way, you can protect the exterior siding materials and window seals. Ensuring the roof’s sides are slightly higher than the wall is also necessary to withstand rain.
Plastering & Finishing
Plastering is completely optional for a house with interlock bricks. You can leave the house without plastering for both exterior and interior walls. However, for the toilet area, pointing can be done after the wall has been built. Pointing the gaps between the bricks will help to prevent insects and potential wear and tear. If desired, a thin layer of wall putty or paint can be applied to the walls for a smooth finish. In some cases, a thin layer of cement plastering will be applied outside of mud bricks to strengthen them and keep water out. The corners of the wall should be entirely coated with cement after the completion of the building.
Interlocking Brick House vs. Traditional Red Brick House
Interlocking houses and traditional houses differ significantly in terms of construction costs, materials, labour requirements, and overall savings. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Aspect | Interlocking House | Traditional House |
| Material Cost | ₹15–82 per piece (varies by material) | ₹9–12 per piece (traditional red brick) |
| Labor Requirements | Less number of labours needed | More number of labours required |
| Construction Speed | Faster (7 days curing) | Slower (21 days curing) |
| Example Cost (2,300 sq.ft.) | ~₹45 lakhs | Higher than ₹45 lakhs |
| Overall Savings | 30–40% reduction | No significant savings |
Interlocking Bricks Cost
Interlocking bricks cost between ₹18 and ₹82 per brick, depending on size and quality.
Here’s a detailed cost breakdown to help you understand the expenses involved in building a 100 sq ft wall using interlocking bricks.
We will consider an interlinking block sized 10 X 8 X 5 inches with a cost of ₹40 per piece.
Face area of one block (for wall calculation) = 10 in × 5 in = 50 sq in = 0.347 sq ft
Number of bricks required = Total wall area ÷ Area covered by one brick
= 100 ÷ 0.347
approximately 289 bricks
Material Cost
- Cost per block = ₹40
- Number of bricks = 289
Total material cost = 289 × ₹40 = ₹11,560 {Interlocking brick wall won’t require mortar}
Labour Cost
Now, if we consider that the material cost is around 60% and labour cost is around 40% of the total construction cost.
Then, Total Cost = ₹11,560 ÷ 0.6 = ₹19,266
And, Labour Cost = 0.4 × ₹19,266 = ₹7,706
Hence, the total cost to build a 100 sq ft wall is ₹19,266.
Please note that this is a general estimate, and the actual cost may vary based on several factors such as location, size of the brick, design complexity and materials used.
Mistakes to Avoid During Interlocking Brick Construction
Before starting construction, it’s essential to understand the disadvantages of interlocking bricks to ensure you’re making the right choice for your project. The following are common mistakes that take place during construction:
- While interlocking bricks reduce the need for traditional masonry, the proper alignment of bricks requires experienced masons to avoid structural issues.
- Don’t build interlocking brick houses in regions with heavy rainfall without plastering. Rainwater may enter the pipes without plasterwork and become a breeding ground for insects. The bricks’ disintegration may occur due to weather activity (especially in the corners). If rainwater penetrates through the gaps, the colour of the brick changes.
- These bricks are suitable for low-rise structures (up to 2 floors). You should not build a house with interlocking bricks with more than two stories.
In the present and future, interlocking bricks are a promising building method in India. It is a perfect solution for the growing demand for sustainable and affordable housing. These bricks are both budget-friendly and eco-friendly. By using clay interlocking bricks, you can also achieve eco-friendly home construction. These interlocking bricks can suit both rural and urban housing projects. Their adaptability to diverse terrains makes them ideal for rural development, while urban projects benefit from their environmental advantages and alignment with green building standards. For more details, you can consult an experienced engineer or a construction company like Brick & Bolt.
Hemali Patel