Quick answer: The main brick types used in Pakistan are awal (first-class) bricks for load-bearing and external walls, doyam (second-class) bricks for less critical internal work, soyam (third-class) under-burnt bricks that should not be used structurally, khingar (over-burnt) bricks used for brick ballast and soling, thin tile bricks for roofs and facades, and concrete blocks for partitions and boundary walls. For a house, use awal bricks in all structural walls.
Brick Types Compared
| Type | Key features | Best use | Avoid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awal (first class) | Well burnt, uniform size and colour, sharp edges, clear ringing sound | Load-bearing walls, external walls, foundations | - |
| Doyam (second class) | Slightly irregular shape or colour, minor cracks | Internal partitions, backing masonry where specified | Load-bearing and exposed walls |
| Soyam (third class) | Under-burnt, light colour, dull sound, absorbs much water | Temporary works only | Any permanent structure |
| Khingar / jhama (over-burnt) | Very hard, distorted, dark | Brick ballast, soling, road base | Wall masonry (poor shape) |
| Tile bricks | Thin (around 1.5 - 2 inches), flat | Roof tiling over insulation, facade cladding, flooring | Structural walls |
| Concrete blocks | Solid or hollow, factory or site made | Boundary walls, partitions, framed structures | Load-bearing walls unless designed for it |
Standard Brick Size in Pakistan
The common clay brick size is 9 x 4.5 x 3 inches. Size can vary between kilns, which affects mortar use and brick count. Measure a sample of 20 bricks laid end to end; the total should be close to the expected length. To estimate quantities, use our brick calculator or read how many bricks a house needs.
Simple Site Tests for Brick Quality
- Visual check: Uniform deep red or copper colour, straight edges and no cracks.
- Sound test: Strike two bricks together; good bricks give a clear metallic ring.
- Scratch test: A fingernail should not leave a mark on a good brick.
- Drop test: Dropped flat from about 1 metre onto hard ground, a good brick should not break.
- Water absorption: After 24 hours in water, a first-class brick should not gain more than about 20 percent of its dry weight.
- Efflorescence: White salt patches after soaking and drying indicate soluble salts that can damage plaster.
Brick Prices in 2026
In late 2026, awal bricks in Lahore have generally been quoted at about PKR 18,000 to 25,000 per 1,000 delivered, depending on kiln, quality and transport distance. Doyam bricks are cheaper, but the saving rarely justifies the extra mortar, plaster and risk. Check current prices before ordering, and see our construction cost guide for how bricks affect your budget.
Clay Bricks vs Concrete Blocks
| Factor | Clay bricks | Concrete blocks |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal comfort | Good heat storage, familiar performance | Hollow blocks can insulate better; solid blocks store heat |
| Speed | Slower (smaller units) | Faster (larger units) |
| Mortar use | Higher | Lower |
| Availability | Everywhere in Punjab | Good, but quality varies by manufacturer |
| Best for | Load-bearing houses | Framed structures, boundary walls, partitions |
Good Bricklaying Practice
- Soak bricks before use so they do not draw water from the mortar.
- Lay frog side up and fill joints fully.
- Keep joints about 3/8 inch thick and staggered.
- Do not raise a wall more than about 4 to 5 ft in a day.
- Cure brickwork for at least 7 days.
Use the correct mortar ratio for each wall. See our cement and sand quantity guide and the A, A+ and A++ specifications.
Planet Builders uses awal bricks in all structural masonry on our grey structure projects, with delivery checks before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an awal brick?
Awal means first class: a well-burnt brick with uniform size and colour, sharp edges and low water absorption, suitable for load-bearing walls.
Can I use doyam bricks to save money?
Only in non-structural internal work where specified. The saving is small compared with the risk and the extra mortar and plaster needed.
What is the size of a standard brick in Pakistan?
The common size is 9 x 4.5 x 3 inches, though actual sizes vary slightly between kilns.
Are concrete blocks better than bricks?
Blocks are faster to lay and suit framed structures and boundary walls. Clay bricks remain the standard choice for load-bearing houses in Punjab.
Questions about material specifications? Contact Planet Builders & Interiors.