There are many different labels given to bricks – most of them derived from how the brick is made. The most striking distinction is that between extruded bricks and pressed bricks. An extruded brick is made by forcing a continuous column of clay through a mould and cutting the column into individual bricks one section at a time with a series of wires. The layperson will generally refer to extruded bricks as “bricks with holes in them.” The holes in extruded bricks are created by the design of the mould and allow mortar to lock the bricks together when they are laid. Some extruded bricks are also referred to as wirecut bricks. All extruded bricks are cut by wires, but the term wirecut is generally applied to those bricks with the rough textured face that is created by the wire dragging across the clay. Pressed bricks are made individually in mould boxes. Instead of having holes through them, bonding with the mortar in the finished wall is achieved by the frog, the name given to the indentation in the top of a pressed brick. Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Brick and concrete block are the most common types of masonry in use and may be either weight-bearing or a veneer. Concrete blocks, especially those with hollow cores, offer various possibilities in masonry construction. They generally provide great compressive strength, and are best suited to structures with light transverse loading when the cores remain unfilled. Plan quantity take estimates. Our professional estimators will help you by assessing the necessary brick or block quantity take-offs to ensure minimum wastage. For a small (refundable) fee of $150.00 we will take your plans, calculate the quantity required and within have the estimate back to you within the week. When you place the order for your bricks the $150 fee is deducted from your total invoice. View our major or boutique brick suppliers, or enquire online @ http://www.melbournebrick.com.au