Pros and Cons of Purchasing Bricks in Large Quantities

**Whether it's a large or smaller property, bricks take centre stage in most buildings. Their durability, affordability, and ability to protect your home against the elements mean that bricks are eternally popular.

The sheer variety of brick types makes it easier to find a texture, finish and colour that aligns with your preferences. However, trying to figure out whether you should stock up on bricks or buy them for each project is where things get tricky. To buy in bulk, or not to buy in bulk: that's the question we'll answer in this post.

The pros of buying large quantities of bricks

Bricks are a highly affordable building material, but they still require an investment. Their versatility means you can use bricks for a range of buildings and arrange them in attractive designs to add curb appeal to any property.

There are numerous benefits associated with purchasing bricks in bulk, including cost savings, convenience, and sustainability.

Save money

While bricks are affordable, the costs per project can mount up. Many people choose to buy in bulk when they want to save money or are working on different projects that will use the same type of brick. Suppliers often provide discounts for customers who buy in bulk, which means you can reduce your overall costs and have plenty of building materials in storage.

Convenience

When it comes to construction, minor errors will cause big problems. For example, if you're working on a project and accidentally damage some bricks, you'll need to purchase new ones. Not only can this mean you spend more money, but it also increases the project's length. A supply of bricks can help you stay on track with your project and avoid sourcing new materials.

Efficiency

Construction managers have a lot to juggle, including overseeing the project and ensuring teams stay on track. Running out of bricks might not seem like a huge deal, but it can halt the project and impact your team's productivity. When you buy bricks in bulk, you're putting safeguards in place to prevent lost time and money.

No mix-and-match headaches

Every building has a unique character, and bricks bring a sense of style to a property's exterior. Traditional brown bricks are ideal for rustic or traditional homes, while dark bricks are more contemporary. Working on a project and running out of bricks means you'll have to find matching materials. If you're working with rare bricks, finding ones that match can be a real headache, wasting vital time and money. A steady supply of bricks means you won't have to worry about anything.

Eco-friendly

Bricks are heavy, and you often need transportation to move them. While bulk buying bricks might seem counter-intuitive because you'll need additional transportation, it can offer long-term financial benefits. You'll cut down on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint, as fuel is one of the large contributors to emissions (NIH). We all know that saving the planet is a substantial task, but small actions make a significant difference.

The cons of bulk-buying bricks

So, now you know the benefits of bulk-buying bricks, it's time to look at the disadvantages. Purchasing large quantities might not be suitable for everyone, and your choice should depend on your financial situation, available space, and business health.

The initial investment

Buying bricks in bulk will require a large investment initially, but some people feel the long-term savings outweigh this. Larger construction companies can benefit from a consistent supply of bricks, while individuals and small businesses might find bulk buying doesn't suit their needs. The amount you spend will also impact budget availability for other vital materials.

Storage issues

The more bricks you have, the more storage you'll require. Bricks can take up a lot of space and are not items you can casually store at home. Instead, you'll need a large warehouse or storage area to protect your building materials. Failing to store your bricks properly means they're at risk of deterioration and breakages, resulting in additional costs further down the line.

Limited flexibility

When you have loads of bricks, you'll probably want to use them for other projects, which is fine. However, most construction companies know that clients want more control over the exterior of their properties. If you can't offer a selection of bricks, prospective clients might go elsewhere, which means you lose business.

Overstocking issues

There might be times when you have a lot of bricks but can't seem to get rid of them. When this happens, you'll need to sell them off or dispose of them, which usually results in financial losses. For this reason, many smaller construction professionals won't buy in bulk - unless they have a clear idea of how many projects they'll be working on.

Deciding whether buying bricks in bulk is right for you

Buying large quantities of bricks can be a worthwhile solution if you weigh up the pros and cons and decide what's best for your needs. Here are some things to consider before deciding:

Your Needs Which brick types will you need? Some properties prefer traditional bricks, while others will want something different. If you know your client base, buying the suitable types in bulk is easier.

Budget Buying bricks outright is an initial investment, but you can save money in the long run. However, if you're on a small budget and need to factor in other materials, buying just what you need might be best.

Storage Space What's your available space like? Will you need to invest in extra space to accommodate bricks?

The bottom line

There's no doubt that buying bricks in bulk offers a range of advantages, but the decision should align with your immediate and future needs. Finding reliable brick suppliers is also essential, as you want to ensure the materials stand the test of time.

Brickhunter has a range of bricks available with bulk discounts. You'll find everything from classic red bricks to darker shades on our website. Please feel free to shop today or contact us if you have any questions.