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What is the difference between brick veneer and double brick?

Brick veneer uses a single outer layer of bricks attached to an internal timber or steel frame. Double brick uses two layers of brick as the structural walls with no internal frame — much heavier and more thermally massive.

Is double brick worth the extra cost?

It depends on your priorities. Double brick offers superior thermal mass, soundproofing and durability. However, it costs significantly more and is rarely offered by volume builders. It's more common in Perth than the eastern states.

What is most common in Queensland new builds?

Brick veneer is the most common external wall system in Queensland new builds. Some builders use lightweight cladding (Scyon, Hardiplank) instead of brick veneer — which is lighter but less thermally massive.

Can I upgrade from brick veneer to double brick?

Very rarely through a volume builder. Double brick is primarily offered by custom builders and is more prevalent in Western Australia. Eastern state volume builders almost universally use brick veneer.

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Home›Build Knowledge Hub›Building Process›Frame & Structure›Brick Veneer vs Double Brick

Frame & Structure

Brick Veneer vs Double Brick

The two brick wall systems used in Australian homes — how they differ in construction, thermal performance, cost and what builders offer.

5 min·Compare My Build — Independent Resource· Updated June 2025

Introduction

When people say "brick home" in Australia, they usually mean brick veneer — a single outer layer of bricks attached to an internal frame. Double brick (cavity brick) uses two structural brick walls with no internal frame. The difference matters for thermal performance, cost, sound insulation and the type of builder you'll need to use.

Key Differences

Feature	Brick Veneer	Double Brick
Construction	Single brick layer + internal frame	Two structural brick layers
Structural element	Internal frame carries loads	Brickwork carries loads
Wall thickness	~270mm total	~270–300mm (brick + cavity + brick)
Thermal mass	Moderate	Very high
Cost	Standard (included)	+$25,000 – $60,000+
Availability	All volume builders	Custom builders, mainly WA
Soundproofing	Good	Excellent

Pros and Cons

Pros

+ Brick veneer is widely available from all volume builders
+ Double brick offers superior thermal mass — more comfortable in extreme climates
+ Double brick provides better sound insulation between rooms and from outside
+ Double brick has excellent fire resistance

Cons

− Double brick costs significantly more — often $30,000–$60,000 extra
− Double brick is not available from volume builders in eastern Australia
− Brick veneer has lower thermal mass — may need more heating/cooling
− Double brick adds significant weight — may affect slab requirements

Cost Comparison

Brick veneer (standard inclusion)Included

Double brick upgrade+$25,000 – $60,000+

Lightweight cladding (alternative)Similar to brick veneer

Double brick is primarily available through custom builders in Western Australia. Eastern state volume builders do not typically offer it.

Common Builder Inclusions

›Brick veneer external walls are standard in most QLD, NSW and VIC volume builder contracts
›Double brick is not offered by volume builders in the eastern states
›Lightweight cladding (Scyon, Hardiplank) may be offered as an alternative
›Always check whether brickwork extends to all external walls or select areas only

Note

Some volume builder base prices include brickwork only to the first floor or certain elevations. Ask specifically: "Does the base price include full brick veneer to all external walls?"