When the approximate amount of water needed per batch is known, measure about 90% of this amount and add it to future batches. This number can vary depending on the size of the bricks and whether the bricks are hollow or solid. If you use an aggregate to cement ratio of 8:1 with three-and-a-half bags of cement and a cubic metre of aggregates, you will produce enough concrete mixture to make about 400 bricks. Ensure you have enough cement and aggregates to make the number of bricks you need. Once you’ve found the “recipe” for the best mixture for the concrete bricks and blocks, you can start making them in larger quantities. If you hear a ringing sound, it means that your bricks are strong. If you hear a hollow thud, it means the bricks may be weak. Knock the dried bricks together to test their strength. The heavier the freshly moulded brick, the better. This way, you can find the perfect mixture for your needs. Try to use aggregate to cement ratios of 6:1, 8:1 and 10:1 (230 litres, 300 litres and 380 litres of aggregate per 50kg bag of cement).įor each ratio or combination, mix a batch of concrete with water and use the brick moulding machine to make some test bricks. Then replace some with fine river sand and stones to see what creates the strongest mix for your bricks. When you make your first batch of bricks, try to use coarse sand only. Usually, you can make concrete bricks with just coarse sand, but a combination of aggregates can also be used. You can use pit or fine river sand, coarse sand (up to 5mm in size) or stones that are no bigger than 10mm for hollow bricks or 13mm for solid bricks. Sand and stones will form the aggregates for the concrete bricks. The cement used to make concrete bricks must be strength class 42,5N or higher, as the concrete needs to cure as fast as possible. Other equipment you will need includes hosepipes, wheelbarrows, shovels and plastic sheeting. Drum mixers will not work as they cannot mix the semi-dry concrete required to make bricks.

Only a pan mixer should be used if you are able to use a concrete mixer. Don’t ever mix concrete directly on the earth – the soil will contaminate the concrete batch. Concrete can be mixed with a shovel on a flat concrete slab or steel sheet. Mixing concrete by hand will save money but it is harder work. You get two types of moulding machine – a stationary block moulder that produces one brick at a time on a pallet, and an “egg-layer” machine that moulds bricks on a concrete slab.Ĭoncrete mixers will make the process easier, but they are not essential. You’ll require a number of general-purpose tools, as well as a moulding machine. The right equipment for making concrete bricks You will be able to store 1000 bricks or 200 blocks for curing and drying on a space of about 50 square metres. You’ll need space to produce and store the concrete bricks and blocks. Ideally, bags of cement should be stored in a dry room. Keep aggregates and cement dry and separate until you need to mix them. Do not store the aggregates or cement outside on bare ground or under trees as this can cause moisture damage and contamination. There should also be enough space to store the aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) and cement. Make sure you have access to a flat piece of land big enough to store the equipment, materials and finished bricks. Making concrete bricks and blocks is quite easy, but they need to have a standard size and consistent quality if they are to be sold for a profit. These building blocks can be solid or hollow – it just depends on the builder’s preference. You can even start your own small business producing these cost-effective building materials. Making your own concrete bricks and blocks can save you money if you are looking to build a small structure at home.

Concrete bricks and blocks can easily be made at home with only a few items.

Just add water concrete mix