Facing Brick vs Common Brick in Malaysia: What’s the Difference?

Facing Brick and Common Brick may look similar, but their roles in Malaysian construction are very different. While Facing Brick is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal, durability, and design flexibility, Common Brick in Malaysia is widely used for structural support and cost-effective building solutions.

Understanding Facing Brick vs Common Brick in Malaysia

When people talk about building houses or commercial spaces in Malaysia, the topic often around the choice of bricks. For centuries, bricks have been the pillar of the construction industry, but not all brick are the same. The two most widely used types are facing brick and common brick. They seem to be interchangeable on the surface. However, once you explore in depth, you will find the obvious differences in function, appearance, cost and long-term value. The construction industry is expanding rapidly in Malaysia. Understanding the difference between facing brick and common brick can help homeowners, contractors and developers make more informed decisions.

What is Facing Brick?

Facing brick is a kind of brick specially designed for external wall or visual wall. As the name implies, it constitutes the “face” or architecture. In Malaysia, facing brick is particularly popular in modern residential development, office buildings and luxury project. In these projects, both appearance and durability are equally important.

The defining characteristic of facing brick is its aesthetic quality. Facing bricks are made with great care to ensure the consistency of colour, texture and finish. These are different from common brick. This makes facing brick suitable for exterior facades that show the architectural style.

Facing brick are also very resistant to the tropical climate in Malaysia. The scorching sun, rainstorm and occasional flood require materials to be moisture proof, keep colour and not crack with time. This is why many architects and contractors in Malaysia recommend facing tiles for external walls.

What is common brick?

Common brick, also known as building bricks, a standard materials for structural walls and will be plastered painted later. Common brick are widely used in residential and commercial projects in Malaysia. This is because of their affordability and availability.

The main difference between facing brick and common brick in Malaysia is that common bricks are not made for beauty. They are usually rough in appearance and vary in shape and color. Builders usually cover them with plaster or cement to cover up defects. However, they have reliable strength and durability and are practical choices for invisible areas.

Common brick in Malaysia is also a cost-effective choice. For projects where budget is more important than beauty, such as warehouses, internal partitions or industrial buildings in Malaysia, common bricks are the first choice.

Facing Brick vs Common Brick: Strength and Durability

It is a common misunderstanding that facing tiles are weak because they pay attention to appearance. In reality, both facing bricks and common bricks are durable, but they are designed with different priorities.

• Facing brick: Emphasizes weather resistance, moisture protection, and visual appeal. Very suitable for humid climate in Malaysia.

• Common brick: Give priority to the reliability and affordability of the structure. Very suitable for load-bearing walls and interior partitions.

In terms of long-term value, decorative tiles may provide lower maintenance costs because they do not need plastering or frequent repainting. In contrast, common bricks might need regular maintenance, because under the hot and humid conditions in Malaysia, gypsum will crack or paint will peel off.

Cost considerations in Malaysia

Another major factor in the dispute between facing bricks and common bricks in Malaysia is cost. Facing brick are usually more expensive, because they need extra attention in the production process and are finished products. In Malaysia, the price difference may be large, especially in large-scale projects.

Developers of high-end apartments or luxury bungalows usually allocate budgets for facing bricks, because this can save maintenance costs for a long time and create a high-quality image. In contrast, low-cost residential projects, factories and warehouses in Malaysia often rely on common bricks to control their costs.

Practical Applications in Malaysia

Where Facing Bricks Work Best

Facing bricks are ideal for:

• External facades of residential houses

• Commercial building exteriors

• Decorative boundary walls

• Projects that want a premium, modern look

Where Common Bricks Are Most Useful

Common bricks are ideal for:

• Internal walls of homes and apartments

• Industrial buildings and warehouses

• Walls that will be plastered or tiled

• Projects with tight budgets

Facing Brick vs Common Brick: Which Should You Choose in Malaysia?

The choice between facing brick and common brick depends on three main factors: budget, function and design preference.

• If your project is related to appearance and long-term value, especially in Malaysia's highly competitive real estate market, facing brick is a smarter choice.

• If you want affordable and reliable structural materials, regardless of aesthetics, common bricks are incomparable.

In many projects in Malaysia, builders actually use both of them. For example, the exterior front wall of a terrace house in Selangor may feature facing brick, while the side walls and back walls rely on common brick covered in plaster.

Conclusion

The argument between facing brick and common brick in Malaysia is not about which is better overall, but about which is suitable for your project in Malaysia. When beauty and weather ability are very important, facing brick will shine brilliantly, while ordinary tiles will win in affordability and structural performance. By understanding their differences, Malaysian homeowners, contractors and developers can make informed decisions and strike a balance between beauty, cost and durability.

Where to Get Trusted Renovation Contractor in Malaysia for Facing Brick and Common Brick

We provide expert oversight and installation for high-quality home renovation works, including toilets, kitchens, living areas, and full-house upgrades. Our services are suitable for both Residential Renovation in Malaysia and commercial projects, ensuring long-term performance without compromising design. Whether using durable Facing Brick for exterior beauty or Common Brick in Malaysia for cost-effective structure, each project is tailored to your specific needs, providing the best combination of function, safety, and aesthetics.

Our coverage spans the entire country, including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Penang, Malacca (Melaka), Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, Kuantan, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Alor Setar Kedah, and East Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak. We also serve regional clients across Southeast Asia (SEA), including Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines, Brunei, Myanmar, and beyond.

From bathroom upgrades and kitchen remodels to hotels, resorts, or public infrastructure, our team integrates materials like Common Brick and modern finishes to deliver expert solutions that meet the highest standards for Residential Renovation in Malaysia.

For enquiries, email us at info@aathaworld.com or call/WhatsApp +(60)11-7001 1003 (Mon–Fri) or +(60)11-1188 1003 (Sat, Sun & Public Holidays) to find the best construction management solutions in Malaysia.