Brick Veneer Calculator — Bricks & Ties Per Wall
Estimate face brick, Type S mortar, and metal wall ties for a residential brick veneer cladding. Based on standard wythe layout with 3/8-inch mortar joints.
Enter Dimensions
Standard is 3/8 in (0.375)
Results
Bricks Needed
1,207bricks
Mortar Bags (60 lb)
35bags
Type S mortar, ~35 bricks/bag
Wall Area
160sq ft
Bricks per Sq Ft
6.86bricks/sq ft
Editorial Standards
Each calculator is reviewed for formula accuracy, unit consistency, and alignment with current U.S. building practices before publication. We verify outputs against published engineering references and real-world project data. Learn more about our methodology.
Brick veneer is the single-wythe brick cladding system that visually mimics solid brick construction at a fraction of the material cost. The brick is non-structural — a sheathed wood or steel wall behind carries all loads. Metal corrugated ties anchor the brick to the stud wall through a 1 inch air gap.
This calculator estimates face brick, mortar, and ties for a residential brick veneer installation. For the structural wall sizing, see the parent Stud Calculator.
How to Estimate Brick Veneer Cladding
Brick count = (Wall Area − Openings) × 6.86 × (1 + waste %). Ties = Wall Area ÷ 2.67. Mortar bags = ⌈Brick Count ÷ 30⌉ for typical Type N mix.
Brick Veneer Accessory Quantities
- Metal corrugated ties: 1 per 2.67 sq ft (IRC); double-up in seismic zones.
- Tie fasteners: 1 self-tap or nail per tie, anchored to studs.
- Weather-resistive barrier: 1 sq ft per sq ft of wall (Tyvek or felt over sheathing).
- Weep vents: 1 per 24-33 inches of base course + 1 over every opening header.
- Through-wall flashing: 1 LF per LF of base course and over every opening.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bricks per square foot for veneer?
6.86 bricks per square foot for modular face brick (7-5/8″ × 2-1/4″) with 3/8 inch mortar joints. King-size (9-5/8″ × 2-3/4″) yields about 4.7 per sq ft; queen-size (7-5/8″ × 2-3/4″) yields 5.7.
How many brick ties do I need per square foot?
IRC R703.7.4 requires one metal tie per 2.67 sq ft of wall area. Stagger ties at 16 inches vertically and 32 inches horizontally for non-seismic zones. Seismic zones require 1 tie per 2 sq ft.
Do I need weep holes in brick veneer?
Yes — weep holes at the base course (typically every 24-33 inches) and over every door and window header allow incidental moisture to drain from behind the veneer. Use 3/8 inch open head joints or commercial weep vents.
How thick is a brick veneer wall?
A modular brick veneer is nominally 4 inches thick (actually 3-5/8 inches). With a 1 inch air gap behind, the total assembly thickness (back of brick to front of sheathing) is 4-5/8 inches.
Can brick veneer carry load?
No — brick veneer is non-structural cladding. The structural wall behind (wood or steel framing) carries all roof and floor loads. The veneer only supports its own weight.
Looking for the general calculator?
Calculate bricks and mortar bags for walls, patios, and masonry projects. Supports standard modular, queen, and Norman bricks with adjustable mortar joint size.
Open the Brick Calculator: Bricks & Mortar Bags →