Brick

building · materials · construction · history

Made from clay. Bricks are formed from clay that gets shaped into rectangles and then baked in very hot ovens called kilns, turning the soft clay into hard, durable blocks.

Ancient building block. People have been making and using bricks for over 10,000 years, and many ancient structures like temples and fortresses were built entirely from stacked bricks.

Standard shape matters. Most bricks are roughly rectangular so they fit together neatly in patterns, making walls straight, strong, and long-lasting.

All around the world. Bricks are one of the most common building materials on Earth because clay is found in many places and the process of making bricks hasn't changed much for centuries.

Strong and sturdy. When baked properly, bricks become very hard and can support heavy weight, which is why they're perfect for building tall buildings and thick walls.