Bricks & Blocks
in Chennai

Blocks & Bricks
FAQs

• What size AAC block should I use for my house walls? +

  The most common AAC block sizes for residential construction in Chennai are 4-inch (100mm) for internal partition walls and 6-inch (150mm) for external/load-bearing walls. 8-inch blocks are used where additional thermal or acoustic insulation is needed, or for basement/boundary walls. For a typical 2BHK or 3BHK house, 4-inch and 6-inch blocks cover most applications.

• How do AAC blocks compare to red bricks? +

  AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) blocks are approximately 3× lighter than red clay bricks, which significantly reduces dead load on your structure — allowing savings in steel and concrete. AAC blocks offer superior thermal insulation (keeping rooms cooler in Chennai's heat), excellent sound insulation, and better fire resistance. They're also more dimensionally accurate, reducing mortar usage. The higher upfront cost is typically offset by savings in structure, plaster, and air conditioning.

• What is the price of AAC blocks in Chennai? +

  AAC block prices in Chennai typically range from ₹45–₹70 per piece for the popular 4-inch (600×200×100mm) size, depending on brand and quantity. 6-inch blocks are priced higher. BuildingNeeds supplies AAC blocks from ISI:2185 certified manufacturers. Call +91 63996 96363 or check our live rates for current pricing with volume discounts.

• How many AAC blocks are needed per square metre of wall? +

  For 4-inch AAC blocks (600mm × 200mm face), approximately 8.33 blocks cover one square metre of wall (excluding mortar joints). For 6-inch blocks of the same face dimensions, the same count applies but thickness changes. Add 5% for wastage and cutting. For a typical 10×10 ft room with 9ft ceiling, you'll need approximately 140–160 blocks for all four walls.

• Can AAC blocks be used for load-bearing walls? +

  Standard AAC blocks (density 550–650 kg/m³) can be used for low-rise load-bearing construction up to 2–3 storeys, subject to structural design. For RCC-framed buildings (which most modern Chennai homes are), AAC blocks are used as infill walls and are NOT load-bearing. In an RCC framed structure, the steel-concrete frame carries all loads — the block walls are just partitions and enclosures.

• What is the difference between AAC blocks and fly ash bricks? +

  AAC blocks are factory-made using cement, lime, fly ash, and aluminium powder under high pressure and steam (autoclaving), giving them a uniform cellular structure. Fly ash bricks are manufactured under hydraulic pressure without steam curing. AAC blocks are lighter, have better insulation, and are more dimensionally precise. Fly ash bricks are denser, slightly stronger in compression, and more economical — making them suitable for boundary walls and exterior applications where insulation is less critical.