What Is a King Closer Brick? A Practical Guide for DIY Builders

At the end of the day, building or renovating your home is a balance between budget, sustainability, and durability. If you’re diving into the world of bricklaying, you might have stumbled across the term king closer brick and wondered what on earth it means—and more importantly, whether it’s worth your time and money. For the eco-conscious DIY builder wary of jargon like “embodied energy” and “U-value,” I’m here to cut through the confusion and give you the lowdown on this special brick shape, practical tips on bricklaying, and honest insights into whether bricks stack up against timber or concrete.

What Is a King Closer Brick?

Simply put, a king closer brick is a specially shaped brick used in brickwork to create neat, strong corners—especially where a wall’s bond needs to turn 90 degrees. It’s not your basic rectangular brick; rather, it’s cut so one end is a full brick width, and the other end tapers down to about half the width. This shape helps maintain the pattern and strength of the brick bond at corners without awkward gaps.

If you imagine laying bricks like stacking a puzzle, the king closer is a uniquely shaped piece that fills a tricky corner spot, ensuring the bricks interlock properly and the wall holds up better over time.

Why Not Just Cut a Brick Yourself?

Good question. In many cases, DIYers do cut bricks to fit corners or odd spaces, but a king closer is pre-cut or manufactured to exact specifications, ensuring:

Consistent sizing: Unlike uneven cuts with a hammer and chisel, king closers have clean, precise edges. Better bonding: The angled shape fits perfectly with adjoining bricks, improving the wall’s structural integrity. Time-saving: Saves you the hassle of measuring and cutting bricks on site, reducing waste.

That said, cutting bricks isn’t rocket science. You’ll want a good brick hammer and possibly a masonry saw if you’re serious about clean cuts. But more on that later.

Bricklaying Terms You Should Know

Before we dive deeper, let’s get familiar with a few key bricklaying terms, so you don’t feel lost when you hear pros talking shop:

Closer: A brick cut to fit into a space where a full brick won’t fit, often used at corners. King Closer: A type of closer with one end half the width of a full brick, used to bond corners. Queen Closer: Similar to a king closer but cut in half lengthwise, often used in English bond walls. Bond: The pattern in which bricks are laid to ensure strength and stability. Header: Brick laid with the short end facing out, usually for bonding layers. Stretcher: Brick laid with the long side facing out, the most common orientation.

How to Cut Bricks: Practical Tips for DIY Builders

Cutting bricks yourself might seem intimidating, but with a bit of practice and the right tools, it’s very doable—and can save you money. Here’s what I’ve learned over 15 years of watching builders sweat over uneven cuts and wasted bricks:

Tools you’ll need: A brick hammer, a cold chisel, safety goggles, gloves, and if you want precision, a masonry saw with diamond blade. Mark your cut: Use a pencil or chalk to mark the exact spot on the brick you need to cut. Score the brick: Use the chisel and hammer to make a shallow groove along the marked line on all sides. Snap the brick: Place the brick on a solid surface and deliver a sharp blow with the hammer along the groove; the brick should split cleanly. Clean edges: Use the chisel to smooth out any rough edges if necessary.

For angled cuts like those needed for a king closer, a masonry saw can make life easier and more precise, but expect to pay $100-$300 for a basic saw if you don’t already own one.

Are King Closer Bricks Expensive?

Price is a top concern, especially if you’re working on a budget. King closer bricks generally cost more than standard bricks because of the extra cutting and shaping involved.

Brick Type Typical Price Range (USD) Standard Brick $0.50 - $1.00 per brick King Closer Brick (Special Shape) $1.50 - $2.50 per brick

Brands like Glen-Gery and Belden Brick Company offer a variety of special brick shapes including king closers. Ordering special shapes often requires buying in bulk and planning ahead, so it’s not ideal for last-minute projects.

Is Brick Better Than Timber or Concrete for Green Building?

Now, the million-dollar question: bricks vs. timber vs. concrete. Here’s what you really need to know, stripped of hype and marketing fluff.

Embodied Energy and Carbon Footprint

“Embodied energy” refers to the total energy used re-thinkingthefuture.com to extract, manufacture, transport, and install a building material. Bricks do have an embodied energy higher than timber, but lower than many types of concrete—especially those using Portland cement.

Brick: Fired clay bricks require energy to bake and shape but can last centuries. Their thermal mass helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing heating and cooling loads. Timber: Generally low embodied energy, renewable if sourced responsibly, but can have shorter lifespans if not maintained well. Concrete: High embodied energy due to cement production, but durable and versatile.

One key advantage of brick is its thermal mass: imagine a brick wall as a thermal battery that absorbs heat during the day and releases it at night, smoothing out temperature swings and potentially lowering your energy bills.

Cost Considerations

Brick construction typically has a higher upfront cost than timber framing but can pay off in durability and low maintenance. Timber might be cheaper initially but may require more upkeep and replacement over time. Concrete varies widely but often falls in between.

Longevity and Maintenance

Bricks, especially well-made ones from reputable companies like Glen-Gery or Belden, can last 100+ years with minimal maintenance. Timber is vulnerable to rot, pests, and fire unless treated and maintained. Concrete is durable but can crack if not properly mixed and cured.

Final Thoughts: Should You Use King Closer Bricks?

If you’re serious about building a solid, efficient, and visually appealing brick wall with clean corners, king closer bricks are worth considering. They ensure the bond pattern stays consistent and the wall’s strength is uncompromised. Sure, they cost more than standard bricks, but their precision can save you time and reduce waste on site.

For DIYers on a budget, cutting your own bricks can work, but expect a learning curve and some trial and error. Also, don’t underestimate the value of good planning—ordering special shapes like king closers in advance from trusted suppliers like Glen-Gery or Belden can prevent costly delays.

From a green building perspective, bricks hold their own as a sustainable material thanks to their longevity and thermal mass, despite their embodied energy. When balanced against the short lifespan and maintenance demands of timber or the carbon-heavy nature of concrete, bricks can be a pragmatic, eco-friendly choice.

So next time you hear “king closer brick,” you can picture that clever little brick that ties your wall together like the last piece in a well-crafted puzzle—proving once again that sometimes, the old-school, time-tested solutions really are the best.

Resources and Suppliers

Glen-Gery Special Shapes Belden Brick Company How to Cut a Brick - Family Handyman Energy-Efficient Home Design - US Department of Energy