Farewell, Double Brick? Brick Manufacturers Exit WA

In 2023, Elton John wrapped up his iconic Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in Australia, and it seems brick manufacturers in WA have followed suit. The rising cost of bricks has become a significant concern for builders across the state. Increased demand, supply chain disruptions, and labour shortages are driving prices higher, stretching construction budgets to their limits. In this challenging landscape, finding cost-effective and efficient alternatives is no longer optional—it’s essential. Centurion Framing Systems offers a smarter solution with steel framing, enabling builders to improve cash flow, accelerate project timelines, and deliver homes and commercial spaces faster.

What’s in This Article

WA’s brick supply chain is under serious strain. The state’s only major brick manufacturer is running behind, delays are stretching to 8–10 weeks, and the labour needed to lay bricks isn’t getting easier to find. In this article, we look at how Centurion’s steel framing offers builders a dependable way forward. You’ll discover:

How the scale of the brick supply problem currently affecting WA construction
How Centurion’s design, manufacture and installation service removes the bottlenecks that brick dependency creates
Why TRUECORE® steel outperforms bricks and timber on termite resistance, fire safety, durability and sustainability

The Problem with Brick Manufacturing Delays

Brick shortages have reached critical levels, with delays now extending to 8-10 weeks on all bricks supplied by WA’s only brick supplier. Developers are left waiting months just to begin their builds, only to face further delays waiting for labour to complete work . For time-sensitive commercial and residential projects, these extended wait times not only disrupt schedules but also inflate budgets and risk significant financial losses. Why wait months for materials and labour when faster, more efficient solutions are available?

Why is Steel Framing the Solution to Manufacturers Exiting the Brick Market?

Centurion Framing Systems offers a modern, efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. By replacing internal bricks with high-quality steel framing systems, we provide a streamlined solution that eliminates reliance on slow and unreliable supply chains. Our approach combines precision, efficiency and durability, making steel framing an ideal choice for a wide range of projects from both residential and commercial sectors.

Design Expertise

Our in-house design team uses advanced software ENDUROCADD® and cutting-edge tools to create customised steel framing solutions tailored to each project. By collaborating with WA builder, we ensure that our designs meet specific requirements, from structural integrity to aesthetic appeal.

State-of-the-Art Manufacturing

Once the design is approved, our frames are manufactured in our advanced facility in WA. Using Australian-made TRUECORE® steel, known for its strength and durability, we produce precise, pre-engineered components that are ready for on-site assembly. This process minimises waste, reduces errors, and ensures every piece meets strict quality standards.

Seamless Installation

Centurion Framing Systems doesn’t just stop at manufacturing—we also handle the installation process too! Our experienced team works efficiently to assemble the frames on-site, ensuring everything fits perfectly and together and meets structural requirements. This end-to-end service eliminates the need for multiple contractors, saving time and reducing project complexities.

The Superior Materials Used in the Process

Centurion Framing Systems exclusively uses TRUECORE® steel, an innovative material designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate. TRUECORE® steel offers several advantages over bricks and timber:

Termite Resistance: Unlike timber, steel is impervious to termites, ensuring long-lasting structural integrity.
Fire Safety: Steel is non-combustible, providing superior protection in fire-prone areas.
Durability: TRUECORE® steel resists warping, shrinking, and corrosion, making it ideal for Western Australia’s diverse climate conditions.
Sustainability: Steel is 100% recyclable, reducing the environmental impact of construction.

How Does Steel Framing Help with Brick Manufacturers Exiting?

Steel framing isn’t just a workaround for brick shortages—it’s a superior building method that enhances speed, efficiency, and longevity. With Centurion Framing Systems’ comprehensive service, developers can transition seamlessly to steel framing and avoid the pitfalls of brick manufacturing delays.

From design to delivery, Centurion Framing Systems ensures that your project remains on schedule and meets the highest standards of quality. If you’re ready to overcome delays and future-proof your construction process, contact Centurion Framing Systems today to learn more about our innovative steel framing solutions.

Key Takeaways

WA’s only brick supplier is experiencing delays of 8–10 weeks, stalling builds before they even reach the framing stage
Brick shortages, rising material costs and a shrinking bricklaying workforce are making traditional construction increasingly difficult to schedule and budget
Centurion provides an end-to-end service covering design, manufacture and installation, removing the need for multiple contractors and reducing project complexity
Frames are designed using ENDUROCADD® software and manufactured locally from TRUECORE® steel at the Malaga facility
Centurion Framing Systems provides solutions that are termite-resistant, non-combustible, resistant to warping and 100% recyclable. Purpose-built for WA’s climate conditions
Switching to steel framing reduces supply chain dependency, shortens build programmes and helps builders protect margins in a high-cost market