The Rising Cost of Bricks: Centurion’s Steel Framing Solutions

The rising cost of bricks is placing enormous pressure on builders, developers, and homeowners. In Western Australia, brick prices are being driven up by increased demand, local supply chain challenges, and labour shortages with increasing costs now up 30-40% from 12 months ago with no signs of slowing down. When combined with Perth’s construction costs rising 35% since the pandemic, according to the Australian Financial Review, finding innovative and cost-effective alternatives has become a necessity. Centurion Framing Systems provides efficient steel framing solutions, helping builders tackle rising material costs, boost cash flow, and speed up project delivery.
Why Are Brick Prices Soaring?
The cost of bricks has risen sharply in recent years, driven by several key factors:
- Increased Demand:
A booming construction sector, particularly in WA, has created unprecedented demand for bricks. Government incentives and housing grants have spurred new developments, leaving WA’s only brick manufacturer struggling to supply the demand. - Supply Chain Challenges:
With only one brick supplier in WA and an industry that has historically used a double brick methodology, the ability to source the materials to complete the brickwork has never been more difficult and costly. Lead times are rapidly extending into months, not weeks with this likely to continue to extend further - Labour Shortages:
The brick industry depends heavily on a trade qualified workforce for both production and installation. However, in Western Australia, the bricklaying sector is facing a significant challenge as its workforce ages, and fewer apprentices are entering the trade. This shortage of trade qualified labour has compounded existing issues in WA’s construction sector, further limiting supply of the trade base required to build in brickwork. These workforce constraints are driving up costs of labour that is available and providing opportunity for unskilled labour to enter the market and create long term issues for builders and homeowners alike.
The Financial Impact on Builders and Developers
The rising cost of bricks has far-reaching consequences:
- Budget Overruns: Builders face mounting material costs, squeezing profit margins and increasing difficulty for project planning
- Delays: Longer lead times for bricks and the labour to install them, can stall project timelines whilst not covering required overheads.
- Cash Flow Constraints: Developers are left waiting longer to sell completed properties or generate rental income, delaying returns on investment.
Centurion Framing Systems: A Smarter Alternative
Centurion Framing Systems offers a reliable and efficient solution to the rising costs of traditional building materials by providing steel framing as a smarter alternative. With housing inflation in Western Australia influenced by rising energy costs and the state’s heavy reliance on bricks, as highlighted by Housing Industry Association economist Maurice Tapang, builders are seeking innovative ways to overcome these challenges.
Tapang noted, “Part of this is coming from the fact that they’ve got different build methods in WA… clay bricks are still going up more strongly than most other products.” Centurion Framing Systems helps builders navigate these cost pressures while improving project efficiency and cash flow. *
1. Cost Savings
Steel framing eliminates the need for expensive clay bricks within the home, offering a more predictable and cost-effective alternative. With precision-engineered frames made from TRUECORE® steel, builders can achieve high-quality results without the budgetary uncertainty of brick product and labour sourcing. This solution addresses the challenges posed by brick price hikes, which continue to outpace increases in other materials.
2. Faster Build Times
Unlike traditional brick construction, steel frames are manufactured off-site and delivered ready for quick assembly. This modern building method significantly accelerates construction timelines, allowing:
- Families to move into their homes sooner.
- Investors to begin generating income faster.
- Builders to reduce overhead costs associated with prolonged construction.
3. Improved Cash Flow
With shorter construction timelines and stable material costs, Centurion Framing Systems helps builders free up capital for other projects. This enhanced cash flow allows developers to take on more work, grow their businesses, and meet rising housing demands.
4. Sustainability
TRUECORE® steel is recyclable, durable, and resistant to fire, termites, and warping. Choosing steel framing isn’t just a cost-effective decision—it’s an environmentally responsible one that meets modern construction standards.
The rising cost of bricks is a major challenge, but Centurion Framing Systems’ steel framing solutions provide a smart, scalable alternative. These solutions help builders cut costs, enhance cash flow, and speed up construction timelines. By choosing steel framing solutions, builders can navigate rising brick prices and deliver homes and projects more efficiently.