Aircrete bricks look like breeze blocks but are only a third of the weight, thus saving on raw materials. They are made from a substantial proportion of recycled materials, which in some cases includes coal-fired power station waste. They have excellent thermal insulation properties thanks to millions of tiny air holes. Building is quicker because the blocks are lighter. They can be used externally, internally and for foundations. They are resistant to water and rot and are extremely fire resistant.

Reclaimed bricks can be more expensive than new bricks, because excavated sites are in high demand for landfill and so manufacturers can afford to sell new bricks very cheaply. The main reason for choosing reclaimed bricks (other than good recycling practice) is that they are often of better quality, and therefore will last longer, than modern equivalents.