The 18 best building bricks brands
Mega Bloks, LOZ and Mattel lead our ranking of 18 building bricks brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Building Bricks brands, ranked
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1
Mega Bloks
Oversized construction kits with licensed themes, including gaming and entertainment sets, aimed at younger builders.
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
LOZ
Micro bricks building architecture, street scenes and landmarks in large piece counts, with many sets under one theme.
Top products: Mini Blocks Halloween Haunted House Set
Website: lozshop.com |Brands like LOZ
Popularity 7.4/10
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3
Mattel
Parent company of the Mega construction lines, with Hot Wheels and Barbie sets as licensed alternatives.
Website: shop.mattel.com |Brands like Mattel
Popularity 7.1/10
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4
Nanoblock
Colour-coded diagrams guide you through placing each tiny block, layer by layer, and finished pieces sit on a display base.
Website: nanoblockus.com |Brands like Nanoblock
Popularity 3.7/10
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5
COBI
Historical and military models such as patrol boats and aircraft, often with fewer but more detailed bricks.
Website: buildcobi.com |Brands like COBI
Popularity 3.5/10
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6
Wange
Chunky block sets sold mainly online, designed for younger children building motor skills.
Website: wange.store |Brands like Wange
Popularity 3.4/10
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7
Sluban
Military vehicle and tank sets, with larger armoured builds among its most detailed kits.
Top products: T-80BVM Battle Tank
Popularity 3.2/10
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8
K'NEX
Rod-and-connector building system rather than studs, so models can hinge, spin and roll.
Website: knex.co.uk |Brands like K'NEX
Popularity 3.1/10
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9
Hasbro
Hasbro designs action figures and toys tied to franchises such as Star Wars and Transformers, along with smaller toys for young children. The company, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, also works in entertainment content and sells collectibles aimed at fans...
Website: hasbropulse.com |Brands like Hasbro
Popularity 2.9/10
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10
Plus-Plus
Puzzle-style tiles that snap onto baseplates, rather than stackable bricks, sold in boxed sets.
Website: plusplususa.com |Brands like Plus-Plus
Popularity 2.6/10
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11
Laser Pegs
Light-up bricks with built-in LEDs that fit onto standard studs and baseplates.
Popularity 2.5/10
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12
Banbao
Lego-compatible sets with military, aircraft and vehicle themes that fit standard studs.
Popularity 2.0/10
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13
Jazwares
Jazwares, Inc. is a toy company that creates, manufactures, sells, and licenses a wide variety of toys and accessories for consumers worldwide. Video game controllers, collectible action figures and accessories, fashion, sports, children's plush items, miniature cars, and novelty toys...
Website: jazwares.com |Brands like Jazwares
Popularity 1.3/10
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14
Melissa & Doug
Wooden block and stacking sets for toddlers, sold alongside puzzle and pretend-play toys.
Website: melissaanddoug.com |Brands like Melissa & Doug
Popularity 1.3/10
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15
Spin Master
Owns Meccano, so its building kits use metal strips and nuts and bolts rather than bricks.
Website: spinmaster.com |Brands like Spin Master
Popularity 1.2/10
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16
Kidkraft
KidKraft began making wooden toys and children's furniture over 50 years ago. Its pretend play sets include doll houses and play kitchens, and it also offers wooden train sets and toy vehicles designed to encourage imaginative play.
Website: kidkraft.com |Brands like Kidkraft
Popularity 1.1/10
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17
Tegu
Magnetic tiles in natural wood finishes, joined by embedded magnets rather than studs.
Website: tegu.com |Brands like Tegu
Popularity 1.1/10
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18
CLICS
Dutch-made interlocking blocks that click together with rounded connectors, aimed at babies and toddlers.
Website: clicstoys.com |Brands like CLICS
Popularity 1.0/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOZ | lozshop.com | /LOZ-Shop-713972357568 | loz_shop/ | @shop_loz | – |
| Mattel | shop.mattel.com | – | – | – | – |
| Nanoblock | nanoblockus.com | /nanoblockUSA | schyllingtoys | @schylling | SchyllingToy |
| COBI | buildcobi.com | /buildCOBI | – | – | – |
| Wange | wange.store | – | – | – | – |
| K'NEX | knex.co.uk | /KNEX | knex | @KNEX | knexteam |
| Hasbro | hasbropulse.com | /hasbropulse | hasbropulse | – | – |
| Plus-Plus | plusplususa.com | /plusplususa | plusplususa | @plusplususa | – |
Building Bricks Buying Guide
Building a structure requires careful planning and design. Choosing the right building material is one of the most important steps in the process. Building bricks are a popular choice due to their durability and versatile usage. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. In this buying guide, we will discuss the most important factors that should be considered when purchasing building bricks.
Types of Building Bricks
There are several types of building bricks, each with unique features and benefits. Here are the most common types:
- Clay Bricks: These bricks are made of natural clay and are fired in a kiln. They are known for their durability, heat resistance, and low maintenance. They are also environmentally friendly and can be recycled. Clay bricks are ideal for construction projects that require a high level of strength and durability.
- Concrete Bricks: These bricks are made of cement, sand, and water. They are known for their strength and durability and are an affordable alternative to clay bricks. Concrete bricks are ideal for projects that require strong load-bearing walls and structures.
- Engineering Bricks: These bricks are made of clay, but they are fired at a higher temperature to make them harder and more durable. They are ideal for construction projects that require resistance to frost, acid, and chemical damage.
- Blocks: Blocks are larger than bricks and are commonly used for load-bearing walls and foundations. They are available in various shapes and sizes and can be made of either concrete or clay.
Factors to Consider When Buying Building Bricks
Durability:
Durability is a key factor when choosing building bricks. You want the bricks to last for many years without cracking or breaking down. Clay and engineering bricks are known for their longevity, while concrete bricks are more susceptible to cracking and weathering.
Strength:
The strength of building bricks is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The higher the PSI, the stronger the bricks. If you are building a structure that requires high load-bearing walls, it's important to choose bricks with a high PSI rating. Generally, clay bricks and engineering bricks have higher strength than concrete bricks.
Size and Shape:
The size and shape of building bricks can play a significant role in the overall design of a structure. Bricks come in various sizes, including standard, modular, and jumbo. Standard bricks are the most common and are 2 ΒΌ inches by 8 inches by 4 inches. Modular bricks are slightly larger, while jumbo bricks are the largest and heaviest.
The shape of bricks can also vary. You can choose from traditional rectangular bricks, as well as specialty shapes like bullnose, soldier, and coping bricks. Consider the design of your structure when choosing the size and shape of your bricks.
Color:
Building bricks come in a range of colors, from reds and browns to blues and grays. The color of your bricks can have a significant impact on the overall look of your structure. Some bricks are colored during manufacturing, while others are left natural. Consider the style and color of other materials used in your project when choosing the color of your bricks.
Texture:
The texture of building bricks can affect the feel and look of your structure. Some bricks are smooth, while others have a rougher texture or decorative patterns. Textured bricks can add depth and interest to a structure, but they can also be more challenging to install.
Cost:
Cost is, of course, a significant factor when choosing building bricks. The price of bricks can vary depending on the type, size, and quantity required. Clay bricks are typically more expensive than concrete bricks, but they also tend to last longer. It's important to set a budget for your project and choose bricks that fit within your price range.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right building bricks is crucial for the success of your construction project. Consider factors such as durability, strength, size and shape, color, texture, and cost when making your decision. Take the time to research and compare options to ensure that you get the best possible bricks for your project. By following this guide, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your structure is built to last.
