Typical brick-up window prices fall between $2,500 and $9,000 for most single openings, with larger or reinforced jobs climbing higher. Key cost drivers include opening size, brick type, mortar and reinforcement, labor rates, and regional differences. This article provides practical, per-unit ranges and concrete components to help buyers plan a budget.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total project price | $2,500 | $4,750 | $9,000 | Assumes typical 3–5 ft wide by 6–8 ft tall opening; standard brick and labor. |
| Per-square-foot price | $40 | $70 | $110 | Brick up cost varies with brick type and access. |
| Per-opening price (small) | $2,500 | $3,800 | $5,500 | Includes lintel, mortar, and cleanup. |
| Per-opening price (large) | $5,000 | $7,200 | $9,000 | Adds reinforcement, flashing, and contingency. |
| Labor | $60/hr | $85/hr | $120/hr | Mason charges; varies by region and skill. |
Typical Brick-Up Window Cost by Opening Size
Opening size directly drives price. A small 3 ft by 5 ft opening with a standard lintel and basic brickwork usually lands in the low-to-mid range. A 6 ft by 8 ft or larger opening with reinforced masonry and high-end brick can approach the high end. Assumptions: Midwest or Southern labor rates, standard red clay brick, standard mortar.
- Small opening (3’×5′ to 4’×6′): about $2,500-$4,000 total
- Medium opening (4’×6′ to 5’×7′): about $3,800-$6,500 total
- Large opening (6’×8′ or bigger): about $5,000-$9,000 total
Brick type and mortar mix are the dominant material costs. Common clay brick and standard mortar run toward the lower end, while decorative brick, special colors, or saturated mortar joints push prices higher. A lintel or structural reinforcement adds material cost and labor.
- Brick: $0.50-$2.50 per brick, depending on type
- Mortar and grout: $2-$6 per sq ft installed
- Lintel (steel or concrete): $200-$900
- Reinforcement (where required): $150-$600
- Flashing and weatherproofing: $100-$300
Labor is the largest variable in brick-up projects. Masonry crews in the U.S. typically bill by hour or per opening, with higher rates in metro areas and for complex work. Equipment rental (scaffolding, mixers) adds a separate line item.
- Labor: $60-$120 per hour depending on region and skill
- Crew size: 2-4 workers for typical openings
- Equipment: $50-$150 per day for mixer and scaffolding
- Estimated hours: 1.5-3 days for small to medium openings
Pricing can swing by region due to labor cost and material availability. Coastal cities and large metropolitan areas tend to be higher, while rural markets may be lower. Expect a roughly 10% to 25% spread between regions for same scope.
- Midwest: often at the lower end of ranges
- South: mid-range depending on urban vs. rural
- West Coast and Northeast: typically at the higher end
Structural requirements materially affect price. A simple non-load-bearing opening is cheaper than a wall that needs a new lintel, tie-ins to existing structure, or partial re-support. Perimeter reinforcement and frost-proofing can add cost in cold regions.
- Lintel type: steel vs. reinforced concrete
- Load requirements: standard non-bearing vs. load-bearing upgrade
- Backfill and drainage considerations: additional materials
Unit-based pricing helps compare quotes. Use per-square-foot or per-opening estimates to align bids. The table below illustrates practical units for a typical home retrofit.
| Scenario | Size | Per-Unit Price | Per-Opening Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small non-load-bearing | 3’×5′ | $40-$70 per sq ft | $2,500-$3,800 | Lintel included |
| Medium load-bearing | 4’×6′ | $60-$95 per sq ft | $3,800-$6,500 | Reinforcement required |
| Large decorative face | 6’×8′ | $90-$110 per sq ft | $5,000-$9,000 | Premium brick, flashing |
Permits and inspections can add time and cost. Some jurisdictions require plan review, building permits, and final inspection for structural alterations. Scheduling can also impact labor rates if demand is high or crews are booked out.
- Permits: $100-$1,000 depending on locality
- Inspection fees: $50-$200
- Schedule impact: potential two-week delay during peak seasons
Add-ons often surprise homeowners at final billing. Unexpected moisture, existing plaster removal, or needed repointing can raise costs. Budget for cleanup and debris disposal as well.
- Demolition/cleanup: $300-$1,000
- Existing plaster removal: $2-$6 per sq ft
- Repointing damaged joints: $5-$15 per linear ft
Smart scope decisions save money without sacrificing safety. Consider adjusting opening size, choosing standard brick, or pairing the project with other wall work to consolidate labor. Scheduling during shoulder seasons can also reduce rates.
- Limit scope to essential openings
- Select standard brick and mortar blends
- Bundle with nearby masonry or siding projects
- Reuse existing lintel when structurally permitted
Concrete examples help align expectations. The quotes below assume similar openings but differ by materials and labor intensity.
- Scenario A (small, standard brick): Opening 3’×5′, standard brick, lintel, basic mortar — $2,500-$3,800
- Scenario B (medium, reinforced): Opening 4’×6′, steel lintel, reinforced mortar, mid-range brick — $4,500-$6,800
- Scenario C (large, premium): Opening 6’×8′, high-end brick, decorative joint, flashing, reinforcement — $7,500-$9,000
Material and labor choices remain the top price levers. Region, brick type, lintel requirements, and crew availability shape final costs more than any single line item.
- Materials: brick grade and color choices
- Labor: regional wage differences and project complexity
- Structural: lintel material and reinforcement needs
- Access: scaffold or lift requirements
Use this quick guide to sketch a rough budget. The table shows ranges for common opening sizes and setups.
| Opening Size | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small non-load-bearing (3’×5′) | $2,500 | $3,200 | $3,800 | Lintel included |
| Medium load-bearing (4’×6′) | $3,500 | $4,900 | $6,500 | Reinforcement added |
| Large decorative (6’×8′) | $5,000 | $7,000 | $9,000 | Premium brick and flashing |