Bricks Builder is a relatively new WordPress page builder that is gaining traction for its performance-focused approach, deep customisation options, and developer-friendly features. Unlike many traditional page builders, Bricks Builder runs as a theme, offering a native and lightweight experience compared to plugin-based builders.
What Does Bricks Builder Offer?
Bricks Builder provides a full-fledged site-building experience, allowing users to create visually stunning and highly customisable websites while maintaining fast performance and clean code output.
Key Features of Bricks Builder
- Fast and Lightweight Framework
Bricks Builder is built with performance in mind, ensuring clean and optimised HTML output. Since it operates as a theme rather than a plugin, it provides better speed and integration within WordPress. - Full Site Editing
Unlike some page builders that focus only on individual pages, Bricks allows full site editing, meaning users can design headers, footers, archives, and single post layouts all within the builder. - Dynamic Data and Query Loop
Bricks has built-in support for dynamic data, enabling users to pull content from custom fields (ACF, Meta Box, Pods, etc.), as well as use its query loop builder for creating dynamic listings. - Clean Code Output and Accessibility Focus
Unlike some page builders that add excessive bloat, Bricks focuses on clean, semantic code and follows accessibility best practices to improve usability for all users. - Developer-Friendly with Custom Code Support
Bricks provides native PHP, CSS, and JavaScript editing within the builder, making it an excellent choice for developers who want more control over their designs and functionality. - WooCommerce Integration
Bricks offers WooCommerce support, allowing users to design custom product pages, category layouts, and checkout experiences without needing extra plugins.
How Bricks Builder Enhances Website Development
Bricks is designed for users who want speed, flexibility, and deep customisation options without sacrificing performance.
Features Beneficial for Designers:
- Drag-and-drop interface with advanced styling controls
- Fully responsive design settings
- Global styling options for consistency across the site
- Pre-built templates and sections to speed up development
Features Beneficial for Developers:
- PHP, CSS, and JavaScript code blocks for full customisation
- Dynamic content support for custom post types and fields
- API hooks and filters for extending functionality
- Optimised code output with minimal bloat
The complex and awkward bits
While Bricks Builder is powerful, it also comes with elements that may have you scratching your head, getting frustrated or wondering if Bricks builder was a good choice to make. For those transitioning from more conventional page builders, there are aspects of Bricks that may not be immediately straightforward. However, these challenges are precisely what set Bricks apart and ultimately enable you to create truly exceptional web experiences.
1. Proper Project Setup is Essential
With Bricks, success lies in establishing a solid foundation from the start. This means planning your site’s structure meticulously—setting up underlying settings, organising CSS classes, defining variables, and ensuring every element is in its proper place. Unlike some other builders, Bricks offers a leaner third-party ecosystem. While it has fewer add-ons compared to tools such as Elementor or Oxygen, this encourages you to build a robust framework that often replaces the need for multiple plugins.
2. The learning curve
It is true that Bricks demands a steeper learning curve than many drag-and-drop builders. However, this investment in learning pays off in two significant ways. Firstly, mastering Bricks means developing a deeper understanding of how web pages are truly constructed, including the intricacies of HTML, CSS, and even a bit of JavaScript. Secondly, by getting to grips with the underlying code, you unlock the freedom to design and implement web experiences that go beyond the limitations of more simplified tools. The process is a win-win—enriching both your technical skillset and the quality of your projects.
3. Fewer pre-built templates than other page builders
While Bricks Builder’s template library is growing, it currently offers fewer pre-built templates than some competitors. Yet, this should not be viewed as a drawback. Instead, it is an opportunity to harness your understanding of the tool and creative styling. When you are familiar with CSS classes and the underlying structure, you can tailor your designs precisely to your vision, making external templates less necessary. This hands-on approach ultimately leads to more personalised and innovative web solutions.
Is There a Free Version of Bricks Builder?
Bricks does not have a free lite version like other builders and in order to use Bricks, you need to buy a licence. That does not mean that you cannot experience building with Bricks before you buy as Bricks has a Playground area where you can create a test environment on the Bricks website that lasts for a week. What you get is a full Bricks install where you can test out all of the builder’s features. This is a great idea however personally I needed much longer as Bricks has so much that a week is scratching the surface.
Alternative Page Builders
If Bricks does not meet all your needs, here are some alternatives:
- Oxygen Builder – A highly flexible and performance-oriented builder for developers. One-time purchase.
Visit Oxygen Builder - Breakdance Builder – A newer page builder with a user-friendly interface and deep WooCommerce integration. Subscription-based model.
Visit Breakdance - Elementor – One of the most popular WordPress builders with an extensive third-party ecosystem. Free version available; Pro version unlocks advanced features.
Visit Elementor
Note: Yes there are other page builder for WordPress that are not listed above. I have tried most of them and have listed my other preferences.
Conclusion
Bricks Builder is an excellent choice for developers, designers, and performance-focused users who want a lightweight and highly customisable WordPress builder. While it may not have as many third-party integrations as older competitors, its clean code, dynamic data support, and speed advantages make it a strong contender in the page builder space.