Props For Home Practice: Yoga Bricks

When it comes to Yoga props, bricks are one of those things that seem simple until you actually try to buy them.

Let’s talk about Yoga bricks. And yes, I know. Bricks, blocks. Even I mix up the language sometimes. Teachers use the words interchangeably, so don’t be surprised if someone calls a brick a block. For this post, though, we’re talking specifically about bricks.

Over the years, I’ve used pretty much every kind out there. Some were great. Some… not so much.

The Original Wooden Yoga Bricks

Way back in the day, the only Yoga bricks around were made of wood. You can still find them occasionally, especially in studios inspired by Iyengar Yoga, which really popularized their use.

Wooden bricks are incredibly sturdy. If your practice is mostly standing poses, balancing shapes, or strong vinyasa style work, they are solid and dependable. If you’re standing on one foot and reaching your hand down to a brick, wood is not going anywhere.

But they are hard. Very hard.

If you’re planning to lie on them, sit on them, or use them in Yin or therapeutic shapes, you are very aware that you’re on a piece of wood. They’re also usually the most expensive option.

If you love the idea of wood and have a woodworker in your life, you could even have some made. Just make sure they’re solid. I once had bamboo ones that were essentially thin layers nailed together and hollow inside. They did not last long.

Foam Yoga Bricks

Then foam bricks entered the scene.

These are now the most common options and the easiest to find. You can get them in fitness stores, big box stores, online, pretty much anywhere.

Foam bricks are lighter, more affordable, and much more comfortable to lie on. If you practice Yin Yoga, restorative work, or anything where the brick supports your body weight for longer periods, foam is much more pleasant.

But not all foam is created equal.

If you’re buying foam bricks, they need to be firm. I always suggest the squish test. If you can press into it and it collapses easily, or if you sit on it and it bows in the middle, that’s not the one. You want dense foam that holds its shape.

The tricky part is that you can’t do the squish test online. Ordering the cheapest set you can find might mean they’re too soft. When possible, buy from a reputable Yoga props company or somewhere you can actually touch them first.

From an environmental perspective, most foam is petroleum-based. That said, they last a very long time. I’ve seen some companies experiment with recycled foam, which is something you might want to look into if sustainability is important to you.

Cork Yoga Bricks

Cork bricks came later and feel like a middle ground between wood and foam.

They’re heavier and more stable than foam, but slightly softer than straight wood. Some cork bricks have a wooden frame with cork layered over top. Others are compressed cork all the way through.

Quality really matters here.

Poorly made cork bricks can chip or crumble quickly. A well-made one can last many years. I’ve had one for over a decade, and it’s only recently started to show wear at the corners.

They’re more of an investment, similar to wood. But they do offer that nice balance of stability and a bit more comfort.

Size Matters More Than You Think

Not all Yoga bricks are the same size. Some are thinner, some are thicker, some are more substantial overall.

Personally, I prefer a bigger brick. I like having a wider base, especially for standing poses. Even in Yin Yoga, I find the larger size gives me more options and feels more supportive.

And please, buy two.

So many shapes require a pair. Buying one and then trying to find a matching second brick months later is unnecessarily complicated.

What I Use

In my own classes, I use dense foam bricks. I chose them because they’re lighter than cork or wood, easier to stack and move around, and more comfortable for longer holds. But I made sure they were firm.

If I’m travelling to teach, I bring my lightest set. Portability matters when you’re packing a suitcase.

At home, weight might not matter as much. In that case, you can prioritize stability or sustainability.

So Which One Should You Choose?

It really comes down to three things:

1. What style of Yoga do you practice most

2. Your budget

3. How important are weight and sustainability to you

If you mostly practice standing, flowing styles and want maximum stability, wood is fantastic.

If you practice a lot of Yin Yoga or restorative work and want comfort and accessibility, dense foam is a great choice.

If you want something in between and don’t mind spending a bit more, cork can be a beautiful option.

There’s no single right answer. Just the right brick for your practice.

And remember, whether your teacher calls them bricks or blocks, now you know what to look for.

I hope you found this helpful!

Happy Practicing,

xo nyk