An overview of the main types of brick bonding including stretcher, header, stack, Flemish, English, basketweave, and herringbone bonds. Illustrated with example images showing the unique visual pattern created by each type of bricklaying technique. The choice of bond affects the structural integrity, aesthetics, and installation method.
Here are the main types of brick bonding:
- Stretcher Bond – This is the most basic and common type of bricklaying. The bricks are laid lengthwise, with each row offset half a brick from the row below, creating a layered pattern.
- Header Bond – Here the bricks are laid widthwise, with the short end facing out. Each row is offset half a brick from the one below it.
- Stack Bond – This involves stacking bricks vertically rather than horizontally. The vertical joints are directly above one another in successive courses.
- Flemish Bond – This involves alternating headers and stretchers in each course, creating a checkerboard pattern. The headers in each course are centered over the stretchers in the courses above and below.
- English Bond – Similar to Flemish bond but with courses of all stretchers alternating with courses of all headers. This creates distinct horizontal layers.
- Basketweave Bond – Here stretchers and headers alternate within each course as well as between courses, creating a tightly interwoven pattern resembling a basketweave.
- Herringbone Bond – The bricks are laid at a 45-degree angle in a zigzag pattern resembling a herringbone. Usually, the headers face in alternate directions.
The choice of bond affects the structural integrity, aesthetics, and installation technique. Flemish and English bonds are commonly used for decorative work while stretcher bond is the simplest and most common for general structural work. The pattern used depends on the application.
