Typical Brick Bonds

The bonds illustrated below represent the most common masonry coursing.  From these bonds, an infinite number of bonds can be developed.

Running Bond

The most standard bond is composed of stretchers offset by 1/2 brick per course.

Common Bond

A course of headers is inserted every five or six courses.  A header is always centered on a stretcher and the joints of each course of headers always align.

English Bond

This bond is comprised of alternating courses of stretchers and headers where a header is centered above a stretcher.  The joints of the stretcher courses align and the joints of the header courses align.

Flemish Bond

Each course is made up of alternating stretchers and headers.  Each header is centered on a stretcher above and below.

Stack Bond

Made up of courses of stretchers where each stretcher is stacked directly above a stretcher and the joints align.  This is not a structural bond and is generally used on interiors for non-load bearing walls.

2004 CSI Masterspec Division

Clay Unit Masonry: 04 21 00