Basic Terms in Masonry

Course:

Horizontal layer of bricks or stones.

Bed:

Lower surface of bricks/stones in each course which is perpendicular to the line of pressure.

Backing:

Unexposed wall

Facing:

Exposed to weather

Hearting:

Between the facing and backing

Joint:

Bed and perpend.

Header:

Length is perpendicular to the face of the wall

Stretcher:

Longest side parallel to the face of the wall.

Bond:

Individual brick units are tied together with mortar is called as bond.

Closer:

Portion of brick cut in such a manner that its one long face remains uncut.

Queen closer:

Length-wise cutting of brick.

King closer:

Cutting off the triangular piece between the center of one end and the center of the other (long) side.

Bat:

Brick cut across the width

Soldier:

Laid vertically with the long narrow side of the brick exposed.

Sailor:

Laid vertically with the broad face of the brick exposed.

Rowlock:

Laid on the long narrow side with the short end of the brick exposed.

 

One Comment on “Basic Terms in Masonry”

  1. Oh, hi! Going through this article absolutely makes me think of my neighbor who’s decided to add several brick pillars at his backyard as some sort of decorations. It never crossed my mind that it’s totally possible to use mortar to attach multiple brick units together. Perhaps he could use this information to ensure a smooth installation process later on.

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