Bricks, beds and perpends simply form a brick work. Here, brick is an element made using clay, bed is basic layer of mortar which is buttered beneath a brick and perpends is the imaginary vertical line drawn along joints located between two bricks, which filled with mortar. The following diagram will describe more clearly.
Course – Arrangement of bricks continuously in a row or horizontal way is known to be course. Here the bricks are arranged in the same level and same side (headers or stretches) of brick faces out. Depending on the arrangement of bricks there are some types of course. The following diagram explains those types of courses.
Stretcher course – When the long and narrow faces of bricks are arranged in the direction of the length of wall, then that course is called as stretcher course. The narrow and lengthy faces of the bricks are seen from the front elevation of the course. This course is used in construction where half thick wall partition is needed.
Header course – When the shorter faces of bricks are arranged in the direction of the length of wall, then that course is called as header course. The front elevation of header course resembles the shorter faces of the bricks and this course is used in construction where one brick thick wall partition is needed.
Soldier course –When the long and thin faces of bricks are arranged in the direction of the length of wall, then that course is called as solider course. The front elevation of solider course resembles the long and thin faces of the bricks and this course is used in construction where decorative works are needed such as chimney, above door or window. Other advantage of this type is being resistance to compressive strength.
Sailor course – Same as soldier course but the difference is here, long and thick faces of bricks are visible from front elevation of this type course.
Rowlock course –When a 90 degree turn is applied to the header course front elevation, the rowlock course is achieved. See the diagram to get clear idea. The narrow and shorter side faces of the bricks, of a row forms the rowlock course. This type of course is applied in sills of window or door and in where decoration is necessary such as garden.
Shiner course – When a 90 degree turn is applied to the stretcher course front elevation, the shiner course is achieved. See the diagram to get clear idea. A row of bricks with long and broad faces form the shiner course.
Bat & Closer – A piece of brick which helps to cover the space where a full brick can’t be placed. Bat is when a brick is cut through its width (length of the bricks change) and closer is when a brick is cut through its length (width of the bricks changes). Different types of bat and closer exist, depending on its shape.
