Bond patterns....it can really make a difference

Perhaps the most appealing characteristic of brickwork is its attractive appearance. However, the overall appearance of brickwork, besides the type of bricks used, is profoundly affected by the bond patterns, here are some styles you should consider, the fact more builds don't consider brick bond patterns is one of the failures of contemporary architecture.

Stretcher Bond

The most commonly used bond, a pattern is made only using stretchers, with the joins on each course centred above and below by half a brick. This type of bonding is not particularly strong. A variation is the Raking stretcher bond. The overlap between bricks is usually a third or a quarter of a brick, instead of half a brick. Originally used for single brick walls, it became the obvious choice for cavity walls with the least amount of cutting required. It is therefore the most economical bond pattern and is extensively used in modern building.

Flemish Bond

This is formed by laying headers and stretchers alternately in each course. The headers of each course are centered on the stretchers of the course below. This bond is strong and often used for walls which are two-bricks thick but can also be used for single skin walls.

Monk Bond

Two stretchers are used between the headers in each course in this Flemish bond variation. The headers are centered over the join between the two stretchers in the course below. It was commonly used in the region around the Baltic Sea until the turn of 13th and 14th centuries, then it was gradually replaced by Flemish bond.

English Bond

This is a pattern formed by laying alternate courses of stretchers and headers. The joins between the stretchers are centered on the headers in the course below. This is one of the strongest bonds but requires more facing bricks than other bonds.

English Garden Wall Bond

This is similar to the English bond but with one course of headers for every three courses of stretcher. The headers are centered on the headers in course below. This gives quick lateral spread of load and uses fewer facings than an English bond.