Bond

A term adopted to describe the various patterns used to lay bricks in order to give them maximum strength.

Although the invention of high-strength cement mortars have made bonding of this kind unnecessary, the patterns survive, representing a cultural tradition, rather than a functional necessity.

English bond, for example, has been in use for 400 years, and is based on a mix of bricks laid end on (headers), and side on (stretchers), in such a way that the cross joints are regularly spaced. Other patterns include:

• Monk Bond: Bricklaying with courses alternating with pairs of stretchers.
• Flemish Bond: Bricklaying with courses of alternate headers and stretcher.