Brick bonds: types, differences and uses

What is a brick bond?

A brick bond is the pattern in which bricks are laid in a wall. The positions of the headers, stretchers and joints determine much of the appearance of the masonry. In traditional solid brickwork, the bond also had a clear structural function. In modern facade construction, the choice often primarily determines the visual pattern and detailing.

With reclaimed masonry bricks, the choice is particularly noticeable. Historical sizes, natural dimensional differences and colour variation can look very different in different bonds.

What types of brick bond are there?

There are many variations and regional forms. Below are some familiar bonds regularly found in Dutch facades.

Stretcher bond

In stretcher bond, every course consists of stretchers: the long faces of the bricks are visible. The vertical joints are generally offset by about half a brick from the course below, creating a calm, regular pattern.

Stretcher bond is widely used in facing brickwork and is relatively efficient to lay. With reclaimed bricks, it provides a simple background pattern that leaves colour and surface variations clearly visible.

English cross bond

English cross bond, known in Dutch as kruisverband, is a traditional bond with alternating header and stretcher courses. The positions of the stretchers shift between courses, creating the characteristic cross-like pattern in the joints.

This bond is common in historical masonry and can work particularly well with reclaimed bricks. Because visible headers are needed, the availability of suitable headers can be important when choosing materials.

English bond

English bond, known in Dutch as staand verband, also alternates header and stretcher courses. However, the stretchers are positioned differently relative to one another than in English cross bond, producing a different rhythm in the facade.

The two bonds are sometimes confused. When matching existing historical masonry for an extension or repair, it is sensible to examine the pattern across several courses.

Klezoor bond

In the traditional Dutch pattern known as klezoorverband, headers and stretchers are arranged to create a characteristic diagonal pattern. This bond can give a facade considerable detail and rhythm.

Accurate dimensions and a good distribution of bricks are important for such patterns. Setting out beforehand is particularly sensible with reclaimed batches.

Random bond

Random bond looks freer and less regular than the patterns above. This does not mean that bricks are placed arbitrarily without rules. Well-executed random bond takes account of joint distribution, overlap and a balanced spread of sizes.

It can create a lively facade, especially with naturally varied reclaimed bricks. The bricklayer must still avoid distracting patterns or continuous vertical joints.

Headers and stretchers: what do the terms mean?

A stretcher is the long visible face of a brick. A header is the short face. Which faces are visible and how they alternate in each course form the basis of many traditional bonds.

Brick dimensions therefore directly influence the pattern and joint distribution. Read more in our guide to brick dimensions.

Which bond suits reclaimed bricks?

This depends on the desired result, the dimensions of the batch and the building the masonry must match. A reclaimed handmade brick with strong colour variation can have a very different character in stretcher or random bond than in traditional English cross bond. Reclaimed moulded bricks can also suit various bonds depending on size and sorting.

For restoration or an extension to an existing building, examining the existing bond is often the logical starting point. A new build offers more design freedom. Browse our projects for examples of different reclaimed bricks in completed masonry.

Can usable headers save materials?

Yes. For bonds with many visible headers, a batch of separate usable headers can be interesting. A sound header piece can be used where only that short face is required on the visible side, instead of using a complete brick for every visible header.

This can make a noticeable difference to the number of whole bricks required, particularly across larger facade areas. However, not every bond and wall construction is equally suitable. Our separate explanation of usable headers and material savings describes how this works and how the header gauge is determined.

Is one brick bond more expensive than another?

It can be, but there is no fixed price ranking for every project. Labour costs depend on factors including pattern complexity, detailing, brick type, dimensional consistency, pointing and the bricklayer’s experience. Material consumption can also vary by bond.

A simple stretcher bond is generally quicker to lay than a labour-intensive historical or decorative bond. For a specific facade, however, always request a price based on the design and chosen brick.

Choosing a bond: start with the bricks

With reclaimed masonry bricks, we recommend not choosing the bond entirely independently of the batch. Size, available headers, colour variation and dimensional differences all help determine which pattern works both practically and visually.

First browse the current reclaimed masonry bricks, then discuss with the designer and bricklayer how to make the best use of the batch. For the practical considerations during laying, read building with reclaimed bricks.

Reusing existing bricks also gives historical material a new application. Read more about this aspect in the sustainability of reused building materials.

Frequently asked questions about brick bonds

What is the most common brick bond?

Stretcher bond is one of the most widely used patterns in modern Dutch facing brickwork. Historical buildings also feature various traditional bonds, including English cross bond and English bond.

Which bond is best for reclaimed bricks?

There is no single best bond. The right pattern depends on the size, sorting and appearance of the reclaimed bricks and the desired facade. When matching existing historical masonry, the existing bond is often the most important starting point.

What is the difference between a header and a stretcher?

A header is the short face of a brick; a stretcher is the long face. Their alternation and positioning determine much of the pattern in traditional brick bonds.

Is random bond genuinely random?

No. It looks free and irregular, but good random bond still follows rules for sufficient overlap and balanced joint distribution. Completely arbitrary laying can create a visually unsettled or technically unsuitable result.