Brick Masonry: Bonds And Costs

Brick masonry has been used for thousands of years to create durable structures. It began with sun-fired bricks made of clay before kiln-fired bricks became popular around 3500 BC.

Today, brick remains popular, with its popularity expected to grow in the 2020s. After all, brick is one of the strongest building materials and is rarely unintentionally destroyed.

What Is A Brick Bond?

A brick bond is a pattern created by laying bricks with mortar. It is used in walls, walkways, floors, and fireplaces. Some bonds are more stable than others.

In less stable patterns, a stronger bonding agent is used. Learn about mortar before choosing an agent.

Brick Bond Patterns

Although there are many brick bond patterns, you’ll only notice a few different ones as you walk down the streets. This excludes stone patterns, only focusing on brick. These are the most popular brick patterns worldwide.

Running

This is a standard brick bond pattern commonly seen in most brick structures. It follows a simple pattern based on the starting brick of each layer. The first layer starts with a full brick, while the second starts with a half brick.

This pattern continues until completion, with each brick meeting the one above it halfway. The pattern was developed for its stability, as the alternating bricks create a secure wall. This technique has been widely adopted in various industries.

Note: Some bricklayers may choose to use a 1/3 pattern instead of a 1/2 pattern for the running bond, resulting in a more random appearance.

The common bond, also known as the American bond, is a variation of the running bond. In this pattern, header rows made with smaller bricks are added every few layers.

The common bond is a practical choice for using broken bricks, as half bricks can be used for the header rows without waste. It also provides a distinct aesthetic compared to the running bond, without being overly busy.

The English bond and Flemish bond are two classic bricklaying patterns.

The English bond is known for its alternating course of stretchers and headers. This creates a strong wall with alternating horizontal and vertical mortar joints.

The Flemish bond, on the other hand, features alternating headers and stretchers within each course. This creates a decorative pattern with alternating headers and stretchers in each row. It is believed to be more structurally sound than the English bond.

When choosing a bricklaying pattern, it’s important to consider the intended purpose, desired aesthetic, and structural requirements. The running bond, common bond, English bond, and Flemish bond all offer unique advantages and can be used depending on the specific needs and preferences of the project.

The English bond is similar to the common bond but with a header row for every other course. This alternating pattern, like the running bond, makes it easy to keep track of your progress. Simply lay one layer, switch to the other, and continue until the wall is complete.

The English bond is one of the strongest bonds for a one-wall brick wall and is closely related to the running brick bond.

The Flemish bond is similar to the running bond in that it shifts the layers. However, each layer in the Flemish bond is complete with alternating full-sized and header bricks. It works the same way as the running bond but with this alternating pattern.

You can start the first row with a normal brick and then lay a header next to it. Keep doing this until you reach the end. Then, on the next row, start with a header brick and lay a regular brick next to it.

It’s that simple. The basketweave pattern is intricate and works better for walkways than for walls. It consists of two bricks laid side by side, then the next two bricks laid in the opposite way, vertically and then horizontally. This pattern continues until the area resembles a woven basket. The bricks should have the appearance of rope or bark that has been pushed under and over the other bricks.

This pattern may appear advanced but is not difficult to achieve. The grid pattern is another common option.

The grid bond is a rare pattern consisting of a nine-by-nine basketweave square with the center offset from the other squares. The end result resembles tile with each square fitting together.

Creating your own grid pattern is possible, although this is the most common type. It is more suitable for walkways than walls.

The whorled bond is the most challenging to achieve. It includes a center square brick with long bricks extending from it. Triangle bricks are used to fill the gaps, and cutting them correctly can be difficult.

Jack-On-Jack is a straightforward stacked pattern that requires attention to detail. The joints are aligned, resulting in a visually simple and pleasing aesthetic, particularly appealing to those with OCD. Precision is essential to ensure the joints match up accurately.

For this bond, it is crucial to choose a strong bonding agent since the joints are fragile. Unlike in a staggered pattern, the bricks do not provide support to each other. Therefore, caution is advised when attempting this pattern for the first time.

Herringbone

The herringbone pattern is not as easy as others. It consists of bricks laid at an angle, opposing one another. This is also a popular wood floor pattern and can be quite busy, attractive if done right.

It can be laid in a way that makes it appear as if the pattern is pointing like arrows in a diagonal pattern. Or it can be laid to appear as if the pattern is made up of right angles, perfectly symmetrical.

The pinwheel pattern is more intricate than it looks, so it pays off if you can lay it. It consists of four bricks touching each other in a square pattern with a square brick in the center. This pattern continues in a tile-like pattern.

Becoming a brick mason requires proper training and experience. Brick masons are skilled craftsmen who build and repair structures using bricks and other materials. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a brick mason, here are the steps you can take to become one:

1. Education: While there isn’t a formal education requirement to become a brick mason, completing high school or obtaining a GED is beneficial. It provides a foundation in math, reading, and technical skills that are required in the profession.

2. Apprenticeship: The best way to learn the trade is through an apprenticeship program. These programs typically last 3-4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. During the apprenticeship, you’ll learn the various techniques and skills needed to be a successful brick mason.

3. On-the-job training: After completing an apprenticeship program, you’ll continue to gain experience through on-the-job training. This is where you’ll refine your skills and learn how to work efficiently and safely.

4. Certification: While not required, becoming certified as a brick mason can enhance your job prospects and earning potential. The Mason Contractors Association of America offers a certification program that validates your skills and knowledge in the field.

5. Professional development: To stay current in the industry, it’s important to continue your education and attend workshops and seminars. This allows you to learn about new techniques and materials in bricklaying.

Becoming a skilled brick mason takes time and dedication, but it can be a rewarding career. By following these steps and continuously improving your skills, you’ll be on your way to becoming a successful brick mason.

If you dream of becoming a brick mason, you’re not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are almost 60,000 bricklayers employed in the United States. But how do you begin your journey?

The best way to become a bricklayer is through an apprenticeship program. These programs typically include coursework in codes, blueprint reading, and advanced math.

Working with a bricklayer alone may get you started in the business. However, extra coursework is recommended to prove your certification to future clients and avoid breaching local codes.

If you are going to become a bricklayer, now is the time. The demand for bricklayers is expected to grow ten percent from 2016 to 2026. Get qualified now and start your journey soon.

The range for bricklayers’ salaries varies from $30,000 to over $80,000 per year, depending on factors such as location and experience. The median wage for a bricklayer is around $50,000 annually or $25/hr. Bricklayers in states like New York and Washington tend to earn higher salaries, while those in Florida and Georgia earn less.

Research the current bricklayer salaries in your area to determine if it’s worth considering or if a relocation may be necessary.

The average cost of brick siding is $15 per square foot. If hiring someone for the job, here’s what you need to know: with labor included, the average cost ranges from $9 to $30 per square foot. Ironically, the larger the house, the lower the cost per square foot.

Masons often offer deals where the more brick you use, the less you pay. The average total cost to brick a 2500 sq ft house is $18,000. However, if you plan on using thick brick walls, expect to pay double the cost of brick siding.

This applies to covering existing walls.

Brick fireplaces are a popular request for bricklayers. Hiring an expert is necessary for construction, and this incurs additional costs for safety checks and inspections.

Typically, a fireplace costs between $2,500 and $5,000. However, a high-end fireplace can exceed $10,000. A cost-effective option is to purchase a prefabricated fireplace, which is priced under $3,000.