Complete Guide to Brick Masonry: Types of Bonds, English Bond, Header Bond, IS Codes & Construction Tips

Brick masonry is one of the oldest and strongest construction techniques humans have mastered. Whether you’re a budding mason, an architecture student, or just curious about how your house stands so tall and sturdy — you’re in for a treat! Grab a cup of coffee, and let’s break down the beautiful world of brickwork.

Brick masonry is a timeless craft blending science and art. From ancient forts to modern homes, strong bonds and proper techniques make walls stand the test of time. With this guide, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to understand, appreciate, and even try your hand at basic bricklaying. So next time you see a brick wall, you’ll know the secrets hidden within each layer!

What is Brick Masonry?

Brick masonry is the art and science of laying bricks systematically with mortar to build strong, durable structures. Imagine it as putting together LEGO blocks but with the goal of making something that can withstand storms, earthquakes, and time itself!

Importance of Brick Masonry in Construction

Ever noticed ancient forts, timeless churches, or even your grandparent’s old house? Many still stand tall because of proper brick masonry. It ensures walls are weatherproof, load-bearing, and beautiful all at once.

Basic Components of Brick Masonry

Before jumping into bonds and patterns, let’s meet the two heroes behind every brick wall.

Bricks

Bricks come in different shapes, sizes, and qualities. Common types include burnt clay bricks, fly ash bricks, and soft bricks. Soft bricks are more porous and absorb more water, so they’re generally used for non-load-bearing walls.

Mortar

Mortar is the glue that holds bricks together. It’s a mixture of cement, sand, water, and sometimes lime. The strength of the masonry largely depends on how well the mortar bonds the bricks.

Common Mortar Mix Ratios

• 1:6 (Cement: Sand) – Common for standard brickwork.
• 1:4 – Used for stronger, load-bearing walls.
• 1:3 – High-strength areas, like foundations.

Understanding Bonds in Brick Masonry

What is a Bond in Brickwork?

A bond is simply a pattern in which bricks are laid. It ensures that the vertical joints between bricks do not line up, giving the wall maximum strength and stability.

Why are Bonds Important?

Without a proper bond, your wall would be like a stack of Jenga blocks waiting to tumble. Good bonding spreads loads evenly and avoids long vertical cracks.

Types of Bonds in Brick Masonry

Let’s meet the different bonding patterns masons swear by.

Stretcher Bond

This is the simplest bond — all bricks are laid with their longer face (the stretcher) showing. It’s common for walls that don’t need to carry heavy loads, like partition walls.

Header Bond

In a header bond, bricks are laid with their shorter end (the header) facing outward. This bond is perfect for curved structures like wells or walls with limited thickness.

English Bond

Probably the king of all bonds! It alternates one course of stretchers and one course of headers. This pattern is super strong and common in load-bearing walls.

Flemish Bond

Also called the Dutch bond, this one mixes stretchers and headers in each course. It looks fancy and gives a neat zig-zag effect on the wall’s face.

Rat Trap Bond

Want to save bricks and add insulation? Rat trap bond lays bricks on the edge, creating cavities inside the wall. This technique keeps walls cooler and uses fewer bricks.

Zig-Zag Bond

As the name suggests, this pattern arranges bricks in a zig-zag fashion. It’s primarily decorative but can add strength to decorative boundary walls.

Deep Dive: English Bond

Features of English Bond

• Alternating courses of stretchers and headers.
• Strong interlocking, so walls resist cracks.
• Excellent for thick, load-bearing walls.

Advantages of English Bond

• Superior strength and stability.
• Easier to construct than Flemish bond.
• Neat appearance.

Where is English Bond Used?

Ideal for bridges, heavy foundation walls, and any structure needing high compressive strength.

Deep Dive: Header Bond

Features of Header Bond

• All bricks are laid with headers facing out.
• Creates a thick, robust wall.

Advantages of Header Bond

• Great for curved structures.
• Provides excellent load distribution.

Where is Header Bond Used?

Perfect for wells, curved walls, and structures where the wall thickness is half a brick or less.

IS Codes for Brick Masonry

For quality work, India follows strict standards known as IS (Indian Standards) Codes.

IS 2250 – Code for Mortar

This code specifies how to prepare and apply mortar in masonry. It covers mixed proportions, workmanship, and curing.

IS 2212 – Code for BrickWork

Guidelines for laying bricks correctly, alignment, thickness, and safety measures.

IS 1905 – Structural Use of Unreinforced Masonry

Focuses on designing load-bearing masonry structures without reinforcement. It helps engineers calculate wall thickness, strength, and stress limits.

Types of Bricks Used in Masonry

Tools Required for Brick Masonry

• Trowel: For applying and spreading mortar.
• Spirit Level: For checking alignment.
• Plumb Bob: Ensures vertical accuracy.
• Brick Hammer: For cutting and shaping bricks.
• Mason’s Line: Keeps bricks in a straight line.

How to Do Brick Masonry: Step-by-Step

Tips for Strong and Durable Brick Masonry

• Use good quality bricks — no cracks or breaks.
• Maintain consistent mortar thickness.
• Always stagger vertical joints.
• Don’t rush curing — water is your best friend here.
• Follow IS codes for safe construction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using dry bricks — they suck moisture from the mortar.
• Skipping curing — it leads to weak walls.
• Misalignment — check with plumb bob and spirit level.
• Ignoring joint filling — empty joints weaken the structure.

FAQs