Bricklaying Terminology

Like any specialized trade, bricklaying has developed a unique terminology over the years - practically a language of its own. Becoming familiar with these terms will help you learn the basics of bricklaying, and will let you talk knowledgeably to contractors and supply dealers when the need arises.

A few well chosen words can tell a bricklayer all there is to know about a particular job - what kind of bricks to use, where and how to place a brick, and which of the many patterns to follow. For example, a closure, is the last brick in any course, or row, of bricks. The limestone-based adhesive that holds bricks together is called mortar. Mortar is thrown, not placed, on a brick, and a bricklayer spreading mortar along a wall is buttering the bricks.

Bricks also have nicknames, depending on where and how they are laid. Besides closures, there are headers, stretchers - even soldiers and sailors.

There are three primary types of bricks - the building brick, the firebrick, and the paving brick.

The building brick, also called a standard or common brick, is used principally for building construction. In the U.S. the building brick measures 4 by 8 inches, and varies in thickness from 1 5/8 inches to 2 ¼ inches.

Building bricks come in a variety of colors as well as grades indication durability. The harder the brick, the better suited it is for outdoor use. There are three grades of hardness: SW bricks, the most expensive and durable grade for severe weather, MW for moderate weather; and NW for non-weather (indoor) use.

Building bricks with holes in the center are called cored bricks. When laid in place, mortar fills the spaces and makes a stronger, more durable bond.

Heat resistant firebricks are used in fireplaces, barbecues and kilns. Yellow in color, these bricks are fired at an extremely high temperature to enable them to withstand the heat of burning charcoal and wood.

Paving bricks are designed for use in roads, driveways and walkways. They are harder than building bricks and can be used with or without mortar.

By becoming familiar with bricklaying terminology, you will learn types of brick, placement, and the tools used by masons. Then, by choosing the best quality tools and working carefully, you can construct a brick wall or patio that looks as good as one built by experts.

Bricks and Walls

Bat-segment of a cut brick

Bed-the largest face of a brick; or the mortar in which a brick or block is laid

Bed joint-the layer of mortar on which a brick is set

Cement-the binding ingredient in mortar, grout and concrete

Closure brick-the last brick in a course

Concrete-a mixture of cement, water, sand and gravel, which is used for walls, floors and paving

Course-a row of bricks in a wall

Frog-an indention in a brick that traps mortar to make a secure bond

Head joint-the mortar between the ends of two bricks laid next to each other

Header-a brick laid in the wall with the small end facing out

Header course-a row of bricks with headers exposed

Leads-the first course at the ends of brick walls, which defines length and alignment

Mortar-a cement-based material, usually mixed with sand and water, that is the bonding agent between bricks

Rowlock header-a brick laid on its long, narrow edge

Rowlock stretcher-a brick placed in the wall with the broad surface facing out

Sailor-a brick standing upright with the narrow side facing out

Stretcher-the brick laid flat with the long, narrow side facing out.

Brick Types

Building brick-a universal brick that can be used in virtually all construction projects. It is also called the "common" or "standard" brick.

Cored brick-a building brick with several holes molded in the center. When laid on a bed, mortar is squeezed into the holes, giving extra strength to the bond

Firebrick-a brick made with yellow clay and fired at an extremely high temperature for hardening. The firebrick is used in fireplaces, kilns and barbeques

Paving brick-a brick designed for use with or without mortar; it is used for walkways, patios and driveways.

Brickworking Tools

Brick hammer-a hammer with a broad head for tapping bricks in place and a chisel tip for cutting bricks

Brickset-a broad-bladed chisel for splitting brick

Brick tongs-a tool designed to clamp up to 10 bricks at a time, making it easy to carry bricks from one place to another

Chalk line-a chalk coated string used to mark a straight line between two points

Jointer-a tool used to cut grooves in fresh mortar

Mason's level-a long level used to check alignment of work

Bricklaying techniques

Buttering-applying mortar to a surface

Pointing-removing loose mortar from the face of a brick wall and replacing with new mortar

Throwing mortar-depositing mortar on to the brick from a trowel

Wythe-the thickness of a wall.