Construction Knowledge (Masonry) Series: What is a Running Bond vs. a Stack Bond Pattern?

The patterns in which bricks and CMU are installed can create significant differences in the look and feel of a building.  For this reason, architects specify the brick (and sometimes CMU) patterns in construction documents.  There are countless different types of masonry patterns so this post will stick to the most common.

A Half Running Bond Pattern is the most common way brick and CMU are laid.  After the first row of masonry is laid, the next row is offset by half the width of a unit and continues.  The third row shifts back and aligns with the first row.

A 1/3 Running Bond Pattern offsets the second row of brick by 1/3 width of brick.  The third row shifts back and aligns with the first.

A Stack Bond Pattern is where all the masonry units are laid with all vertical joints aligned create a grid pattern in appearance.

A Herring Bone Pattern is commonly used inside fireplaces and in pathway pavers.  The end of each adjacent brick is installed at a 90 degree angle from the previous brick.