Key takeaways
- Bond is the pattern bricks are laid in.
- Running bond is the strongest and most common for walls.
- Herringbone and basketweave shine on patios and walks.
- Try patterns in the Bond Designer on this site.
What is a bond?
A bond is the pattern of bricks in a wall or paved surface. For walls, the pattern affects strength: staggering the vertical joints so they do not line up spreads the load. For patios and paths, the pattern affects traction and how well the surface locks together.
Choosing a bond is partly engineering and partly taste. The same brick can look traditional, modern or playful depending on how it is laid.
The common patterns
Running bond: every course offset by half a brick. It is the standard for walls and the strongest simple pattern. Stack bond: joints line up in a grid, a modern look that needs steel reinforcement in walls. Flemish bond: alternating long and short faces in each course, a traditional, handsome look. English bond: alternating whole courses of long and short faces, very strong and common in older work.
Herringbone: bricks at ninety degrees in a zigzag, excellent for driveways and patios because it interlocks. Basketweave: pairs of bricks alternating direction, a classic walkway pattern.
How to choose
Match the era and style of the house, then think about function. Walls usually want running bond. Driveways want herringbone. Porches and paths can use any of the patterns. Our Bond Designer lets you test brick colors, mortar colors and patterns before you decide.
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Quick answers
Which brick pattern is strongest?
Running bond is the strongest simple pattern for walls because it staggers the joints. Herringbone is the strongest for paved surfaces.
Does the pattern change the cost?
Complex patterns need more cutting and take more time, so herringbone and Flemish cost more than running bond.
Ready to talk it through? Get a free estimate or call 615-431-3789.