Bond and joints — what governs the consumption

The bond is the pattern in which the bricks are offset from course to course so that the perpend joints do not line up. It gives the wall strength and at the same time determines the appearance — stretcher, header, cross and monk and common bond all look different.

• 01The wider the joint, the fewer bricks per m² — because each brick takes up more area.
• 02A wider joint, conversely, gives higher mortar consumption, as the joint volume grows.
• 03Head joints and bed joints are normally kept equal, so the bond pattern stays regular.

The two things are linked: the same brick format and joint give both bricks/m² and the joint proportion. Discebo's calculators use exactly these figures, so you can see the effect of changing the joint before you order materials.

A bond is the rule for how stones are offset from course to course so that the head joints (the vertical joints) are not directly above each other. The offset is what binds the wall together: a load can distribute down through the masonry instead of following a continuous vertical joint. The pattern determines both strength and appearance.

• 01Running bond — only runners (the stone's long side facing out), offset half a stone per course. The common bond for single-leaf and backing wall.
• 02Stretcher bond — courses with alternating stretchers and headers (short end facing out); the header sits vertically above the header two courses below.
• 03Cross bond — like block bond but the running bond shifts by half a stone so the gap falls alternately over joint and centre line. Gives a calm, symmetrical cross pattern.
• 04Flemish (monk) bond — runner and header alternately in the same course. One of the oldest and most decorative bonds, known from medieval masonry.
• 05Wild bond — runners and headers set without fixed rhythm according to fixed rules for minimum offset. Used deliberately for a lively, restless façade appearance.

The bond's 'pattern' is the system in how the courses follow each other. A regular pattern with equal offset is both strongest and finest — and makes it possible to snap lines and plan stones so ugly adjustment pieces don't appear at corners and openings.

Dansk murværk regnes i et modulsystem, der bygger på normalstenen (228 × 108 × 54 mm) plus fuge. I facadefladen er modulet en kvart sten på 48 mm plus 12 mm fuge = 60 mm, så en halv sten bliver 120 mm, en trekvart 180 mm og en hel sten 240 mm. I højden er skiftehøjden stenhøjde plus liggefuge — med 54 mm sten og 12 mm fuge altså 66 mm pr. skifte. Skiftemålet er det, der lader dig sætte snor og fordele skifter, så de rammer over- og underkant af åbninger rent.

The quarter module of 60 mm is the mason's ruler on the facade. By placing window and door openings, corners and pillars on whole modules, you avoid ending up with an ugly, crooked adapter piece at the opening.