There’s no denying that bricks are appealing to the eyes. Brick contractors in Tulsa, OK can testify to how well bricks can transform any home into an architectural feat of wonder. Bricks stacked on each other in a horizontal fashion is already considered to be captivating yet there are other easy brick patterns out there that can make a structure more mesmerizing. This article aims to identify three relatively easy patterns that your brick contractor can do for you. Now while these patterns can easily be laid out by the average Joe, it would still be advisable to leave it in the hands of professionals. Why? Because the dimensions and angles of the surface would have to be taken into consideration. And you wouldn’t want your walkway ending up in worse shape than it already is, would you? So without further ado, here are three easy brick patterns you can use when doing a brick related project for your home.
The running bond
The running bond pattern is the most basic of all brick patterns. Why so you may ask? Well for one, it doesn’t take much effort in identifying the pattern first hand. All it takes is for the contractor to lay the bricks horizontally then stack another set on top of the existing ones, all the while overlaying the gaps each of the bricks of the first set has made. Maybe you can’t picture it clearly yet. To make it easier, just look at generically made brick buildings and you’ll easily identify the running bond pattern. This type of pattern is used and even abused because of its versatility. Slight curves in patios and walkways are easily covered by this pattern as it accommodates irregularities. All the contractor has to do is adjust the layout of the bricks slightly as he or she progresses. Mortar is used to fill in the gaps that this pattern leaves, further adding to the versatility of the pattern.
Stack bond
Next up is a rather odd pattern and isn’t commonly used as compared to the running bond pattern. The stack bond is similar in a way to the running bond, the difference is that the stack bond is made with bricks stacked vertically on each other. And though the contractor has the discretion of overlaying it on top of the gaps of the first set of bricks, parallel stacking is more commonly used. The stack bond is used by contractors as it is considered a load-bearing pattern. This basically means that it doesn’t only add flair to your structure, but it’s also an ideal pattern used at the base of a structure or an outer portion of an arch. Now, this is where a well-trained brick contractor in places like Tulsa, OK comes into play. If let’s say, the pattern isn’t well structured or if the keystone of an arch isn’t well placed. It runs the risk of it crumbling down. So do not, in any circumstance, attempt to do so on your own.
Basket weave
Now the last one on the list of easy brick patterns is the aptly named basket weave. It’s properly called so because it resembles the weaving pattern done on baskets. Two bricks are first laid either horizontally or vertically next to each other. The next pair is placed on the side but alternately laid out compared to the first pair. So if the first pair is laid vertically, the next pair of bricks is placed horizontally and vice versa. This also applies to when the contractor begins to stack a new set on top of the first set. If the pair below is horizontal, the pair on top is vertical. The pattern shows itself once a decent amount of stacking has been accomplished. This brick pattern isn’t considered a load bearing one as compared to the stack bond so you won’t see a sane brick contractor using this technique on a wall.
Though these patterns seem to be easy enough, they actually have a purpose. So the next time you see a pattern similar to the one you just read, don’t underestimate it. Contractors have reasons for choosing such patterns for a certain surface. But you have to admit, they do look good. Just remember that as easy as they may sound, don’t try doing it by yourself. Leave it to brick contractors in your hometown of Tulsa, OK (if you happen to live there) to do the job for you.