The horizontal bed of mortar that separates one course of bricks or blocks from the next. It bonds the vertical layers together, transfers loads evenly down the wall, and accommodates slight variations in the size of the masonry units.
Heard on the job
Keep your coursing joints to a strict three-eighths of an inch so the bond pattern stays true.
Also heard as
- bed joint
Related terms
Course
A single continuous horizontal layer of bricks, blocks, or stone in a wall.
Bond
The overlapping pattern of bricks or stones laid in a wall.
Repoint
The process of grinding out degraded mortar from masonry joints and filling them with fresh mortar.
Toothing
A masonry technique where alternating bricks project from the end of an unfinished wall.