Bricklaying — name of a brick laid with its length parallel to the wall face In brick masonry, what do we call a brick that is placed so that its longer dimension runs parallel to and appears on the exposed face of the wall?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Stretcher

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Bond patterns in brickwork, such as stretcher and header courses, rely on the orientation of bricks. Correct terminology ensures proper specification, quantity take-off, and construction sequencing.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Standard rectangular bricks are used.
  • Face of the wall shows either the long face (stretcher) or the short face (header).
  • Closer bricks are used only to adjust bond at ends.


Concept / Approach:

A stretcher is a brick laid so that its longer face is visible on the wall face; a header shows the short face. The distinction underpins English, Flemish, and other bonds where courses alternate or mix stretcher and header orientations for structural interlocking.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify orientation: length parallel to wall face → stretcher.Eliminate alternatives: header is the short face; closer is a cut brick used near quoins for bond.


Verification / Alternative check:

Any masonry handbook illustrates stretcher vs. header clearly in bond diagrams.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Header exposes the short face, not the long one.
  • Closer is not an orientation but a cut piece to maintain bonding.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing modular sizes with face orientation; names depend on orientation, not absolute dimensions.


Final Answer:

Stretcher.

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