Brick bonding — small piece used at the end of a course to stagger vertical joints In masonry bonding, what is the name of the piece of brick used at the end of a course so that vertical joints in successive courses are staggered (i.e., bonds are properly broken)?

Introduction / Context:
Good brick bonds require vertical joints to be staggered between adjacent courses. To achieve this near quoins and openings, masons use cut pieces that ensure proper overlap. Getting the terminology right prevents confusion during setting out and measurement.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard brickwork with English/Flemish bonds.
• Course ends require adjustments for joint staggering.
• Use of conventional cut units is allowed.

Concept / Approach:

A closer is a portion of a brick cut longitudinally (most commonly a queen closer, half the width) placed next to the quoin header or stretcher to break joints. A bat is a piece cut transversely (e.g., half bat, three-quarter bat). Headers and stretchers describe orientation, not cut purpose. Hence the end piece that ensures bond is a closer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Bond diagrams show queen closers placed next to quoin headers in English bond, ensuring proper overlap.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bat adjusts length but is not the standard piece for bond at quoins.
• Header/stretcher indicate face orientation, not cutting for bond.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing bats with closers; both are cut bricks but serve different purposes.

Final Answer:

Closer.