Fancy Patterns

A huge variety of masonry materials like brick and stone can be combined with sizes, patterns, bonds and joints to create decorative structures.  Masons use the term “fancy patterns” when they refer to decorative bonds or decorative patterns created by the way stone and brick are placed in paving or veneers.  For example, a Herringbone pattern might be laid with brick in a firebox or on a chimney.  A Basketweave pattern might be laid with brick in a walkway.  Stone paving might be laid in a random Ashlar bond pattern for a patio.  The rows or courses laid in a wall might be set in an English Bond pattern.  Stone in a driveway may be set in a Fish Scale pattern.

Mosaic is a form of decorative masonry patterns.  It is the art of creating images with an assemblage of small pieces of colored glass, stone, or other materials.  Mosaics may be a technique of decorative art or an aspect of interior decoration.  Mosaics can appear on walls, ceilings and floors.

Quoins are a form of structural masonry patterns.  Quoin corners are masonry blocks placed at the corner of a wall.  They exist to provide strength for a wall or to make a decorative feature.   Brick  and stone can be used to make quoin corners that add an impression of permanence and strength to a residence.