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 โ€œfancy patternsโ€ 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.