Complete Masonry Glossary

Professional masonry terms, techniques, and definitions explained by experts. Your comprehensive reference for understanding masonry work.

AB

A

Aggregate

Sand, gravel, crushed stone, or other granular material used as an ingredient in mortar or concrete. Aggregate provides bulk and strength to the mixture.

Ashlar

Cut stone masonry with precisely squared stones laid in horizontal courses. Ashlar masonry is characterized by fine joints and smooth, even surfaces.

B

Bed Joint

Horizontal mortar joint on which a masonry unit is laid. The bed joint distributes the load and bonds the masonry units together.

Bond

The arrangement of masonry units in a wall or structure, or the adhesive property that holds mortar to masonry units.

Brick

A rectangular masonry unit made from clay, shale, or other materials, fired in a kiln to create a hard, durable building material.

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