Masonry Course: Types of Courses, Bricklaying and Techniques

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Looking for a masonry course Do you want to learn the fundamentals of brick and masonry construction?

If you're interested in becoming a bricklayer, improving your construction skills, or simply understanding how brick walls are built, learning masonry terminology and techniques is a great starting point.

Masonry involves much more than simply stacking bricks. How the bricks are positioned, joined, aligned, and supported can affect the strength, appearance, durability, and performance of a wall.

One of the first concepts that beginners encounter is the word. course. In masonry, a course is a horizontal layer or row of masonry units.

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Different arrangements create different types of brick courses, while special features, such as a string course It can add architectural details and functional benefits to a building.

If you're looking for an online masonry course, understanding these fundamentals can help you choose a program that truly matches your goals.

What is a masonry course?

Before looking for masonry courses, it's important to understand what the word "course" means in the construction industry.

ONE masonry course It is a continuous horizontal layer of masonry units, such as bricks, concrete blocks, or stone, within a wall. The courses are typically separated by horizontal mortar joints and stacked to create the height of the wall.

In brick construction, the orientation of individual bricks within each course can vary.

For example, bricks can be positioned to expose their longest face, their shortest end, or their widest face. These arrangements create different visual patterns and can have structural or connecting functions.

Learning how courses work is therefore one of the fundamentals for understanding brick masonry.

Types of brick golf courses you should know about

There are several types of brick fields that appear in masonry constructions.

The exact layout depends on the type of wall, the bonding, the design, and the purpose of the masonry.

Here are some of the most common examples.

Stretcher course

ONE stretcher course It consists of bricks positioned so that their long, narrow face is visible on the wall.

This is one of the most common arrangements used in brick masonry and is often associated with rope bonding patterns.

For beginners, understanding the position of the grout joint is essential, as it appears in many basic masonry applications.

Header course

ONE header course It consists of bricks positioned so that their shorter end, or header, is visible on the face of the wall.

Header courses can be used for bonding and, depending on the wall construction, can help connect different sections or layers of masonry.

Understanding the difference between a header beam and a tie beam is one of the first terminology lessons in brick construction.

Soldier Course

On a soldier course, The bricks are positioned vertically with their narrow face visible.

This arrangement is often used for decorative purposes, especially around doors, windows, and other architectural elements.

A military-inspired design can create a strong horizontal or vertical visual highlight, depending on how it's incorporated into the design.

Sailor Course

ONE sailor course It's just another decorative brick arrangement.

Just like in a row of bricks, they are arranged vertically, but with the wider face exposed.

This creates a different visual appearance while maintaining a consistent row of masonry units.

Rowlock Course

ONE rowing course It uses bricks positioned at the corner, with the narrow face exposed.

Interlocking structures can be used around openings, edges, sills, and decorative areas, depending on the design.

Learning these different orientations helps students understand how the interlocking and patterns of bricks are created.

What is a string instrument course?

the term string course This is particularly important if you are studying architectural masonry.

ONE string course It is a horizontal band of masonry that runs along the facade of a building. It is usually narrower than the surrounding masonry and may project slightly from the wall.

Decorative strips can be used to visually divide different levels of a building, emphasize architectural lines, or create decorative details.

They can also have practical purposes related to water management.

Some reference works on masonry describe a projecting strip or frieze as an element that can help drain rainwater away from the wall surface.

The term may also appear as belt course or band course, depending on the source and construction terminology used.

Course with ropes vs. course with conventional bricks

A common question is whether a course of ropes is simply another type of course of bricks.

Not exactly.

A standard course generally refers to a horizontal layer of masonry blocks within a wall.

ONE string course, On the other hand, it refers to a specific horizontal architectural strip, usually narrower, visually distinct, or slightly projecting from the surrounding wall.

This distinction is useful for anyone studying architectural drawings, masonry terminology, building plans, or historical buildings.

Why are the types of brick paths important?

Understanding types of brick fields It's not just about memorizing names.

The arrangement of masonry blocks can influence various aspects of a wall, including its appearance, connection, alignment, and structural behavior.

Bricklaying and bonding patterns are used to organize masonry units and create a uniform wall.

For example, different settings can be selected for:

  • To improve the appearance of a facade.
  • Creating architectural details
  • Connecting layers of masonry
  • Doors and windows with frames
  • Create decorative strips
  • Distribute the loads properly.
  • Control the visual rhythm of a wall.

Specific structural requirements depend on the wall design, materials, engineering specifications, and applicable building codes.

What do you learn in an online masonry course?

A good one online masonry course It can introduce students to much more than just brick patterns.

Depending on the program, topics may include:

Masonry materials

Learn about bricks, concrete blocks, stone, mortar, and other materials commonly used in masonry construction.

Bricklaying techniques

The courses may present basic methods for positioning bricks, applying mortar, maintaining alignment, and checking levels.

Masonry tools

Students can learn about common tools such as trowels, levels, mason's hammers, planes, measuring instruments, and other equipment.

Mortar and joints

Understanding mortar application and joint terminology is an important part of masonry training.

Bricklaying

Students can explore different fastening patterns and learn how crossbars, headers, and other orientations create different arrangements.

Security

Safety in construction is another important aspect of masonry training, especially when working with heavy materials, tools, scaffolding, and on construction sites.

Where can I find an online masonry course?

There are online courses that cover the fundamentals of masonry and brick construction.

For example, Alison offers a course entitled Masonry and brick construction techniques for beginners, covering introductory techniques for bricklaying and masonry.

Alison states that students can study the courses without paying for access, while official certificates are available for purchase.

Another option is Support, which lists online courses on masonry and bricklaying, covering topics such as foundations, tools, mortar, wall construction, safety, and bricklaying techniques.

When comparing programs, pay attention to whether the course is truly focused on masonry and bricklaying, rather than construction in general.

Who should take a masonry course?

An online masonry course can be useful for various types of students.

Beginners

If you are a complete beginner in construction, an introductory course can help you understand the terminology and basic techniques before moving on to practical training.

Construction workers

People already working in construction can use online education to review specific masonry concepts or expand their knowledge.

Apprentices

Students preparing for hands-on masonry training can use online resources to familiarize themselves with the terminology before beginning their practical classes.

DIY enthusiasts“

Homeowners interested in brick walls, repairs, fireplaces, patios, or masonry projects can benefit from understanding the fundamentals.

Construction Students

Students of architecture, civil engineering, construction, or related fields may also encounter specific masonry terminology in their courses.

Masonry Course: What should you look for?

Not all online construction courses offer the same level of information.

Before enrolling, check if the program covers the subjects that are truly important to your goals.

A good introductory masonry course should ideally include:

  • Fundamentals of masonry
  • Masonry terminology
  • types of brick paths
  • bricklaying
  • Mortar application
  • Tools and equipment
  • Wall alignment
  • Safety practices
  • Fundamentals
  • Finishing techniques
  • Practical examples

If you have a specific interest in bricklaying, look for courses that mention it. rows of bricks, rows of header bricks, rows of bricks….

If you are studying architectural masonry, understanding terms such as string course, The belt course, the sill course, and the water table can also be valuable.

Start learning masonry online.

Learning masonry terminology is a useful first step for anyone interested in bricklaying or construction.

Understanding what a masonry course It means recognizing different types of brick fields, and knowing what a string course This can make construction drawings, architectural details, and masonry patterns much easier to understand.

You can start with an introductory online course and gradually progress to more advanced training and hands-on experience.

Remember that online education and practical qualifications in the field are not necessarily the same thing. If your goal is to work professionally as a bricklayer or mason, check the applicable training, apprenticeship, certification, and licensing requirements in your region.

For those starting from scratch, an online masonry course can be a convenient way to learn the terminology and fundamentals before taking the next step.

Useful resources

Diego Published on August 25, 2026
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