N
The Daily Insight

How wide is a brick course?

Author

Emily Wong

Updated on February 26, 2026

How wide is a brick course?

Brick Sizes: 1/2″ Mortar Joint Between Bricks

Brick TypeSpecified Size D x H x L (inches)Vertical Course
Standard3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 83 courses = 8″
Modular3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 7 1/23 courses = 8″
Norman3 1/2 x 2 1/4 x 11 1/23 courses = 8″
Roman3 1/2 x 1 1/2 x 11 1/21 course = 2″

What is corbelled brickwork?

The term ‘corbel’ refers to an architectural member that projects out from a wall and acts as a type of bracket to carry weight, such as that imposed by a balcony above. Corbels are built into walls to a depth that allows the pressure on the embedded portion to counteract the load on the exposed portion.

How tall is a soldier course?

Soldier Courses. The height of a soldier (7 5/8”) will not course out with the oversize brick, since oversize brick course out at +/- 9” in 3 courses.

What size is a modular brick?

Modular Size is still the standard for much commercial construction across the Acme Brick Company service area and is becoming a popular size in residential use. These units are 2 1/4 inches tall and 7 5/8 inches long, with a bed depth of 3 5/8 inches.

How wide is a standard brick UK?

215 x 102.5 x 65mm
Nowadays most bricks in the UK are made to a standard brick size of 215mm long, 102.5mm wide and 65mm high (215 x 102.5 x 65mm) and laid with a nominal 10mm mortar joint. However, there is a growing trend towards more non-standard brick dimensions, such as Wienerberger’s Roman and Megaline bricks.

How wide is a brick mm?

215 mm x 102.5 mm x
This includes 10 mm mortar joints, and so the standard size for a brick itself is 215 mm x 102.5 mm x 65 mm (length x depth x height). This gives a ratio of 3:2:1, meaning that: With a standard mortar joint of 10 mm, a repeating unit of bricks laid in a stretcher bond will be 225 mm lengthwise and 75 mm in height.

What is Flemish brick bonding?

Flemish bond This is formed by laying headers and stretchers alternately in each course. The headers of each course are centred on the stretchers of the course below. This bond is strong and often used for walls which are two-bricks thick.

What was corbelled style of architecture?

Between the seventh and tenth centuries architects started adding more rooms, doors and windows to buildings. Roofs, doors and windows were still made by placing a horizontal beam across two vertical columns, a style of architecture called “trabeate” or “corbelled”.

How thick is mortar between bricks?

Mortar Thickness The building code for weight-bearing brick walls calls for mortar to be no more than 3/8 inch thick. The thickness of the mortar can vary in other types of structures from 1/8 inch to ¾ inch, according to the MC2 Estimator’s Reference website.

What is the height of 1 course of bricks?

A brick course is equivalent to a standard brick height (76mm) and the mortar (10mm) that holds the bricks above it together. Therefore, a brick course is 86mm.

What is the difference between modular and actual brick dimensions?

A modular brick has a set of nominal, specified and actual dimensions as referenced above. A non-modular brick has a set of specified and actual dimensions but does not have nominal dimensions. Brick are available in many sizes and are referred to by many different names, depending on region.

How much corbel can you put on a brick wall?

Detailing brick corbeling The total horizontal projection shouldn’t exceed one-half the thickness of brick veneer or one-half the thickness of a solid masonry wall By Walter Laska Figure 1: Brick Veneer Corbel Total allowable corbel = 1⁄ 2 (wythe thickness) = 1⁄ 2 (35⁄8 inches) = 113⁄ 16 inches

What are specified dimensions of a brick?

Specified dimensions are the anticipated manufactured dimensions of a brick without taking the mortar joint size into account. Architects will include the specified size in their drawings and specifications.

How do you calculate brick masonry openings?

When calculating brick openings, you count the courses (vertical) or brick lengths (horizontal) to get the Masonry Opening (M.O.). However, to get the actual opening you have to factor in the additional mortar joint that is missing from the standard nominal dimensions.

What size mortar joint do I need for brickwork?

In fact, the International Building Codes reference TMS 602 Specification for Masonry Structures, which defaults to a 3/8″ mortar joint so this should be the main starting point for architects and engineers, but always confirm the specified size of your selected brick.