Herringbone bond (Dutch “keperverband”) is a laying pattern in which the stones meet at right angles to one another at an angle — usually 45° or 90° — forming a continuous zigzag or herringbone pattern. It is mainly used for paving, but also appears in decorative brickwork. The name refers to the resemblance to a fish skeleton.
How it works
Because each stone butts its head against the side of the next, the stones interlock like a puzzle:
- Load spreading — a load on one stone is passed to its neighbours through the toothed interlock
- Shift-resistant — the pattern shifts far less than stretcher bond, ideal under moving traffic
- 45° or 90° — at 45° the rows run diagonally to the edge, at 90° parallel to it
Application
- Driveways and parking bays — where vehicles brake and pull away, because the bond resists shear well
- Patios and garden paths — for the decorative herringbone motif
- Brick roads — a classic, strong road pattern
Points to note
- Triangular gaps are left along the edges; finish these with edging stones or cut pieces
- A good edge restraint is essential, otherwise the pattern “fans out”
- A 45° pattern requires more cut stones than a 90° pattern
| 45° | Rows run diagonally to the edge; requires more cut stones |
|---|---|
| 90° | Rows run parallel to the edge; requires fewer cut stones than 45° |
Related terms
- Masonry bond
- Paving bond
- Cross bond
- Half-brick wall
- Closer
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