In raking stretcher bond the bricks in each course are offset by a quarter of a brick length against the course below. That quarter is exactly one quarter bat — in Dutch a klezoor, which is why the Dutch name for the bond is klezorenverband. All the bricks are laid as stretchers, as in ordinary half-lap stretcher bond; only the lap is a quarter instead of half a brick.
Because the perpend joints keep shifting the same way, a sloping, descending line runs through the brickwork. That gives the panel a clear direction — an effect used mainly for its appearance.
Where it is used
- Decorative panels in facades — as a variation on standard stretcher bond, in a wall panel or a pier
- Brick slips and cladding — with thin slips a quarter or third lap is very common
- Internal walls and feature walls — where the pattern stays on show
- Wall tiles — the same logic appears in tiling as an offset or staggered layout
Points to watch
- Less bond than a half lap — the smaller the overlap, the less the bricks tie one another together in the panel. For loadbearing brickwork there are requirements for minimum lap; on structural work involve an engineer and follow the rules
- Setting out has to be right — a sloping perpend line shows up every deviation in brick size or joint thickness at once; work to a gauge rod and check regularly
- Cut pieces at the edges — at the ends of the panel every course needs a different closing piece; work out beforehand whether the panel comes out
- Colour mixing — with blended facing bricks, mix from several packs at once, otherwise colour bands will line up with the sloping pattern
Related terms
- Quarter bat
- Bond pattern
- Cross bond brickwork
- Chain bond
- Stretcher course
- Perpend joint
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