A hengst is a Dutch building-trade term for a brick or stone split lengthwise, leaving a long, narrow piece. It is one of the many names for the closer pieces a bricklayer cuts on site to make a bond work out neatly.
What is it for?
When bricklaying, the chosen bond has to work out at corners, reveals and around openings. Standard bricks do not always fit, so a cut piece is needed. Unlike a piece cut across its width, a hengst is split along its length, so the brick becomes narrower but not shorter — comparable to a lengthwise closer or “soap” in English masonry.
Points of attention
- A brick split along its length is more fragile and breaks more easily; work carefully with the trowel and hammer
- Use cut pieces on less visible spots where possible, as the split face is rougher
- Too many cut pieces in one course usually means the bond was set out wrongly; calculate the bond in advance
Application
The hengst and related closers occur mainly in traditional brickwork. In facing masonry the aim is a calm façade with as few visible cut pieces as possible.
Related terms
- Brick
- Closer
- Queen closer
- Masonry bond
- Bricklaying
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