Decorative brickwork (Dutch: “boerenvlechtingen”) is the craft of arranging bricks in ornamental patterns within a wall or facade. These patterns add visual richness and demonstrate the skill of the bricklayer, transforming a plain wall into an architectural feature.
Common Decorative Brickwork Patterns
- Herringbone — bricks set at alternating 45-degree angles, forming a V-shaped or zigzag pattern
- Basket weave — pairs of bricks alternated horizontally and vertically, creating a woven appearance
- Diaper pattern — diamond shapes formed by using bricks of a contrasting colour within the wall face
- Dog-tooth — bricks laid at a 45-degree angle so their corners project from the wall surface, creating a sawtooth edge
- Dentil course — bricks alternately projecting and receding in a row to create a tooth-like shadow line
- Tumbled brickwork — bricks set in a diagonal pattern within gable ends, a hallmark of traditional Dutch and Flemish architecture
Techniques
Creating decorative brickwork requires:
- Careful setting out — the pattern must be planned and marked before laying begins
- Precise cutting — many patterns require bricks cut to specific angles or sizes
- Consistent jointing — uniform mortar joints are essential for the pattern to read correctly
- Colour selection — contrasting brick colours enhance pattern visibility
Application
Decorative brickwork is found in:
- Historic farmhouses, churches, and civic buildings
- Gable ends and parapets where ornamentation was traditionally concentrated
- Feature walls in contemporary brick architecture
- Restoration projects aiming to match original detailing
Modern projects sometimes incorporate decorative brickwork as a design feature to add texture and character, particularly around entrances, window surrounds, and boundary walls.
Related Terms
- Bond pattern
- Flemish bond
- Brick corbelling
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