Course (architecture)

Oppositely, coursed rubble masonry construction uses random uncut units, infilled with mortar or smaller stones.

[1] If a course is the horizontal arrangement, then a wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry [2] one unit in thickness.

[2] Stretcher: Units are laid horizontally with their longest end parallel to the face of the wall.

Header: Units are laid on their widest edge so that their shorter ends face the outside of the wall.

[5] Soldier: Units are laid vertically on their shortest ends so that their narrowest edge faces the outside of the wall.

Sailor: Units are laid vertically on their shortest ends with their widest edge facing the wall surface.

Shiner or rowlock stretcher: Units are laid on the long narrow side with the broad face of the brick exposed.

[1] Barge course: Units form the coping of a wall by bricks set on edge.

A brick-built electrical substation in Birmingham, England, with a soldier course running the width of the building, immediately above the door
Brick positions
Brick positions