Brick Masonry Specifications

Brick Size

• The most common sized brick is the standard size that measures 4 x 2 2/3 x 8 inches. The modular sized bricks measure 4 x 2 2/3 x 7 5/8 inches. King-sized bricks generally measure 3 3/8 x 3 x 10 inches while queen-sized bricks are 2 3/4 x 3 x 10 inches. Engineer bricks are 4 x 3 1/5 x 8 inches and economy bricks are 4 x 4 x 8 inches. Utility bricks are 4 x 4 x 12 inches and jumbo bricks are 4 x 3 x 8 inches. Norman bricks are 4 x 2 2/3 x 12 inches while Norwegian bricks are 3 1/2 x 3 x 12 inches. Norman or Norwegian bricks are American names for brick sizes and are not the standard sized bricks in England or Norway.

Brick Position

• There are six basic type of brick positioning. Each type has its own position name that helps brick masons communicate instructions and building plans. Stretchers are placed horizontally so that the long skinny side of the brick is visible. Shiners are placed horizontally so that the long fat side of the brick is visible. Headers are placed horizontally with the short side visible horizontally while rowlock positioning means that the brick is placed horizontally so that the short side is showing vertically. The soldier position is when the brick is placed vertically so that the long, skinny side is showing. The sailor is also placed vertically so that the long fat side is visible.

Brick Compositions

• Manufacturers make most types of brick by kiln burning them from clay and sand. This creates the common red brick. Other types of brick composition include adobe, sand lime and concrete. By adding coloring and certain minerals to each of these bricks, manufacturers can get a variety of colors and textures.