What are bed joints in masonry?

Bed joints in masonry refer specifically to the horizontal joints that are created when blocks, bricks, or stones are laid on top of each other. These joints are crucial in providing stability and strength to the structure, as they help distribute loads evenly across the masonry unit.

When bricks or blocks are laid, the mortar applied between them forms these horizontal bed joints. Properly constructed bed joints are essential for the overall integrity of the wall, ensuring that water does not penetrate and that thermal expansion and contraction can occur without damaging the masonry.

In comparison, vertical joints connect masonry units side by side, inclined joints would not be typical in standard masonry construction, and curved joints are more specialized and less common. Understanding bed joints is fundamental for anyone in the masonry field, as they affect both the aesthetic and structural qualities of the finished product.