# Running Bond

> What running bond is in brick, block and tile, half vs one-third offsets, how it compares with stack bond, and layout tips for masons and tile setters.

- URL: https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/running-bond/
- Author: Kyle Parry (https://essential.construction/about-us/kyle-parry/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleparry/) - Kyle Parry is the founder of Essential Construction. He has worked in construction for more than 20 years, leading projects across Canada for the country's largest contractors and developers.
- Publisher: Essential Construction (https://essential.construction/)
- Last updated: 2026-11-03

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Running bond is a method of laying brick, block, stone or tile in which each unit is staggered over the joint in the course below, creating an offset pattern. The offset is typically half a unit, but units can be offset by other amounts, most often one-third. In the UK the same pattern in brickwork is usually called stretcher bond.

## Running bond offsets

| Pattern | Offset | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Half (1/2) running bond | Half a unit | The standard brick and block pattern |
| One-third (1/3) running bond | A third of a unit | Common with long plank and large-format tiles |
| Random or broken bond | Varies | Used for wood-look plank tile and some stone |
| [Stack bond](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/stack-bond/) (for comparison) | None | Joints line up vertically; mainly decorative |

## Running bond in masonry

Running bond uses only stretchers (the long face of each unit), so it suits brick veneer and single-wythe walls. Overlapping the head joints spreads loads along the wall and resists cracking better than stack bond. Stack bond has continuous vertical joints, so it generally needs extra horizontal joint reinforcement; follow the engineer and the masonry code. Solid multi-wythe walls use other bonds with headers, such as common (American), English or Flemish bond.

## Running bond in tile

Rectangular and plank tiles are often slightly bowed in the middle. A half offset puts the high centre of one tile next to the low end of the next, causing lippage. For that reason many manufacturers, and US installation standards, limit the offset on long tiles to about one-third unless the manufacturer allows more. Check the tile manufacturer's instructions before setting out.

## Layout tips

- Set out from a centreline so cuts at each end match and avoid slivers at openings.
- Keep head joints plumb: check every few courses with a level or plumb line.
- Use a story pole or gauge rod to keep coursing consistent.
- Build a mockup panel to approve the pattern, joint width and mortar or grout colour.

## Related terms

- [Stack Bond](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/stack-bond/)
- [Mortar](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/mortar/)
- [Mockup](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/mockup/)
- [Pattern Matching](https://essential.construction/academy/glossary/pattern-matching/)

## Related templates and guides

- [Quality Assurance Checklist - Masonry Works](https://essential.construction/files/construction/quality/quality-assurance-checklist-masonry-works/)
- [Design and Install of Large Format Tiles](https://essential.construction/files/information/white-papers/design-and-install-of-large-format-tiles/)
- [Movement Joints in Tile Assemblies](https://essential.construction/academy/tutorials/movement-joint-in-tile-assemblies/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between running bond and stack bond?

In running bond each unit is offset from the course below, so vertical joints do not line up. In stack bond the units sit directly on top of each other with continuous vertical joints. Running bond is stronger and hides small size variations; stack bond gives a clean grid look but usually needs joint reinforcement.

### What is 1/3 running bond?

One-third running bond offsets each course by a third of the unit's length instead of half. It is widely used for long rectangular and plank tiles because it reduces lippage caused by slight bowing in the tiles, and it gives a more gradual stepped look.

### What is the most common brick pattern?

Half running bond is the most common pattern in modern brick and block construction, because brick veneer and most single-wythe walls are laid entirely in stretchers. It is quick to lay, economical and structurally sound.