Would building a brick wall like this actually compromise the strength of it much? I would guess that so long as the mortar isn't too thick it should hold up alright over time, but i donno shit about masonry.
this post was submitted on 17 Dec 2025
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I think it would depend on what forces are gonna ultimately be placed on the wall when it's done. If the brick and mortar pattern is very disorganized, that might lead to certain spots where stresses may concentrate in one place vs another. This would then mean the wall has certain spots where its more prone to failure, compared to a wall with a regular, even distribution of brick and mortar.
It's kinda like why we heat treat some metals. To alter the grain structure of them to give us certain properties.
The massive gaps which are only mortar are a huge red flag. When push comes to shove, they’d give, and the rest would follow.
There are steps you can take internally that could make it just as strong or stronger than a normal wall, but it would make it more expensive.
Wondering the same thing. I mean, people build rock walls out of rocks that weren’t meant to fit together like puzzle pieces.
they shape "rocks" accordingly though. they don't put them haphazardly like in the above photo
the problem with using recycled bricks is that they have already lost their weather endurance because that top coat is gone. so adding bricks that have lost their own integrity means your putting flaws in your foundation
are you sure that bricks have a "top coat"?
they do, but it isn't like something you add it's the skin of it after being baked
January is tech debt month. I’m so excited.
We have ours this month! Always need more time
hollywood bond brick
I’m wondering where the original photo was taken. I’m guessing the Balkans or a former Soviet republic.