Concrete Block Bond Patterns: Japan's Stack Bond vs. the Western Running Bond

Introduction

Concrete blocks can be laid in different patterns depending on the region. In Japan, “stack bond” is the method mainly used, while in the West, “running bond” is the standard. Simply changing the bond pattern can give you a beautiful, Western-style block wall.

What Is Stack Bond?

Stack bond is the concrete block laying method commonly used in Japan. With this method, when blocks are stacked vertically, the upper and lower blocks are aligned almost directly above one another, so the contact area between them is smaller. The advantages of stack bond include the following.

Because the blocks are simply stacked horizontally, no special skill is required, and installation time is shorter, keeping labor costs down.

What Is Running Bond?

Running bond is the standard method in the West. With running bond, the upper and lower blocks are staggered alternately, creating a structure in which the blocks support one another. In Japan, the existence and benefits of running bond are not well known.

• High strength: Because the blocks reinforce one another, the strength of the overall structure improves.

• High seismic resistance: It also withstands vibration such as earthquakes, increasing safety.

Why Is Running Bond the Standard in the West?

In the West, stone masonry construction has a long history, and the techniques and experience gained have also been applied to block walls. Stone masonry sometimes uses a method similar to running bond, which is thought to be one source of this influence.

In addition, many regions in the West, particularly in Europe, tend to experience more snowfall and strong wind than Japan. Running bond has been adopted because its structure resists lateral forces well, making it more able to withstand these natural conditions.

If You Want a Western Design, Choose Running Bond!!

CAN’Enterprises manufactures and sells an applied concrete-block-look tile that captures just the design of a concrete block, “Block Face (BLO)”.

Even in tight spaces where concrete blocks cannot be stacked, it can be installed on a wall like a tile, helping make effective use of the space.

We also offer a half-unit (190 sq.) tile as part of our design-pattern proposals.

Please make use of it for your space design.

View Block Face