What is the primary purpose of stack bonds in masonry?

The primary purpose of stack bonds in masonry is to create decorative patterns. Stack bonds are characterized by bricks or masonry units being laid in a vertical alignment, with joints directly above one another. This alignment produces a distinctive visual effect, making stack bonds particularly appealing for aesthetic design elements in architectural applications.

While stack bonds do not provide the same level of structural strength as other bond patterns, such as running bonds, they are often employed in situations where visual impact is emphasized over structural capacity. Such decorative usage is common in feature walls, facades, and other architectural elements where the visual appearance plays a significant role in the design intent.