Which type of masonry is typically used for vertical elements in a wall?

Soldier courses, which consist of bricks laid vertically on their ends, are used for vertical elements in a wall. When installed, soldiers help provide structural stability and a distinctive aesthetic aspect to brickwork. This vertical positioning allows for the effective transfer of loads through the wall while creating visually appealing lines. Soldier courses are often utilized in areas such as doorways or window openings, providing both reinforcement and decorative detailing.

Other types of masonry, while important, serve different purposes. Stretchers are laid flat and usually form the majority of a wall's surface, providing a strong bond in the horizontal plane. Headers are laid across the width of the wall, frequently found in bonding patterns to help tie two or more walls together. Bricks overall can refer to the standard unit of construction material but don’t specifically address the layout orientation important for vertical support like soldier courses do.