. OTHER TYPES OF BRICKS: Many kinds of bricks are available by special order for particular use. Various shapes, such as round corner, coping in different shapes, molded face, hexagonal paving bricks or tiles, and many others, are made in most areas but must, as we indicate, be specially ordered. They are more expensive than common bricks but they give effects which are not obtainable in any other way. Check locally for types, prices, and availability.

. FEATURES FOUND IN SOME BRICKS: Various surface textures are made, the wirecut surface being widely used. We do not, personally, favor this type of surface because it is so full of texture as to look shaggy. Furthermore, it is likely to collect dust, grime, and soot in city areas and will be very hard to clean. A good brick wall with slightly raked joints gives a most pleasing texture in itself and no further textural emphasis will be necessary.

Today many bricks, even common ones, are found with various depressions moulded into the top and bottom surfaces to hold mortar and thus give a better bonding. These depressions are usually of an oblong shape and run to within an inch or so of each edge. Other types have round holes bored through the brick at intervals so that when the bed joint is laid the mortar sinks into these holes and is pushed up into the holes in the next course, thus assisting in making a strong joint. Iron rods may be forced through these holes, too, making an exceptionally strong wall even though it may be only one brick in width. The mortar in this case is forced tightly around the iron rods, of course.

. . . blocks and other masonry units
Many types of building blocks are available in all sections of the country. We have only to look about us to see what strong, durable walls they make and how interesting and effective they can be.

.CINDER BLOCKS are perhaps the most commonly available. They are made of cement and cinders used in place of other aggregates, either with or without sand. (See the chart page for various styles and sizes.)