Quoin
Quoins are large rectangular blocks of masonry or brick that are built into the corners of a wall. They can be used as a load-bearing feature to provide strength and weather protection, but also for aesthetic purposes to add detail and accentuate the outside corners of a building.
It is usual for quoins to be arranged in a toothed form, with alternate quoins projecting and receding from the corner. Where quoins are used purely for decorative reasons, a wide range of materials can be used such as timber, cement render, and stucco. They are often coloured to compliment the brickwork or render of the building.
There are a number of different types of quoin:
- Return quoin: The standard type, is built into wall corners with one long side over one short side.
- Reveal quoin: Built into the wall as a standard block, commonly used for door and window reveals.
- Chamfered quoin: This quoin has a chamfered edge on the top, bottom and outside edges for aesthetic purposes. This can also be incorporated on reveal, return or cladding-type quoins.
- Cladding quoin: This quoin is fixed onto the wall using a two-part resin after the corner has been finished. It is usually 50 mm thick. If the wall is to be rendered, the quoins are fixed first and then the render brought up to the chamfer.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.
Plumbing and heating for sustainability in new properties
Technical Engineer runs through changes in regulations, innovations in materials, and product systems.
Awareness of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
What CBAM is and what to do about it.
The new towns and strategic environmental assessments
12 locations of the New Towns Taskforce reduced to 7 within the new towns draft programme and open consultation.
Buildings that changed the future of architecture. Book review.
The Sustainability Pathfinder© Handbook
Built environment agency launches free Pathfinder© tool to help businesses progress sustainability strategies.
Government outcome to the late payment consultation, ECA reacts.
IHBC 2025 Gus Astley Student Award winners
Work on the role of hewing in UK historic conservation a win for Jack Parker of Oxford Brookes University.