A masonry facade is composed of discrete stones, bricks, concrete masonry units, or other blocks stacked on top of each other in more or less regular courses or patterns. In contrast to a tile facade, the individual blocks rest on the blocks below, although they may be supported at intervals by a bracket or other device projecting from the framework.

In most cases the masonry units are mortared together, although in heavy stone construction sometimes no mortar is necessary.

This facade system is not assigned when the masonry wall is interrupted at each floor level by an exposed framework (e.g. wood or concrete) and merely fills the openings in the frame; such a facade should be labeled as frame + infill.

The units which are stacked in a masonry facade must be cut or molded to allow close fitting. If uncarved rocks or unfitted fragments are mortared or piled together, without regular coursing or other fitted patterns, then the facade system is rubble masonry.