Coping forms the top course of a wall and stops rainwater running down the face of the brickwork. This prevents damage due to damp and colonisation by algae and other vegetation, and also avoids frost damage caused by water seeping into the joints. It also gives the wall a 'finished' appearance.

There are a wide variety of items that can be used at copings, such as concrete slabs, quarry tiles, bricks and concrete apexes. Copings must be at least 25 mm, (preferably 50 mm), wider than the wall on each face. Strictly, anything smaller than this are cappings, as they will not throw the drips clear of the wall.