If you’ve noticed crumbling mortar or gaps between the bricks in your home, you might be thinking about tuckpointing. This process not only improves the look of your brickwork but also protects your home from potential damage.
The good news? You can tackle tuckpointing yourself with the right tools, a bit of patience, and some practical know-how. Taking on a DIY project like tuckpointing can feel empowering.
You’re not just saving money; you’re also taking control of your home’s upkeep. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or new to home maintenance, this guide will help you with the process so your brickwork looks great and stands strong for years to come.
What is Tuckpointing?
When you look at the brickwork in your home, you probably see the strong, solid structure that holds everything together. But over time, the mortar between those bricks can wear away, leading to cracks, gaps, and a weakened structure.
Tuckpointing is a technique used to repair and restore the mortar joints in brickwork. It involves removing the old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar that not only matches the existing joints in color and texture but also strengthens the structure.
This process is essential because the mortar holds your bricks together. Without it, your walls could become unstable, leading to costly repairs or even structural issues.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Starting a DIY tuckpointing project means having the right materials and tools at your fingertips. Without them, you could find yourself frustrated or, worse, causing more damage than good.
Gathering everything you need before you start ensures that the job goes smoothly and that your work holds up over time. With the right preparation, you’re already halfway to success.
1. Essential Tools for Tuckpointing
- Tuckpointing Trowel: This specialized tool is designed to apply and shape mortar in narrow joints. Its slim profile allows you to work the mortar deep into the joints, ensuring a secure and long-lasting repair.
- Hammer and Chisel: These are vital for removing old, crumbling mortar from the joints. A chisel with a sharp edge will help you avoid damaging the bricks while clearing out the old mortar.
- Angle Grinder: For larger or more deteriorated areas, an angle grinder fitted with a masonry blade can make quick work of removing old mortar. Just be sure to use it carefully to avoid cutting into the bricks.
- Mortar Bag: Similar to a piping bag used in baking, a mortar bag allows you to apply mortar directly into the joints with precision. This tool helps you avoid messy applications and keeps the mortar where it belongs.
- Joint Raker: This tool helps you smooth out and shape the mortar after application. It ensures a clean, even finish that matches the surrounding joints.
- Wire Brush: After removing the old mortar, use a wire brush to clean out any remaining debris. This step is crucial for ensuring that the new mortar adheres properly.
2. Choosing the Right Mortar
Mortar comes in different types, categorized by their strength and durability. For tuckpointing, you’ll want to choose a mortar that matches the original as closely as possible, both in composition and color.
If you’re unsure which type to use, consult the original building plans, if available, or take a sample to a local hardware store for guidance. Using the wrong mortar can lead to further deterioration or a visible mismatch with the existing joints, so this step is worth taking your time on.
3. Safety Gear
Safety should always be a priority when undertaking any DIY project. For tuckpointing, you’ll need:
- Safety Goggles: Protect your eyes from dust and debris, especially when grinding or chiseling away old mortar.
- Gloves: A good pair of work gloves will protect your hands from sharp tools and rough surfaces.
- Dust Mask: Prevent inhalation of dust and fine particles, particularly when working with old mortar, which may contain harmful substances like silica.
Preparation Before Tuckpointing
Proper preparation can make all the difference between a job well done and one that needs redoing sooner than you’d like. Taking the time to get everything ready ensures that your new mortar will bond effectively and stand the test of time.
This step might not be the most glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential for a smooth process and lasting results. When it comes to home projects, the prep work often determines the quality of the outcome, and tuckpointing is no exception.
Step 1: Inspect and Assess the Area
Start by thoroughly inspecting the brickwork to identify all the areas that need tuckpointing. Look for cracks, gaps, or loose mortar that might indicate the need for repair.
Pay special attention to spots where the mortar is crumbling or where the bricks seem unstable, as these are the most critical areas to address. Once you’ve identified the problem areas, assess the extent of the damage.
Determine whether the entire wall needs work or if you can focus on specific sections. This assessment will help you plan your time and materials effectively, ensuring that you’re not caught off guard during the project.

Step 2: Remove Old Mortar
Removing the old, damaged mortar is a key step in preparing your brickwork for tuckpointing. Use a hammer and chisel to carefully chip away at the mortar, taking care not to damage the surrounding bricks.
For larger areas or stubborn mortar, an angle grinder with a masonry blade can speed up the process, but be sure to use it with caution. As you remove the mortar, aim to clear out about half an inch to three-quarters of an inch deep.
This will create enough space for the new mortar to adhere properly. After you’ve removed the old mortar, use a wire brush to clean out any remaining debris, ensuring a clean surface for the new application.

Step 3: Clean the Joints
With the old mortar removed, the next step is to clean the joints thoroughly. Any dust, dirt, or loose particles left in the joints can prevent the new mortar from bonding correctly, so it’s important to be thorough.
Use a wire brush or compressed air to remove any remaining debris, ensuring that the joints are as clean as possible. After brushing out the joints, it’s a good idea to rinse them with water to remove any fine dust.
Just be sure to let the joints dry completely before moving on to the next step, as wet joints can also interfere with mortar adhesion.

Step 4: Prepare the Mortar
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, mixing the mortar to the right consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so dry that it crumbles when applied.
If you’re unsure about the color match, test a small area first to ensure it blends well with the existing mortar. Let the mortar sit for a few minutes after mixing, which helps it reach the right texture.
Then, give it a final stir before loading it into your mortar bag or trowel, and you’re ready to start the tuckpointing process.
DIY Tuckpointing Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve done all the necessary preparation, it’s time to move on to the actual tuckpointing. This is where all your hard work pays off, as you start to see the transformation of your brickwork.
Approaching a project like tuckpointing can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it much easier to handle.

Step 1: Mix the Mortar
Start by mixing your mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The goal is to achieve a consistency that is workable but firm—thick enough to stay in place when applied to the joints but not so thick that it’s difficult to work with.
After mixing, let the mortar sit for a few minutes to allow it to hydrate, then give it a final stir before use. If you’re concerned about matching the color of the new mortar to the existing joints, this is the time to do a small test.
Apply a bit of the mortar to an inconspicuous area and let it dry to see how it matches. Adjust as needed before moving forward.
Step 2: Apply the Mortar
Using your tuckpointing trowel, start applying the mortar into the joints. It’s best to work on small sections at a time, so the mortar doesn’t dry out before you’ve had a chance to shape it.
Begin by pressing the mortar deep into the joint, ensuring that it fills the space completely. This will provide a strong bond and help prevent future issues.
If you’re using a mortar bag, fill it with mortar and squeeze it into the joints like you would with icing from a piping bag. This method allows for precise application, especially in tighter or more intricate areas.
Step 3: Shape and Smooth the Joints
After you’ve applied the mortar, use your joint raker or a tuckpointing tool to shape and smooth the joints. This is where you’ll create clean, straight lines that give tuckpointing a distinctive look.
Work carefully to ensure that the new mortar matches the depth and style of the existing joints, blending seamlessly with the surrounding brickwork. As you shape the joints, remove any excess mortar and smooth the surface to achieve a professional finish.
It’s important to work quickly but carefully, as the mortar will start to set and become harder to manipulate as it dries.
Step 4: Allow the Mortar to Cure
Once you’ve shaped and smoothed all the joints, it’s time to let the mortar cure. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the weather and humidity.
During this time, it’s important to keep the mortar damp to prevent it from drying too quickly and cracking. You can do this by lightly misting the joints with water a couple of times a day.
Avoid touching or disturbing the joints while the mortar cures, as this can cause imperfections in the finish. Once the mortar has fully cured, it will be strong and durable, providing long-lasting protection for your brickwork.
Step 5: Clean Up the Area
After the mortar has cured, you’ll want to clean up any remaining debris and excess mortar from the brick surface. Use a soft brush or a damp cloth to gently clean the bricks, being careful not to disturb the newly applied mortar.
If there’s any stubborn mortar on the bricks, a mild acid solution can help remove it, but always test in a small area first to avoid damaging the brick. With the area cleaned up, you can step back and admire your work.
The fresh mortar should blend seamlessly with the existing joints, and your brickwork should look revitalized and strong.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Replace Bricks on a House
Taking on a DIY tuckpointing project is no small feat, but with the right preparation, tools, and attention to detail, you can restore the beauty and strength of your brickwork. There’s a real sense of accomplishment in maintaining your home with your own hands, and tuckpointing is a perfect example of how you can make a significant impact.
As you’ve learned, tuckpointing is all about maintaining the integrity of your brickwork. However, if you find that some bricks are too damaged to repair through tuckpointing alone, you might need to replace them entirely.While tuckpointing focuses on renewing the mortar, knowing how to replace bricks ensures that your overall brick structure remains solid and secure. Together, these skills empower you to take full control of your home’s maintenance, giving you the confidence to handle any brickwork challenges that come your way.