What is Pointing in Brickwork? Method and Types of Pointing

What is Pointing? & Types of Pointing

The joints on the face of stonework or brickwork are unevenly filled in, while the wall is being constructed. These unfinished joints need to be filled and finished properly. Pointing is a method of repairing these mortar joints to improve the appearance of the brick or stone masonry and to protect it from weathering actions. Types of pointing describe below.

Generally, pointing is done with the following two types of mixes:

  1. Lime Mortar (1:2, 1 part of lime and 2 parts of Sand)
  2. Cement Mortar (1:4, 1 part of cement and 4 parts of sand)

When Pointing is Done?

It’s totally adopted in these situations.

  • Where it is not required to produce a smooth and even surface.
  • Where the surface appearance is exhibited by the pattern, thickness, colours and texture of joints.
  • Where the natural beauty of materials stone, blocks & bricks, etc. is desired to be exhibited on the walls.
  • Where good quality materials like stone blocks, are used in construction which can withstand the adverse effects of weather. Under such conditions, pointing being, an economical alternative, is recommended.
  • Where the workmanship is of good quality and joints can be finished smooth with a richer mortar mix.

 Method of Pointing:

  • Before starting the pointing work, joints are raked down up to a depth of 15mm using a chisel or any other tool.
  • Loose material is then removed, space is cleaned with water and left wet for some time.
  • Joints are then filled with suitable material using a trowel by forcing it into the joints.
  • Excess mortar is removed and the surface is finished.

Types of Pointing: 

The joints of pointed work are finished in various shapes. This finishing of pointing work into different types is described below.

Types of pointing

  1. Cut Weathered/ Struck Pointing:

    Struck Pointing in brickwork

    Struck or Cut weathered pointing is done by keeping the face of the pointing sloping outwards, instead of vertical. This is obtained by filling in the raked joints and pressing the finished face inside by 3 to 6 mm with a suitable pointing tool.

  2. Flush Pointing:

    Flush Pointing

    Flush pointing is obtained by forcing mortar into the joints and removing the excess mortar. The joint is flushed or even out with the face. Flush pointing does not have a good appearance but it is the most durable, simplest, and most commonly used method because it does not leave any space for dirt.

  3. V- Grooved Pointing:

    V Grooving Pointing

    Vee pointing is achieved by filling in the joints, flushing them with the face, and forming a V-shaped groove or by projecting V-shaped pointing in the joints.

  4. Rubbed or Keyed Pointing:

    Keyed Pointing

    This type of pointing is also known as Keyed Pointing. This pointing is a modified form of flushed pointing, in which joints are first flushed with face and a groove is formed in the freshly applied mortar. This type is widely used and gives a better appearance and better grip for plasterwork.

  5. Recessed Pointing:

    Recessed Pointing

    In recessed pointing, the mortar is filled in the joints and pushed back to 5mm or more using appropriate tools. The face is kept vertical for this pointing. This type of pointing is mostly used for good facing work using high-quality mortar

  6. Tuck Pointing:

    Tuck Pointing

    Tuckpointing is achieved by filling in the joints, flushing them with the face, and forming a rectangular groove at the centre of the joint. The width and depth of a groove are kept at 5 mm and 3 mm respectively. This groove is then filled up with white lime putty and silver sand in a small amount, leaving a small projection of 3 mm. If this projection is not made in the mortar, it is called bastard pointing or half–tuckpointing.

  7. Beaded Pointing:

Beaded Pointing

Beaded pointing is formed at the centre of joints using a steel or iron rod with a concave-shaped edge. This type of pointing is attractive in appearance but it is problematic to sustain as it can be easily damaged.


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2 Responses

  1. Varsha KULSHRESTHA says:

    A detailed description on pointing in brickwork and its types. Thanks for sharing. You can also read to know more about

  2. David Roger says:

    Well explained! Amazing article
    It will help full for me and my business.

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