Tuckpointing: The secret to stronger, better-looking brick

Jarrod Brown
By Jarrod Brown
6 Min Read

If you own a home or building with brick, chances are you’ve heard of “tuckpointing.” But what is it, really? And why do people rave about it? 

Well, tuckpointing is basically a facelift for your brickwork—it refreshes the mortar (that stuff between the bricks) while also giving it a polished, like-new look.

And here’s the cool part: not only does it make your walls look amazing, but it also keeps them solid and protected from damage. 

If you’re wondering whether your home might need it or if you’re curious about how it all works, we’ve got you covered.

But what exactly is it?

Tuckpointing is all about taking out old, crumbling mortar and replacing it with new mortar that matches your brick perfectly. Then, to make everything pop, thin lines of contrasting putty are added to create sharp, even mortar joints. It’s like giving your wall a fresh coat of makeup—but with way more staying power.

This technique is super popular for older, historic homes, but it works wonders for any brick structure that’s starting to show its age. 

Plus, it’s not just about looks. Tuckpointing also seals up cracks and gaps, keeping moisture and other nasty elements from sneaking into your walls and causing bigger problems.

Why should you care?

A cheap and easy way to revive vintage brick walls (Shuttertsock)

Let’s face it—brick is tough, but it’s not invincible. Over time, the mortar between the bricks starts to break down. If you don’t fix it, you’re looking at water damage, loose bricks, and maybe even structural issues. Not good.

That’s where tuckpointing saves the day. Here’s what it does:

  • Boosts curb appeal: Tuckpointing cleans up those messy mortar lines and makes your brickwork look brand new.
  • Stops damage in its tracks: By sealing cracks and gaps, it protects your walls from rain, snow, and other weather problems.
  • Extends the life of your brick: Bricks can last for hundreds of years, but mortar? Not so much. It usually gives out after 25 to 30 years, especially if it’s been hit with extreme weather or moisture.
  • Prevents big repairs later: Catching and fixing small mortar issues now means avoiding costly structural repairs later.

Tuckpointing vs repointing: What’s the difference?

Here’s where things can get a little confusing. People often mix up “tuckpointing” and “repointing.” They’re similar but not the same.

  • Repointing is when you replace old, damaged mortar with new mortar. It’s mostly about fixing structural problems.
  • Tuckpointing does all that, but it also adds those thin putty lines to make everything look polished and precise. It’s as much about style as it is about strength.

So, how do you decide which one you need? If you just want to fix loose mortar and don’t care much about appearances, repointing might do the trick. 

But if you want your brickwork to look sharp and like it was just built, tuckpointing is the way to go.

How do I know if my brick needs tuckpointing?

Wondering if it’s time to give your walls some love? Here’s what to look for:

  • Mortar that’s cracked, crumbling, or receding.
  • Discoloration that makes the mortar look old and worn out.
  • Loose or wobbly bricks (this is a bigger issue that might need professional help).

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to act. Ignoring damaged mortar can lead to bigger headaches—like water sneaking in and causing even more decay or stability problems.

And if you’re thinking about painting your brick, heads up! You’ll want to fix the mortar first. Painting over damaged mortar just makes the flaws stand out more, especially if you’re going with a light colour.

How much does tuckpointing cost?

Here’s the deal: tuckpointing isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. You’re looking at anywhere from $5 to $25 per square foot, depending on the size of the job and how fancy your bricks are. The average is about $15 per square foot.

Why the price tag? Well, tuckpointing takes skill. You need someone who can carefully remove the old mortar without wrecking the bricks, match the new mortar perfectly, and apply those clean, straight putty lines.

It’s not exactly a weekend DIY project—one wrong move and your wall could end up looking worse than before.

The good news? A professional tuckpointing job can last 25 to 30 years if done right. That’s decades of beautiful, solid brickwork that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws its way.

Tuckpointing may not be the most glamorous home project, but it’s definitely one of the smartest. It keeps your brickwork looking amazing, protects your home from damage, and saves you from bigger repair bills down the road. 

Whether you’re sprucing up a historic gem or just keeping your house in tip-top shape, tuckpointing is a no-brainer.

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Jarrod Brown combines his background in journalism, copywriting and digital marketing with a lifelong passion for storytelling. He has a strong passion for new and emerging consumer technology within the building sector. He lives on the Sunshine Coast - usually found glued to the deck of a surfboard.