Different Types Of Masonry Jointers And Their Uses

Stone mason jointing stone stairs for Lennox masonry in Victoria BC

Jointers are tools used to manipulate mortar joints for the sake of achieving a specific finish on any masonry structure, such as brick or stone walls. In the following guide, Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC will walk you through the most commonly used jointers and the results each one can achieve when it comes to your masonry project. For the most part, the type of masonry joint desired is purely aesthetic, but certain types of joints can prevent elements such as rain from working its way between masonry units. And on that note, we are going to begin with one of the most widely used joints in masonry: the flush joint.

Slicker or Tuck Pointing Jointer:

Flush joints are created by using a Slicker jointer or a Tuck pointing jointer. It is a flat tool which simply removes the excess mortar from the masonry structure. The results are a mortar joint which is flush with the face of the brick or stone.

Brick showing results of a masonry tuck pointer on mortar — Side view of a flush mortar joint achieved by using a Slicker or Tuck pointing jointer.

Joint Raker or Rake Out Jointer:

Raked out joints are made by utilizing a Joint Raker, otherwise known as a Rake Out jointer. The Joint Raker consists of a handle with two metal wheels and an adjustable nail at the end to rake out the mortar joint to the desired depth. The wheels of the jointer run along the face of bricks while the nail head removes the mortar from between them. It is a very effective and efficient jointer for removing mortar quickly throughout brickwork.

Brick showing results of a rake out masonry jointer on mortar — Side view of a recessed mortar joint achieved by using a Joint Raker or Rake Out jointer.

Convex Jointer:

The creation of a concave masonry joint is accomplished by using a Convex jointer. As the name suggests, the jointer is made in a concave shape which allows for a rounded finish of the mortar.

Beaded Mortar Jointer:

A Beaded mortar jointer is essentially a Convex mortar jointer with an inversed handle. They also come in a square format if desired. The key to creating a beaded mortar joint is to over-grout the joint and then apply the Beaded Mortar Jointer to it for a rounded look.

Brick showing results of concave bead jointer on mortar — Side view of a beaded mortar joint achieved by using a Beaded Mortar Jointer.

V Jointer:

A V joint is exactly how it sounds: a V shaped mortar joint which has been indented by a V jointer. V joints were widely used in previous centuries but are rarely used in our modern era, apart from restoring heritage masonry structures.

Grapevine Jointer:

A Grapevine jointer is a flat-edged jointer with a raised bead of steel in the center of it to create a small depression in the middle of a mortar joint. Much like the V jointer, the Grapevine jointer is no longer widely used except while restoring heritage masonry structures.

Lennox Masonry of Victoria, BC has been proudly serving both Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands for over a decade. We are small group of skilled masons with a great deal of passion towards our trade and for improving the communities we live and work in. We extend our gratitude to the lək̓ʷəŋən people for allowing us to share and work on this corner of the garden with them. We are thankful for the residents and businesses of Victoria, BC for supporting us in our endeavors!

If you’re in need of a professional and reliable masonry company for your next project, please contact us today!