11/03/2026
We often hear the term "tooling" in masonry, but what does it really mean?
Tooling is the process of compacting and shaping mortar joints at the right stage of curing. There are several types of jointers used depending on the application. Steel jointers are commonly used in new construction, while in heritage masonry, we often use a wooden dowel once the mortar has reached what's known as "thumbprint hard."
At this stage, tooling recompacts the mortar joint, helping prevent excessive shrinkage as it cures while creating a dense, properly finished surface.
It's a small step in the masonry process, but knowing when and how to tool the joint can make an important difference in how the mortar performs over time. 🧱