Which brickwork pointing styles are best for historic or contemporary buildings?

London brick terrace with wisteria plant
(Image credit: Getty Images / Angel Santana)

Pointing is the process of creating the mortar joints between bricks in a piece of brickwork. When old mortar is partially removed and replaced, this is called repointing.

If you’ve looked closely at more than a few brick walls, you’ll know that pointing can look quite different from one structure to the next. Not only are there variations in the colour of mortar, its condition and the quality of pointing – the finish of the pointing can also take various forms. These different profiles are known as ‘pointing styles’.

The Heritage Brickwork Restoration crest
Marcus Clark

Third-generation bricklayer, Marcus Clark, is director of Heritage Brickwork Restoration, a company of renovation and conservation craftsmen based in Kent. Clark oversees his firm’s repointing services and is an authority on mortar formulation for historic properties.

Hill House Brickwork owner, Charlie Hill
Charlie Hill

Charlie Hill is the owner of Hill House Brickwork in Surrey, specialising in brickwork and pointing. The firm prides itself on expertly restoring and enhancing properties through meticulous care and craftsmanship.

Pete Wise is a freelance writer and keen DIYer from Leeds. Pete's tool reviews have featured in titles including Homebuilding & Renovating, Ideal Home and The Independent. He also writes features and news articles for publications such as The Guardian, BBC Good Food and T3. When he isn't busy writing, Pete can often be found at libraries, pubs and live music venues. He finds tile-cutting strangely zen.