Types of Brick Joints: A Practical Guide for Professional Bricklayers

Brick joints are more than just the lines between bricks. For professional bricklayers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts alike, the type of brick joint used can affect the strength, durability, weather resistance, and visual impact of brickwork. On a UK construction site—where buildings must withstand frequent rain, cold winters, and changing temperatures—choosing the right joint and the right brickwork tools is essential.

In this guide, we explore the most common types of brick joints used in the UK, explain where each one is best suited, and highlight how the correct bricklaying tools help achieve a professional finish. Whether you’re working on new builds, extensions, restoration projects, or garden walls, understanding brick joints will help you deliver long-lasting, high-quality results.

Why Brick Joints Matter in UK Brickwork

In masonry, mortar joints typically make up around 15–20% of the visible surface area of a brick wall. This means joint selection has a major influence on both performance and appearance. In the UK climate especially, joints must be capable of shedding water and resisting frost damage.

Well-executed brick joints:

• Improve structural integrity by bonding bricks effectively

• Protect masonry from moisture penetration

• Reduce the risk of frost damage and mortar erosion

• Enhance the overall appearance of brickwork

• Reduce long-term maintenance and repointing costs

Using the correct joint profile alongside high-quality brickwork tools—such as jointers, trowels, and pointing tools—ensures consistent, professional results.

Common Types of Brick Joints

1. Concave Joint (Most Popular in the UK)

The concave joint is the most widely used brick joint in UK construction. It is formed using a curved jointer that compresses the mortar inward, creating a dense and smooth finish.

Why it’s popular:

• Excellent resistance to rain and moisture

• Compressed mortar improves durability

• Performs well in freeze–thaw conditions

Best uses:

• External walls

• Residential housing

• Commercial buildings

• Exposed brickwork

Tools used: Concave jointer, brick trowel

For UK weather conditions, concave joints are often considered the best all-round option.

2. V-Joint (Vee Joint)

A V-joint is produced using a V-shaped jointing tool, forming a sharp, angular groove in the mortar.

Key features:

• Clean, decorative appearance

• Good water-shedding properties

• Creates strong shadow lines

Best uses:

• Architectural brickwork

• Feature walls

• Developments where appearance matters

Tools used: V-jointer, pointing trowel

3. Flush Joint

Flush joints are finished level with the face of the brick. While simple in appearance, they require proper compaction to perform well.

Advantages:

• Clean and modern look

• Suitable for walls that will be rendered or painted

Limitations:

• Less weather-resistant than concave joints

• Can crack if poorly compacted

Best uses:

• Internal brickwork

• Brickwork to be finished later

Tools used: Brick trowel, straight-edge

4. Weathered Joint

Weathered joints are angled so that the top edge is recessed and the bottom edge slopes outward, helping water run off the wall.

Why choose a weathered joint:

• Excellent rainwater runoff

• Traditional appearance

Best uses:

• Period properties

• Heavily exposed walls

• Restoration work

Tools used: Trowel, jointing rule

5. Struck Joint

A struck joint is similar to the weathered joint but with a more pronounced slope, creating deeper shadow lines.

Pros:

• Strong visual texture

• Helps shed water

Cons:

• Upper edge can be vulnerable to wear

Best uses:

• Decorative external brickwork

• Feature façades

Tools used: Pointing trowel, jointing tool

6. Raked Joint

Raked joints are created by removing mortar back from the brick face once it has partially set.

Characteristics:

• Recessed joint profile

• Highlights individual bricks

Limitations in UK conditions:

• Poor resistance to rain

• Increased risk of moisture penetration

Best uses:

• Internal brickwork

• Sheltered external walls

Tools used: Raking tool, joint raker

7. Recessed Joint

Recessed joints are similar to raked joints but are typically shallower and more uniform.

Advantages:

• Contemporary appearance

• Emphasises brick colour and texture

Disadvantages:

• Not recommended for exposed UK exteriors

Best uses:

• Modern interior designs

• Feature brick walls

Tools used: Recessed jointer

8. Beaded Joint

Beaded joints feature a raised, rounded bead of mortar that projects beyond the brick face.

Visual impact:

• Highly decorative

• Traditional and ornate

Drawbacks:

• Easily damaged

• Poor performance in wet conditions

Best uses:

• Interior brickwork

• Heritage restoration projects

Tools used: Beading tool

9. Extruded (Squeezed) Joint

Extruded joints are formed when excess mortar is left protruding from the joint without tooling.

Pros:

• Fast application

• Rustic, informal look

Cons:

• Traps water and dirt

• Not suitable for professional external brickwork

Best uses:

• Temporary structures

• Decorative garden features

Tools used: Brick trowel

Choosing the Right Brick Joint for Your Project

When selecting a joint profile, consider:

• Exposure to weather: External UK walls need water-resistant joints

• Type of building: Housing, extensions, boundary walls, or interiors

• Aesthetic goals: Traditional vs modern appearance

• Maintenance expectations: Durable joints reduce future repairs

For most UK exterior projects, concave and weathered joints remain the top choices.

The Importance of Quality Brickwork Tools

Achieving consistent, professional brick joints depends on using the right tools. High-quality jointers, trowels, joint rakers, and pointing tools allow bricklayers to:

• Create uniform joint profiles

• Properly compress mortar

• Work efficiently on-site

• Deliver a clean, professional finish

Investing in professional-grade brickwork tools not only improves results but also saves time and reduces material waste.

Conclusion

Brick joints play a vital role in the performance and appearance of masonry. In the UK’s demanding climate, selecting the correct joint profile and using the right bricklaying tools is essential for durable, attractive brickwork.

Whether you’re a professional bricklayer, contractor, or serious DIYer, understanding the different types of brick joints will help you choose the best solution for every project. With the right knowledge and the right tools, you can ensure your brickwork stands the test of time.