Masonry Joint Type Visual Guide

Visual comparison of mortar joint profiles with weather resistance ratings. Helps select the right joint style for repairs or new work.

Mortar Joint Types Comparison
Joint TypeWeather ResistanceAppearanceBest Use
ConcaveExcellentRounded inwardExterior walls - most common
V-JointVery GoodV-shaped grooveExterior, decorative
WeatheredExcellentAngled downwardExterior, water shedding
Flush/StruckFairFlat with surfaceInterior, economy
RakedPoorRecessed, shadowedInterior only, decorative
BeadedFairRaised round beadDecorative, sheltered areas
Concave Joint (Most Common)

Appearance: Curved inward, creating a rounded depression

Tool: Round jointer or convex jointing tool

Weather Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Advantages:

  • Best water shedding properties
  • Compresses mortar against bricks
  • Creates strong seal
  • Industry standard for exterior work
  • Easy to create with proper tool

Disadvantages:

  • Requires specific jointing tool
  • More time-consuming than flush joint

✓ Recommended for all exterior masonry

V-Joint

Appearance: V-shaped groove pointing outward

Tool: V-shaped jointer

Weather Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very Good

Advantages:

  • Good water drainage
  • Attractive shadow lines
  • Suitable for exterior use
  • Compresses mortar

Disadvantages:

  • More difficult to tool than concave
  • Sharp edges can chip over time
  • Requires steady hand for uniform appearance

✓ Good for exterior decorative work

Weathered Joint

Appearance: Angled downward from top to bottom brick

Tool: Trowel

Weather Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent

Advantages:

  • Excellent water shedding - water runs off easily
  • Can be formed with trowel edge
  • Traditional appearance
  • Very durable in harsh weather

Disadvantages:

  • Difficult to achieve uniform angle
  • Requires skill and practice
  • Not as commonly seen (less familiar)

✓ Best choice for extremely wet climates

Flush/Struck Joint

Appearance: Mortar flush with brick face

Tool: Trowel edge

Weather Resistance: ⭐⭐⭐ Fair

Advantages:

  • Fastest and easiest to create
  • No special tools required
  • Economical for large projects
  • Adequate for interior walls

Disadvantages:

  • Poor water resistance
  • Mortar not compressed
  • Can allow water infiltration
  • Less durable long-term

⚠ OK for interior, avoid for exterior in wet climates

Raked Joint (Not for Exterior!)

Appearance: Mortar recessed 1/4" to 1/2" behind brick face

Tool: Raking tool or square tool

Weather Resistance: ⭐ Poor

Advantages:

  • Very attractive - creates deep shadow lines
  • Emphasizes individual brick texture
  • Popular in historic/decorative interior work

Disadvantages (Critical for Exterior):

  • ❌ Ledge collects water
  • ❌ Water sits against brick edge
  • ❌ Freeze-thaw damage likely
  • ❌ Mortar exposed to weather on edges
  • ❌ Poor durability outdoors

⚠️ NEVER use raked joints on exterior walls in climates with freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rain!

✓ OK for interior decorative walls only

Beaded Joint

Appearance: Raised convex bead protruding from brick face

Tool: Special beading tool

Weather Resistance: ⭐⭐ Poor-Fair

Advantages:

  • Highly decorative
  • Unique appearance
  • Traditional/historic look

Disadvantages:

  • Protruding mortar exposed to weather
  • Can trap water on top
  • Not suitable for harsh climates
  • Requires specialized tool

⚠ Use only in sheltered locations or interior

Jointing Technique & Timing

Proper Timing (Critical):

  • Tool when "thumbprint hard": Mortar should hold a thumbprint without sticking
  • Too early: Mortar smears and stains bricks
  • Too late: Mortar too hard, won't compress properly
  • Window: Usually 30-60 minutes after laying brick (varies by weather)

Technique:

  1. Tool horizontal joints first (long runs)
  2. Then tool vertical joints (head joints)
  3. Use consistent pressure throughout
  4. Tool in one smooth motion when possible
  5. Remove excess mortar with trowel
  6. Brush lightly after mortar sets (don't smear)
Weather & Climate Considerations

Freeze-Thaw Climates (Northern regions)

Best Choices: Concave, V-Joint, Weathered

Avoid: Raked, Beaded, Flush (exterior)

Why: Water must shed quickly - any standing water in joints freezes and causes spalling

Wet Climates (High rainfall)

Best Choices: Concave, Weathered

Avoid: Raked, Flush

Why: Excellent water shedding essential to prevent moisture infiltration

Dry/Mild Climates

More Options: Most joint types acceptable

Still Recommended: Concave for best longevity

Avoid Exterior: Raked (even in dry climates, morning dew can cause issues)

Common Jointing Mistakes

❌ Using raked joints on exterior walls:

Guaranteed water damage and deterioration

❌ Tooling too early:

Smears mortar on brick face, creates stains

❌ Tooling too late:

Doesn't compress mortar, poor weather seal

❌ Inconsistent joint depth:

Unprofessional appearance, uneven water shedding

❌ Not removing mortar droppings:

Dried mortar on brick face very hard to remove

Repointing Old Mortar Joints

When to Repoint:

  • Mortar crumbling or falling out
  • Gaps deeper than 1/4"
  • Water infiltration through joints
  • Historic building maintenance

Match Original Joint Type:

  • For historic buildings, replicate original joint profile
  • Match depth and finish
  • Use compatible mortar type (Type O for old/soft brick)

Process:

  1. Remove old mortar to depth of 2-3x joint width (min 1/2")
  2. Clean joint thoroughly
  3. Dampen joint (don't saturate)
  4. Pack new mortar firmly
  5. Tool to match existing joints
Quick Reference - Best Joint by Application

✓ Exterior Walls (Most Common): Concave Joint

✓ Extreme Weather: Weathered or Concave

✓ Decorative Exterior: V-Joint or Concave

✓ Interior Walls: Flush, Concave, or Raked

✓ Interior Decorative: Raked or Beaded

✓ Budget/Speed: Flush (interior only)

When in doubt: Use Concave Joint - works well in all applications

Additional Information

About This Masonry Joint Type Guide

The mortar joint profile you choose dramatically affects both the appearance and weather resistance of brick, block, and stone masonry. While raked joints create beautiful shadow lines, using them on exterior walls in wet or freezing climates will lead to rapid deterioration and water infiltration. Understanding which joint types shed water and which trap it is essential for durable masonry work.

This guide compares the most common mortar joint profiles - concave, V-joint, weathered, flush, raked, and beaded - with their weather resistance ratings, proper applications, and tooling techniques. You'll learn why concave joints are the industry standard for exteriors and when decorative joints like raked profiles can be safely used.

Whether you're building a new brick wall, repointing historic masonry, or simply trying to understand why your exterior mortar is failing, this reference provides the knowledge to select and create appropriate joint profiles for your climate and application.

Why Use This Reference Guide?

Choosing the wrong mortar joint profile can lead to water damage, freeze-thaw spalling, and premature mortar failure. This guide helps you make informed decisions that will last for decades.

  • Compare weather resistance of different joint profiles
  • Select appropriate joints for your climate and exposure
  • Learn proper tooling timing and technique
  • Understand why certain joints fail in exterior applications
  • Match joint profiles for repointing and repairs
  • Know which tools create each profile type
Frequently Asked Questions

Free Masonry Joint Guide - Visual Mortar Joint Types Chart | DIYProject.ai