Need Any Help?
Need Any Help?
Tuck pointing is often considered the “fine art” of the masonry world. Specifically designed for high-end Victorian and Georgian properties, it is a decorative finish that creates the illusion of perfectly sharp, uniform brickwork.
Need Any Help?
Tuck pointing was originally developed in the late 18th century as a way to mimic the appearance of expensive “gauged” brickwork (where bricks were hand-rubbed to be perfectly identical).
The technique involves two distinct mortar applications
A colored mortar (pigmented to match the brick exactly) is applied to the joints. This effectively "hides" any irregularities, chips, or unevenness in the original bricks.
A very fine, thin line of white lime putty—known as the "ribbon"—is then applied over the base mortar. This creates a crisp, razor-sharp contrast that makes the bricks look perfectly straight and uniform.
Many of London’s period homes were built with “London Stock” bricks, which can vary in size and color. Over time, original tuck pointing decays, and many properties have been “butchered” with thick, ugly cement joints.
Nothing compares to the clean, geometric beauty of a tuck-pointed facade. It is the gold standard for luxury property restoration.
For high-end London real estate, authentic heritage finishes can significantly increase the market value and “buyability” of a home.
We use traditional Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) and lime putty. This ensures your Victorian bricks remain breathable, preventing the damp and spalling associated with modern cement.
Alongside our core expertise, we provide a full range of brickwork and restoration services in London, delivered by experienced craftsmen using proven techniques to protect, restore, and enhance residential, commercial, and heritage properties across the capital.
Expert brick cleaning services across London, restoring and protecting residential, commercial, and heritage properties.
Specialist paint removal in London, carefully restoring original brick surfaces while protecting historic and modern masonry.
Expert repointing services in London, using appropriate materials to preserve durability, character, and long-term building performance.
Pebble dash removal services in London, revealing original brickwork and improving breathability, aesthetics, and property value.
We provide professional brick cleaning, repointing, paint removal, and pebble dash removal services across London, delivering consistent quality workmanship in every area we serve.
Professional brick cleaning and repointing services across North London for homes, heritage buildings, and properties.
Expert brick cleaning and repointing solutions throughout South London for period homes, extensions, and properties.
Specialist brick cleaning and repointing services in West London for residential, commercial, and heritage properties.
Trusted brick cleaning and repointing experts serving East London homes, historic buildings, and modern developments.
Tuck pointing cannot be rushed. It requires a 5-step master craftsman approach
We manually remove the old mortar to a depth of 20mm-25mm. We use specialized, dust-controlled tools to ensure we don’t nick or “round off” the edges of the bricks, as sharp brick edges are essential for a good tuck finish.
This is the most critical step. We create a “flush” base mortar by mixing lime and sands with natural pigments to match your specific brickwork (e.g., Red Rubber, Plum Stock, or Yellow London Stock). When applied, the joints effectively “disappear” into the brick.
The colored mortar is applied and finished flush with the brick face. This provides a clean “canvas” for the decorative ribbon.
Using a specialized tool called a “tuck pointer” and a straight-edge, we apply a 2mm to 4mm ribbon of pure lime putty and fine silver sand. This is done with extreme precision to ensure perfectly level horizontal and vertical lines across the entire facade.
We carefully trim the edges of the white ribbon to ensure they are perfectly parallel, leaving a finish that looks like a masterpiece of architectural geometry.
Get expert answers on Tuck Pointing London, covering techniques, safety, and property restoration.
Tuck pointing is the most labor-intensive form of masonry restoration. Prices typically range from £80 to £150 per square metre. While more expensive than standard repointing, the transformation and value added to the property are unparalleled.
When applied by specialists like Tony Wallace using high-quality lime putty, tuck pointing can last 30 to 50 years. It is a long-term investment in your property’s health and appearance.
No. All old cement must be removed. Lime putty requires a clean, porous surface to bond correctly. We specialize in the safe removal of modern cement to prepare your walls for a heritage finish.
It is most common on Victorian and Georgian properties. If your home has "Red Rubber" bricks or fine "London Stocks," tuck pointing is the historically accurate choice.
Don’t trust your heritage home to general builders. Choose the specialists with 30 years of London-specific experience. Contact Tony Wallace today for a master-level consultation.