When should the joints be tooled when laying brick?

The process of tooling joints in brickwork is crucial for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Tooling should ideally take place when the mortar has reached a certain level of firmness but is not completely dried out. This timing allows the joint to be shaped neatly while still ensuring good adhesion and compacting of the mortar.

When thumbprints hard, it indicates that the mortar has set just enough to withstand the pressure of tooling but is still workable. This timing helps to compress the mortar in the joint, enhancing its strength and preventing potential cracking as the mortar cures. Tooling at this stage also improves the overall appearance of the masonry by creating a finished look that can enhance the structure's visual appeal.

If tooling is done immediately after laying, the mortar may still be too wet, leading to poor joint definition and possible contamination with excess mortar. Conversely, tooling when the mortar is dry would not be effective, as it could damage the joints and would not compress the mortar adequately. Thus, determining the right time for tooling is essential for achieving quality brickwork.