TUCKPOINTING
TUCKPOINTING MORTAR
ft³ = LF · w · d ÷ 144
lin ft
in
RESULT
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FILL IN ABOVE
BIA: minimum repoint depth = 2× joint width, no less than 5/8". 80 lb bag yield ≈ 0.6 ft³. 15% waste built in. Estimate only — match historic mortar carefully.
About this calculator
This tuckpointing calculator estimates the mortar volume and 80-lb bag count needed to repoint deteriorated joints in a brick or stone wall. Volume comes from joint linear feet × joint width × repoint depth; the Brick Industry Association recommends a minimum repoint depth of 2× joint width and never less than 5/8 in for soft mortar. A standard 80-lb bag of Type N or S yields about 0.6 ft³ once mixed. The calculator builds in 15% waste because tuckpointing involves a lot of small applications and partial-bag cure-offs. ESTIMATE ONLY — for historic buildings, mortar mix must match the original by composition and hardness; verify with a preservation mason before purchasing.
Common questions
How deep should I cut out a joint for tuckpointing?
BIA Technical Note 7F recommends a minimum repoint depth of 2× the joint width and never less than 5/8 in. For a typical 3/8 in joint, that's 3/4 in deep. Cutting shallower means the new mortar pops out within a few years because there isn't enough surface area for the bond. Cutting deeper is fine and often necessary on weathered walls — go until you reach sound, undamaged mortar.
What mortar type for tuckpointing an old building?
For 19th- and early 20th-century brick, the original mortar is usually a soft lime-based mix (Type O or weaker) — about 350 psi. Repointing it with modern Type S or M (1,800-2,500 psi) creates a hardness mismatch: the new mortar is stiffer than the brick, and freeze-thaw cycles spall the brick face instead of cracking the joints. For pre-1930 buildings, use a Type O or a custom lime-Portland blend matched to the original. Sample the existing mortar with a chemical analysis if the building is on a historic register.
How many bags of mortar for 200 lin ft of tuckpointing?
For 200 lin ft of 3/8" joint at 3/4" repoint depth, mortar volume is about 0.39 ft³ — call it one 80-lb bag with waste, since a single bag yields about 0.6 ft³. The math scales linearly: double the joint length doubles the bags, and a 1/2" joint at the same depth burns ~33% more than a 3/8" joint. For a full house repoint (often 2,000+ lin ft), expect 4-5 bags plus 15% waste.