How Much Does Repointing Brick Cost in 2025?
The average homeowner spends about $1,450 on repointing brick, but pros will factor in the project size and the area’s accessibility.
The average cost to repoint brick ranges from $3 to $15 per square foot, with most paying an average of $8 per square foot.
Tuckpointing is slightly more expensive at $5 to $25 per square foot due to the increased labor and materials required.
The project size, mortar type, and labor fees are the three biggest cost drivers.
The bigger the job, the bigger the bill—$700 for a basic chimney versus $30,000 for an entire house.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
The average cost to repoint brick is about $3 to $15 per square foot. You’ll typically pay between $400 and $2,500 for a 100-square-foot brick section—$1,450 on average. Tuckpointing costs slightly more at $5 to $25 per square foot or $500 to $2,500 for a 100-square-foot section of brick.
The cost of labor is the largest factor when calculating the cost of repointing a house. Labor accounts for roughly 80% to 90% of the overall cost for tuckpointing or repointing.
Brick Repointing Cost Factors
Repointing generally costs $3 to $15 per square foot, but factors such as the project size, mortar type, and time of year can affect the total price.
Project Size
Repointing costs around $8 per square foot, though prices can range from $3 to $15 based on materials, local rates, and your mason’s experience.
Masons generally charge by the square footage. While other factors affect the price, the project's square footage is the most significant cost factor.
Mortar Type
The type of mortar your mason uses affects the overall cost, with prices ranging from $3 to $10 per square foot. The mason’s quote includes labor and materials, so you won’t have to pay for materials separately.
Lime is a key component of most mortars, costing around $8 per bucket. One bucket of lime mortar covers 60 square feet. However, masons rarely use pure lime mortar because it’s not as strong and wears out much faster. Most masons mix mortar with part Portland and part lime. Lime provides more workability and flexibility in application, while Portland adheres better and is more durable.
The table below explores various mortar types, their PSI (pound per square inch) ratings, and the average cost per 80-pound bag. The higher the PSI, the more pressure the mortar can withstand (and the more durable it is).
| Mortar Type | PSI | Cost per 80-Pound Bag | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | 2,500 | $5–$10 | Too strong for regular brickwork. Best for brick foundations and retaining walls. |
| S | 1,800 | $5–$10 | Common for brick walls and chimneys. |
| N | 750 | $5–$20 | More flexible and best for chimneys and exterior walls. |
| O | 350 | $20–$50 | Low-strength mortar that’s best for interior brick walls and restoration. |
Time of Year
Plan for spring or fall when daytime temperatures sit between 40 and 90 degrees for at least 24 to 72 hours—ideal curing weather for mortar. Emergency work in the winter or during extreme heat waves will likely increase prices.
Other Brick Pointing Cost Factors
When calculating the cost to repoint brick, it’s important to consider how accessibility, labor fees, and historic preservation affect the price.
Accessibility
The higher the project is off the ground, the more the mason will charge. If your chimney needs tuckpointing but is on a three-story roof and is challenging to access, the cost will be much higher than it would be to tuckpoint a brick fireplace inside your home.
Labor
Most masons bill $50 to $100 per hour. Contractors typically charge based on the size of your project and its expected completion time. If they don’t charge by the square foot, they’ll often have a minimum fee of $300 to $2,000, depending on the project.
Historic Preservation
If your home is considered a historic property, the mason may need to adhere to certain federal, state, or local regulations regarding restoring the brick, which could add to the cost.
Brick Repointing Cost by Project Type
The average repointing brick cost ranges from $3 to $15 per square foot, but how does that translate to actual projects? A basic chimney repointing may be as low as $700, while an entire house might cost $30,000 to repoint. Other common repointing projects include stone walls, foundations, and brick patios.
Below are some basic brick-pointing costs and how repointing prices vary by project scope.
| Project | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Chimney tuckpointing | $200–$500 |
| Brick house tuckpointing (2,000 sq. ft. of brick sides) | $10,000–$50,000 |
| Chimney repointing | $700–$2,200 |
| Brick house repointing (2,000 sq. ft. of brick sides) | $6,000–$30,000 |
| Stone wall repointing | $500–$2,500 |
| Stone foundation repointing | $3,500–$6,500 |
| Patio repointing | $700–$2,250 |
Chimney Tuckpointing Cost
Expect to pay $10 to $25 per square foot to tuckpoint a chimney. At this rate, a 20-square-foot chimney section would cost $200 to $500. Chimneys that are harder to access require additional equipment, so masons or contractors may start charging extra past 8 feet.
While tuckpointing, a professional might find other issues with your chimney. If that's the case, brick repair costs $20 to $40 per square foot, with repairs for structural cracks potentially exceeding $1,000.
Depending on the brick condition, a mason may recommend tearing out and rebuilding the chimney. A chimney rebuild costs about $1,500 and $4,000 for just the stack, but could climb to over $9,000 for a full rebuild.
Cost to Tuckpoint House
Assuming a two-story, 2,600-square-foot home has sides totaling 2,000 square feet, it will cost $10,000 to $50,000 to tuckpoint the entire house. However, very few homes are perfect squares. These numbers purely serve as a guide. Consider several factors when calculating the cost of tuckpointing a new house:
House style: A ranch home will likely cost less than a two-story home.
House size: Smaller homes cost less to tuckpoint.
Chimney: Brick chimneys that need tuckpointing will increase your costs. Including an interior stone or brick fireplace can also increase costs.
Rate changes: Many masons lower their costs after a certain point for larger projects. They'll unlikely charge exactly per square foot for an entire house.
For the best estimate, contact a masonry repair contractor in your area.
Cost to Repoint a Chimney
Repointing a chimney costs $700 to $2,200. The cost varies considerably based on the size of the chimney, the type of brick, and its accessibility from both inside and outside the home.
Cost to Repoint a Brick House
To repoint a 2,600-square-foot house with 2,000 square feet of brick sides, expect to pay at least $6,000 or as much as $30,000. However, most contractors will lower prices after the first 1,000 square feet.
Repointing a Stone Wall Cost
Repointing a stone wall costs $500 to $2,500. The size of the wall and whether it's ground level determine the final price.
Cost of Repointing a Stone Foundation
Homeowners may pay $3,500 to $6,500 or more to have their stone foundation repointed, while smaller basements can cost less than $1,500.
Because it's hard to see the work, many masons do this type of job on a “time and materials” basis. Masonry contractors charge an hourly rate of $70 to $110 and add on the mortar cost, which usually makes up only 10% to 20% of the total project.
Repointing Patio Cost
The price of patio repair ranges from $700 to $2,500. For a brick patio, you can expect to pay the same square foot prices (between $3 and $15 per square foot). An average 10-by-10-foot patio will cost $800 to $1,200, but it could cost as little as $300.
Tuckpointing vs. Repointing
You might hear people use “tuckpointing” and “repointing” interchangeably. Even professional masons sometimes conflate the two terms in casual conversation. However, tuckpointing and repointing are slightly different, so you’ll notice a difference in the overall tuckpointing cost versus repointing brick cost per square foot.
What’s the difference between repointing and tuckpointing?
Repointing: Repointing refers to removing about one inch of old mortar, typically by grinding or chiseling, then laying in new mortar. Brick and stone walls and chimneys normally require repointing every 20 to 30 years as general maintenance.
Tuckpointing: Tuckpointing also involves grinding out old mortar and filling in with new mortar, but it goes further. The mason color-matches the mortar to the brick. Then, the mason cuts a thin and straight groove in the color-matched mortar and fills it with a contrasting colored mortar to give the illusion of straight, tight joints (called “fillets”).
Note: In new construction, masons are merely brick pointing (rather than repointing) when building a brick wall. Sometimes, masons use the term “brick pointing” even when they mean repointing.
Brick Repointing vs. Replacement
Before starting your project, consider whether repointing or replacement is best. Repointing is often sufficient if the structure has only minor damage, such as small cracks or loose mortar. However, if extensive spalling or deep cracks exist, replacement may be a better long-term solution.
The mason will remove the old bricks, clean the area, prepare new mortar, install new bricks, and repoint the joints. The average cost of new bricks ranges from $350 to $850 per 1,000. While more costly, replacement offers improved aesthetics, structural integrity, and durability.
Does Repointing Brick Increase Home Value?
Repointing can increase home value, depending on your location and current market conditions. Cracked or damaged mortar can make your home look rundown. By repointing, you’ll enhance its curb appeal and attract potential buyers. It’ll also add structural integrity to your home and prevent further damage, which signals to buyers that they won’t have to worry about costly repairs in the near future.
Budgeting for Brick Repointing
Brick repointing can add up depending on the size and condition of the affected area. To keep costs down, consider the following money-saving tips:
Compare quotes from multiple contractors to find the most cost-effective option in your area.
Schedule the project during the off-season to find reduced labor rates.
Opt for standard mortar mixes rather than custom blends to keep the cost of materials down.
If repointing the entire structure isn’t in your budget, focus on the area with the most damage.
Do some prep work yourself, such as cleaning, to save on labor fees.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Repointing brick may seem like a straightforward job, but it demands specialized tools, strict safety measures, and a thorough understanding of mortar consistency. While a DIY approach can save on labor costs, it requires a substantial time commitment and carries the risk of errors that may lead to costlier repairs down the line. A licensed mason will ensure proper structural integrity, compliance with industry standards, and a professional finish, ultimately protecting your investment and preventing further complications.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Masons charge between $70 and $110 per hour. A mason may have a minimum service fee ranging from $80 to $300. Most bricklayers offer free estimates and charge only if you proceed with the project. This clear pricing model assures that professionals inspect your property before beginning work and charge based on your project’s actual requirements.
A professional repointing lasts 20 to 30 years without maintenance and extends up to 50 years when maintained diligently. This process protects your brickwork using high-quality materials that ensure lasting performance and durability. Consistent upkeep preserves its strength and appearance, providing enduring protection and enhancing your home’s overall structural integrity for decades.
You know your house needs repointing when you notice clear signs such as cracked, flaking, or missing mortar and visible discoloration on the brick surfaces. Additional indicators include loose bricks, water damage, and gaps between the brick joints that compromise the overall integrity of the structure. Addressing these issues promptly protects your investment and sustains the durability and curb appeal of your home.
A house needs repointing to preserve both its structural integrity and visual appeal. Mortar acts as a vital bonding agent that holds the bricks securely together. When the mortar deteriorates, it exposes the structure to water infiltration and further decay, increasing the risk of costly repairs. Repointing stops decay and reinforces the exterior, ensuring long-term protection.
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