The Complete Handbook of Masonry Jointers
A practical reference for masonry professionals, businesses, and serious hobbyists on selecting, using, and maintaining the right jointing tool for their work
by Alumigogo Books
non-fiction
The authoritative reference for choosing, using, and maintaining masonry jointers—written for contractors, specialists, and serious hobbyists who need concrete, practical knowledge.
About this book
A masonry jointer is one of the most overlooked yet critical tools in brickwork and stone masonry. Done poorly, jointing ruins the appearance and durability of an otherwise well-laid wall. Done well, it protects mortar joints from weather, creates consistent aesthetics, and extends the life of the masonry itself.
But selecting and using the right jointer requires understanding profiles, joint widths, mortar consistency, and the subtleties of different masonry materials. Manufacturer spec sheets cover only the basics. Online forums repeat half-truths. Generic tool guides miss the details that matter.
This handbook cuts through the confusion. Written for masonry professionals, restoration specialists, bricklayers, tile setters, and serious hobbyists, it explains what jointers actually are and how they work, which types suit which conditions, how to choose the right jointer for your specific project, correct installation and daily usage, maintenance and troubleshooting, and the business opportunities in jointing—from reselling and servicing to consulting and renting. Whether you're a contractor managing a team or an individual craftsperson who wants reliable reference material, this is the authoritative source.
Reader Reviews
Laura Sanchez
★★★★★Good technical depth on jointer types and profiles, but I expected more detail on the business opportunities section since I'm considering renting jointers to smaller contractors. The maintenance chapter is thorough though, and the glossary is helpful for quick reference.
Timothy Miller
★★★★★The book explains the fundamentals well—I finally understand why the joint profile actually matters and how mortar timing affects my results. That said, there's not much about power tools, and I wish there were more photos or diagrams showing correct technique. It's a solid reference but not a complete guide.
Nancy Garcia
★★★★★Exactly what I needed. As a masonry contractor managing multiple crews, I use this to brief my team on why we choose specific jointers for different jobs. Chapter 3 on selection criteria is gold—it saved me from buying the wrong tool for a recent restoration project. Clear, practical, no fluff.
George Ramirez
★★★★★This is the reference I've been waiting for. After 20 years doing masonry, I thought I knew this stuff, but the chapter on how joint width and mortar composition interact really opened my eyes. The troubleshooting section has already helped me diagnose why one of my crews kept getting poor results. Highly recommend for anyone serious about the craft.
Sharon Anderson
★★★★★Comprehensive and well-written, but assumes some baseline knowledge—if you've never laid brick, you'll want to read this alongside a general masonry primer. For contractors and experienced hobbyists though, it's invaluable. My only wish is that there were a section on adapting technique for different climate conditions.
Karen Johnson
★★★★★Solid handbook. The types and specifications chapter was particularly useful for my tool inventory decisions. My only gripe is that some of the brand positioning in Chapter 6 feels a bit dated—I'd love to see more on newer manufacturers and online retailers, since the market has shifted significantly.