Masonry Tools

Best Masonry Tools in the UK: Top Stores, Must-Have Gear, and Smart Buying Tips

Why the right masonry tools make a difference

If you’ve ever tried laying a straight course of bricks or skimming a wall with a cheap trowel, you know the difference gear makes — it’s like baking with a proper oven instead of a camping stove. The right masonry tools speed up work, improve finish, and reduce fatigue. Whether you’re a weekend DIY enthusiast or a seasoned bricklayer, picking the right trowels, jointers, and floats turns a frustrating job into something satisfying and even a little enjoyable.

Featured UK stores that carry quality masonry gear

When hunting for masonry tools in the UK, some stores stand out for range, price, or specialty items. The HTML data highlights Expert Electrical and Nordic Nest — both offer interesting masonry-related items — and you’ll also find an excellent selection at national builders’ merchants and trade suppliers. Below I break down what each store offers and how they might fit into your toolbox strategy.

Expert Electrical — specialist tools and C.K. trowels

Expert Electrical stocks a surprising number of traditional masonry tools, including a suite of C.K. items famous for solid build and good value. If you want practical tools that won’t let you down on a job, look out for the C.K. Gauging Trowel with a wood grip, a handy tool around an inch across and roughly 7.1 inches long — perfect for mixing small amounts of mortar and detailed work. The C.K. Finger Trowel with a half-round blade measures about 6.9 inches in length and is ideal for tight spots where a full trowel is too bulky.

Expert Electrical also lists C.K. Brick Jointers, trowels and skimming floats. For example, you’ll find jointers with blade widths that are about 0.5 to 0.6 inches and trowels that are roughly 10.4 inches in length. The C.K. Skimmer Float at around 7.1 by 12.6 inches offers a roomy surface for smoothing render or mortar. These are solid choices if you want durable carbon steel blades and classic wooden handles that feel familiar in the hand.

Nordic Nest — unexpected choices and niche items

Nordic Nest is better known for homewares, but it occasionally stocks heavy-duty items like the Victoria granite iron — a compact cast iron and stainless-steel tool measuring roughly 2.4 inches by 6.5 inches. While not a traditional masonry item, this kind of cast-iron piece can be useful for specific finishing tasks or as a sturdy hand tool when you need concentrated weight and heat resistance. If you like well-finished tools with a design edge, Nordic Nest is worth a look for specialty pieces.

Screwfix — trade-focused range and competitive pricing

Screwfix remains a go-to for many UK tradespeople thanks to its extensive range of trowels, jointers, and finishing tools. You’ll find everything from budget starter trowels to pro-grade carbon-steel skimming floats and stainless-steel finishing blades. Screwfix tends to offer frequent promotions and kit bundles that are handy if you want several tools at once without hunting multiple shops.

Wickes and B&Q — easy access for DIYers

Wickes and B&Q are great for weekend warriors who need tools quickly and affordably. Their ranges usually include margin trowels, brick jointers, pointing tools, and basic floats. The advantage here is clear: convenient physical stores where you can pick up a replacement tool mid-job, plus straightforward returns and wide compatibility with popular mortar mixes.

Toolstation, Jewson, and Travis Perkins — trade merchants with depth

For trade-quality tools and wider brand choices, Toolstation, Jewson, and Travis Perkins are top picks. These merchants stock specialist brands, long-handled floats, bull floats, and heavy-duty jointers. If you’re working on larger projects or need industrial-grade equipment, these stores offer the depth and expert staff advice to help you choose the right piece for a particular task.

Key masonry tools every project should include

Whether you’re building a wall, repointing, or rendering, a core set of tools will cover most tasks. Think trowels (gauging, pointing, and brick trowels), jointers, skimming floats, a spirit level, a brick hammer, and a sturdy hawk or mortar board. These basics let you mix, carry, spread, and finish mortar efficiently — and they’re the tools many UK suppliers stock as standard.

Trowels — types and when to use them

Trowels come in many shapes. A gauging trowel (around 7.1 inches long in common models) is versatile for mixing and applying mortar. A brick trowel at roughly 10.4 inches long gives you reach and leverage when laying bricks. A finger or pointing trowel, closer to 6.9 inches, helps in tight joints and detailed repair work. Match the trowel shape to the task — a larger blade for volume work, a smaller one for precision.

Jointers, pointing tools, and floats

Joint tools shape mortar joints and create the right weatherproof finish; widths of about 0.5 to 0.6 inches suit most brickwork joints. A skimming float of around 7.1 by 12.6 inches is excellent for smoothing render or leveling mortar over larger areas. For final finishes, consider specialised jointers or a pocket trowel to compress and seal the joint neatly.

Material choices: carbon steel versus stainless steel

Choosing between carbon steel and stainless steel is a trade-off. Carbon steel blades are usually stiffer and hold an edge well, making them ideal for heavy-duty work; they’re commonly used in C.K. tools. However, they need more care to prevent rust. Stainless steel resists corrosion and is easier to keep clean, so it’s a favorite for wet environments or if you value low maintenance. Think about how often you’ll use the tools and whether you’ll be storing them in damp conditions when deciding.

Handle types and ergonomics — why grip matters

Handles change how a tool feels after an hour of work. Traditional wooden grips give a classic feel and good grip once worn in, which is why many pros still prefer them. Plastic or composite handles can be lighter and shaped for ergonomics, reducing wrist strain on long jobs. When buying, hold the tool where possible — if it feels clumsy, it probably will feel worse after several hours of pointing or laying.

Maintenance, sharpening, and storage tips

Proper care extends tool life. Wipe tools clean after each use to remove mortar, rinse with water when needed, and dry thoroughly to prevent rust — especially for carbon steel. A light coat of machine oil before long storage can help avoid corrosion. Keep metal edges straight and free from nicks; a file or fine-grit sharpening stone works for minor repairs. Store tools off the ground in a dry place — a simple hanging rack keeps blades from dulling and handles from warping.

How to decide between buying and renting

Not every tool needs to be bought. If you’re doing a one-off small job, renting larger items like power mixers or long bull floats can be more economical than buying. For hand tools — trowels, jointers, and floats — purchase makes more sense: they’re relatively affordable and tailored to your style. If you’re a hobbyist, consider a starter set from a retailer like Screwfix or Toolstation; if you’re a trade user, investing in higher-grade C.K. or specialist-brand tools will pay dividends over time.

Where to find bargains and trusted brands in the UK

Watch for seasonal sales and end-of-line clearances at major outlets. Screwfix and Toolstation often run discount campaigns, while local merchants like Jewson or Travis Perkins may offer trade discounts or bulk pricing. Don’t overlook manufacturer seconds or crates of used tools – with a bit of cleaning they’re often perfectly serviceable. If you prefer warranties and easy returns, chains such as Wickes and B&Q provide a comforting safety net for amateur builders.

Finishing techniques that make your work look professional

Small finishing touches separate a job that looks good from one that looks great. Use the correct jointer to compress mortar joints consistently, then brush gently to remove residue. For smooth renders, work in overlapping strokes with your skimming float while the mortar is still plastic, and follow through with a sponge float if a softer finish is desired. Practice on small areas first — you’ll refine your stroke and pressure much faster than you’d expect.

Shopping checklist before you buy

Before you click “buy,” run through a quick checklist: Is the blade material suited to your environment? Does the handle feel comfortable for prolonged use? Are the dimensions right for the task — do you need a 10-inch trowel for reach or a 7-inch for control? Does the store offer trade deals or bundled kits? Taking a moment now saves frustration on site later.

Conclusion

Choosing the right masonry tools in the UK is about balancing durability, comfort, and purpose. Stores such as Expert Electrical offer reliable C.K. tools with classic wooden grips, while Nordic Nest can surprise you with specialty cast-iron pieces. For broader ranges and competitive deals, Screwfix, Toolstation, Wickes, B&Q, Jewson and Travis Perkins are great stops. Match tool size and material to the job, care for your gear, and don’t be afraid to rent larger items when needed — your finished wall will thank you for it.