---
title: "Pointing: types and methods"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_6/building_technology:pointing-types-methods"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/pointing-types-methods
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Pointing: types and methods

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 2078 Chaitra, 6 marks; 2076 Baisakh, 8 marks; 2073 Bhadra; 2070 Bhadra, 3+5 marks; 2062 Baisakh (old course), 4 marks (asked 5 times)
- Video: [What is Pointing in Construction? - Types of Pointing - Civil Engineering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFLjAlnaF0) — Civil Engineering Guru
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/pointing-types-methods
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

What is pointing? Explain the types and methods (procedure) of pointing with sketches.

## Short answer

Pointing is raking out mortar joints 12–20 mm deep and refilling with better mortar to protect joints and improve look. Types: flush, recessed, rubbed (keyed), weathered, tuck, V‑shaped, beaded, raised. Procedure: rake and clean joints, wet, fill with 1:3 cement‑sand mortar, compact, finish to shape, cure for 7 days.

## Answer

**Pointing** is the finishing of joints in exposed brick or stone masonry by raking out the mortar to a depth of about 12-20 mm and filling them with a better mortar (usually cement-sand 1:3 or lime mortar) to protect the joints from weather and improve appearance.

#### Types of pointing
1. **Flush pointing:** mortar is filled and pressed level with the wall face. Simple, strong, but does not look striking.
2. **Recessed pointing:** the mortar is pressed back 5-10 mm from the face. Gives shadow; not suitable in heavy rain areas.
3. **Rubbed (keyed) pointing:** joint is rubbed with a pointed tool to give a concave surface; good durability.
4. **Weathered (struck) pointing:** the upper part of the joint is pressed back so water flows off easily. Used widely in exposed walls.
5. **Tuck pointing:** a groove is cut in the flush mortar and filled with white cement putty in a thin raised bead. Gives a fine line but high cost and skill.
6. **V-shaped pointing:** a "V" groove is made in the joint.
7. **Beaded pointing:** a bead is formed with a round tool.
8. **Raised (projecting) pointing:** joint stands out from the face. Poor durability.

```text
  flush    recessed   weathered   keyed(rubbed)  V-joint
  |  |     |  |_|     |  /|        |  (_)       |  \/
  ----     ----       ----         ----          ----
```

#### Procedure (method) of pointing
1. Rake out the joints to a depth of 12-20 mm with a raking tool and brush out dust.
2. Wet the surface thoroughly.
3. Prepare the mortar (cement-sand 1:3 for brick, or lime-surkhi), neither too wet nor too dry.
4. Fill the joints with a pointing trowel and press it firmly.
5. Finish to the type of pointing with a suitable tool.
6. Trim excess mortar and clean the face.
7. Cure for at least 7 days, and wet daily.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is pointing?
   A. Covering the whole wall with mortar
   B. Raking out joints about 12-20 mm and filling with better mortar in exposed masonry
   C. Fixing tiles on masonry
   D. Painting the joints
   Answer: B. Pointing finishes only the joints of exposed brick or stone masonry. (Key point: Pointing definition)

2. Why is weathered (struck) pointing widely used on exposed walls?
   A. It uses white cement
   B. It stands out from the face
   C. The upper part is pressed back so water flows off easily
   D. It requires no skill
   Answer: C. The sloped joint sheds rain. (Key point: Weathered pointing)

3. What is the drawback of tuck pointing?
   A. Poor appearance
   B. It cannot be done on brick
   C. It collects water badly
   D. High cost and skill needed
   Answer: D. A white cement putty bead in a groove gives a fine line, but is costly and needs skilled work. (Key point: Tuck pointing)

4. What is the correct order of pointing work?
   A. Rake joints, wet surface, fill and press mortar, finish shape, clean, cure at least 7 days
   B. Cure first, then rake
   C. Wet, fill, rake
   D. Fill mortar, rake joints, wet
   Answer: A. Joints are raked 12-20 mm, wetted, filled and finished, then cured. (Key point: Procedure)

## Related in other subjects

- [Field procedure of chain surveying](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_3%2Fsurveying_i%3Afield-procedure-chain-survey) — Surveying I, chapter 3, asked 4×
- [Design procedure: cross and distributary head regulator](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Firrigation_and_drainage_engineering%3Across-distributary-regulator-design-procedure) — Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, chapter 7