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

# Pointing versus plastering

Building Technology · Chapter 9: Finishing works

- Asked in: 2079 Chaitra, 2 marks; 2075 Baisakh, 3 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [Different Between Plastering and Pointing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVawg5sSZfk) — Amazing Engineering | ACES
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/pointing-vs-plastering
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-9

## Question

Differentiate between pointing works and plaster works.

## Short answer

Pointing fills only masonry joints with mortar to protect them and expose the surface, while plastering covers the entire wall surface to protect it and provide a smooth finish.

## Answer

| Point | Pointing | Plastering |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Finishing of joints of masonry with better mortar | Covering of the whole wall surface with mortar |
| Area covered | Joints only | Entire surface |
| Mortar thickness | 12-20 mm deep in joints | 12-20 mm over the wall |
| Used on | Exposed brick and stone masonry | Walls and ceilings (internal and external) |
| Purpose | Protect joints and show masonry | Protect wall, hide defects, give a smooth finish |
| Mortar | Cement-sand 1:3 or lime mortar | Cement-sand 1:4 / 1:6 |
| Cost | Cheaper | More costly |
| Appearance | Brick or stone texture is visible | Brick or stone is hidden |

## Check yourself

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

1. How do pointing and plastering differ in area covered?
   A. Pointing covers the joints only, plastering the entire surface
   B. Pointing covers the whole surface, plastering only joints
   C. Both cover only joints
   D. Both cover entire surface
   Answer: A. Pointing treats only the mortar joints; plaster covers the whole wall. (Key point: Area)

2. What happens to the brick or stone texture?
   A. Visible in both
   B. Visible in pointing, hidden by plastering
   C. Hidden in both
   D. Hidden in pointing
   Answer: B. Pointed masonry remains exposed, plaster hides it. (Key point: Appearance)

3. Which is cheaper?
   A. Neither uses mortar
   B. Both equal
   C. Pointing
   D. Plastering
   Answer: C. Pointing uses less mortar so it is cheaper. (Key point: Cost)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Pointing, plastering defects, oil paint constituents](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Apointing-plaster-defects-paint) — Building Technology, chapter 9, asked 2×
- [Short note: Plastering and pointing](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Ashort-plastering-pointing) — Building Technology, chapter 9
- [Cement and sand for 100 m² plastering numerical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aplaster-100m2-1to6) — Building Technology, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Cement and sand for 200 m² plastering numerical](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aplaster-200m2-1to5) — Building Technology, chapter 3, asked 2×
- [Short note: Mortars used in plastering](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Amortars-plastering-short) — Building Technology, chapter 3

## Related in other subjects

- [Deduction rules: brickwork, plastering, painting](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Adeduction-brick-plaster-painting) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 2
- [Two-room building: excavation, PCC, brick, plaster](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Abuilding-h-two-room-fig1) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6
- [Rate analysis: 12.5 mm plaster 1:3, per 100 m²](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Arate-plaster-12-5-1-3-ceiling) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 4
- [Underground water tank: excavation, brick, plaster](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Festimating_and_costing%3Aug-tank-g-brick-plaster) — Estimating and Costing, chapter 6