I used to think a 3/8 inch joint was fine for everything

For years I just used the same joint size on every job, figuring it was good enough. Then I was working on a big house in Boise last month and the architect pointed out how the smaller joints on the chimney looked way better with the thin brick they chose. He was right, it made the whole wall look tighter and more finished. Now I match the joint size to the brick type and the look we're going for. What's the smallest joint you guys feel comfortable laying for a clean look?

4 comments

4 Comments

singh.harper2mo ago

Ever think about how mortar color changes the look too?

shanec612mo ago

Wait, isn't mortar color a huge part of the whole look though?

the_nancy2mo ago

Honestly the brick itself is way more important to me. Mortar color is just the background noise, it doesn't make or break the style. I barely even notice it unless it's a really wild color.

marybutler2d ago

Totally agree @shanec61, mortar color is huge. What color did you end up choosing on that Boise job, or did the architect have a specific recommendation for the thin brick? Matching that smaller joint to the wrong color could totally mess up the tighter look you were going for.