What Is Toothing in Brick Masonry? Process, Purpose & Benefits Explained

Toothing in brick masonry is one of those underrated techniques that makes a massive difference in construction flexibility and strength. Whether you’re planning a renovation or future-proofing a build, mastering the art of toothing ensures your structure stands strong and looks great—now and in the years to come.

Ever looked at a half-built brick wall and wondered why some bricks are left awkwardly sticking out at the edge? That’s not a mistake—it’s called toothing, and it’s a smart technique that brick masons use all the time. Toothing plays a crucial role when you want to extend, modify, or repair brick walls later on.

Let’s break it all down step-by-step. You’ll not only understand what toothing is but also how it’s done, why it’s important, and where you’re likely to find it in action.

Understanding the Basics of Brick Masonry

What is Brick Masonry?

Brick masonry is the construction of structures using individual bricks bonded together with mortar. It’s one of the oldest and most durable construction techniques known to humankind. Brick walls are not only strong but also resistant to weather, fire, and pests.

Common Techniques Used in Brick Masonry

Bricklaying involves patterns like Flemish bond, English bond, and stretcher bond. But beyond the pretty patterns, it’s the joinery techniques like toothing that make all the difference in real-world functionality.

What Is Toothing in Brick Masonry?

Definition of Toothing

Toothing refers to the practice of ending a brick wall with alternate bricks projecting out so that new bricks can be tied in later. It’s essentially leaving an interlocking edge that makes it easier to continue construction in the future.

What Toothing Looks Like (Visual Description)

Picture this: a wall that looks unfinished, with bricks jutting out like uneven teeth. That’s the “toothed” end. These protruding bricks are staggered in a way that the new wall can bond naturally with them.

The Toothing in Brick Masonry Process Explained Step-by-Step

When Is Toothing Used?

Toothing is mainly used when:

• The wall will be extended later.
• The construction needs to be paused and resumed.
• You’re merging new walls with existing ones.

Tools and Materials Required

• Bricks (duh!)
• Mortar (cement, lime, or mix)
• Trowel
• Spirit level
• Mason’s hammer
• Chalk line or string

Step-by-Step Toothing Technique

1. Marking the Layout

Start by marking the point where the current wall construction will pause. Use a chalk line or string to keep things straight.

2. Constructing the Tooth End

Build the wall as usual, but stop at the planned location. Instead of closing the wall, leave alternate bricks extended out by a half-brick or full-brick length.

3. Leaving Alternate Brick Gaps

The gaps between the projecting bricks are intentional. These will later fit the incoming bricks of the new wall perfectly, like puzzle pieces.

4. Bonding the New Wall

When construction resumes, or the adjoining wall is added, the new bricks slide into those gaps. Mortar is applied, and the structure becomes one seamless wall.

Types of Toothing in Brickwork

Horizontal Toothing

This type has projections running horizontally—ideal for extensions on the same level.

Vertical Toothing

Used when a new wall is being tied to the side of an existing one, commonly seen in T-junctions.

Angular Toothing

A less common method where toothing is done at an angle, used in specialty or decorative constructions.

Purpose of Toothing in Brick Masonry

Seamless Expansion of Walls

Toothing makes it incredibly easy to extend walls without visible or structural inconsistencies.

Facilitates Future Modifications

Planning for a new kitchen or another bedroom? With nothing, you won’t have to demolish your current wall.

Structural Strength and Stability

Properly toothed joints ensure that the new and old parts of the wall act as one cohesive unit.

Advantages of Toothing

Ensures Uniform Bonding

The bricks interlock better, making the wall structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing.

Saves Time and Labor

Skipping demolition saves you tons of time, energy, and money when adding to an existing wall.

Aesthetic Continuity

You won’t even notice where the original wall ended and the new one began.

Challenges and Limitations of Toothing

Risks of Improper Alignment

A single crooked tooth can mess up the whole future addition.

Structural Weakness if Not Done Right

If the mortar isn’t strong or the toothing isn’t deep enough, the joint may crack over time.

Weather Exposure Issues

Exposed toothed ends can absorb moisture. They need to be covered or protected until construction resumes.

Toothing vs Raking: What’s the Difference?

Structural Comparison

Raking involves slanting the brick ends to form a slope while toothing leaves bricks protruding. Raking is faster, but nothing is sturdier.

Aesthetic Outcomes

Toothing looks cleaner and blends better with new work. Raking sometimes shows a visible seam.

Usage Contexts

Toothing is preferred in load-bearing walls while raking might be used in partitions or temporary structures.

Real-Life Scenarios Where Toothing is Used

Home Renovations

Whether you’re opening up a wall or adding a room, clothing ensures that your home grows with you.

Adding New Rooms

Planning an extra guest room or a bigger living area? Toothing makes the process seamless.

Repairing Damaged Brick Walls

For fixing only a part of the wall, toothing provides a secure tie-in.

Toothing in Historic and Modern Construction

Traditional Usage in Heritage Buildings

Toothing was often used in castles and colonial-era homes for future expansion.

Toothing in Contemporary Architecture

Modern architects still rely on it for multi-phase construction projects.

Best Practices for Effective Toothing

Alignment Tips

Always use a spirit level and string line for accuracy.

Choosing the Right Mortar

Use the same mortar mix throughout for consistency and strength.

Weather Protection During Construction

Cover exposed bricks with plastic or tarps to prevent water damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Structural Load Considerations

A toothed wall must support additional loads. Always check load-bearing capacity.

Using Incompatible Bricks

New and old bricks should match in size, texture, and strength.

Poor Mortar Application

Gaps in mortar weaken the entire structure. Always fill joints.

Expert Tips from Masons

Tricks of the Trade

• Pre-soak bricks to prevent moisture loss.
• Always dry-fit bricks before final mortar placement.

How to Fix a Badly Toothed Wall

If alignment is off, use a grinder to cut out uneven projections and re-tooth properly.

FAQs