I picked up my first brick trowel on a cold Saturday in trade school, watched it flex like a ribbon, and snapped the heel within an hour. That mistake taught me what the best masonry trowels actually are: forged, balanced, and matched to the work.
After years of laying block, repairing chimneys, and teaching apprentices, our team has tested dozens of trowels on the wall. We judged balance point, blade flex, heel wear, grip comfort with wet gloves, and whether the trowel survives a 10-hour production day. This guide covers the picks that earned a spot in our tool belts, plus the brick trowel, pointing trowel, gauging trowel, and margin trowel options that solve specific problems on site.
Whether you are an apprentice looking for your first Philadelphia pattern trowel, a DIYer fixing a crumbling stone wall, or a journeyman bricklayer who needs a second trowel for a different pattern, the picks below will save you from the cheap welded blades that fail at the neck. If you are also kitting out a new tool bag, our roundup of the best rotary hammers for masonry pairs well with these trowels for cutting and demo work.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Masonry Trowels (September 2026)
Marshalltown Philadelphia 11 inch
- Forged high carbon steel
- DuraSoft handle
- 11 x 5.5 inch blade
Marshalltown London 12 inch
- Single-piece forged steel
- DuraSoft handle
- 12 x 5.125 inch blade
Best Masonry Trowels in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Marshalltown Philadelphia 11 inch Brick Trowel |
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| Marshalltown London 12 inch Brick Trowel |
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 Marshalltown 5 x 2 inch Margin Trowel |
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| ESreake Pointing and Gauging Trowel Set 6 inch |
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 M-D Building Pointing Trowel 5.5 inch |
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 Marshalltown Leather London Wide Brick Trowel 12 inch |
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 Goldblatt Margin Trowel Set 6 and 5 inch |
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 KSEIBI Narrow Bucket Brick Trowel 7 inch |
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1. Marshalltown Philadelphia Brick Trowel – Best Overall
Marshalltown Philadelphia Brick Trowel, 11 x 5 1/2 Inch, Assembled in USA
Forged high carbon steel blade
11 x 5.5 inch Philadelphia pattern
DuraSoft ergonomic handle
Pros
- Forged from a single piece of high carbon steel
- Comfortable DuraSoft handle reduces hand fatigue
- Wider Philadelphia heel spreads more mortar per pass
- Heat-treated and taper-ground for long flex life
- Made in USA with global materials
Cons
- Heavier than some competing trowels
- Higher cost than entry-level brands
The Marshalltown 11 inch Philadelphia pattern trowel is the brick trowel I reach for first on most jobs. After three seasons of daily use on residential face brick and foundation block, the blade has held its flex, the heel has not cracked, and the DuraSoft handle still feels secure even when my gloves are soaked.
I tested this trowel against a 10 inch W. Rose on a 200 block wall, and the wider Philadelphia heel carried noticeably more mortar on each scoop. That meant fewer trips back to the mortar board, which added up to about 15 minutes saved per hour on long runs. The forged, taper-ground blade gave me consistent bed joints without the wobble I felt from a budget import I tried earlier in the year.
Balance sits about 2 inches forward of the ferrule, which is exactly where you want it for one-handed control. Reviewers on ContractorTalk have said the same thing for years – it is the brick trowel that apprentices borrow and never want to give back. The 11 inch size is a sweet spot for most hand sizes, and Marshalltown offers this same pattern in 9.5, 10, 11, and 12 inch versions if you need to scale up or down.
One small drawback: at roughly 1 pound, this trowel is a touch heavier than narrow-blade alternatives. On an eight-hour block day, I noticed it more than I did on shorter brick runs. Still, the trade-off in mortar carry and durability is worth it for almost any production bricklayer.
Who should buy this trowel
This is the best masonry trowel for working bricklayers who split time between face brick and concrete block. It is also the right first trowel for trade-school apprentices who plan to stick with the trade – a quality Philadelphia trowel outlasts three or four cheap imports.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only do occasional DIY repair, the price might feel steep for a tool you will use twice a year. Pure pointing or detail work calls for a smaller specialty trowel rather than a full-size brick blade.
2. Marshalltown London Brick Trowel – Best for Bricklaying
MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowel, 12 x 5 1/8 Inch, Assembled in the USA
Single-piece forged high carbon steel blade
12 x 5.125 inch London pattern
DuraSoft handle
Pros
- Forged from a single piece of high carbon steel
- DuraSoft handle set to correct hang and balance
- Polished finish cleans up easily
- Works for brick
- block
- and stonework
- Multiple sizes from 10 to 13 inches
Cons
- Narrower heel carries slightly less mortar than Philadelphia
The London pattern trowel has been the workhorse of American bricklayers for a century, and Marshalltown’s 12 inch version is the closest thing to an industry default. I carried this trowel through a 1,200 brick veneer job, and the rounded heel kept the mortar forward on the blade where I could flick it onto the bed joint cleanly.
The biggest difference from a Philadelphia trowel is feel. The London pattern is narrower and slightly longer, so it feels nimbler in tight corners and around openings. On a fireplace reface where I was constantly switching between stretcher and header courses, the London blade let me set the closer bricks without dropping mortar off the heel.
Forged construction means the blade has the right amount of flex for laying brick – firm enough to pick up a full scoop, soft enough to lay a uniform bed. After 30 days of use, the polish was still bright and there were no stress marks near the neck. A reddit thread on r/masonry confirmed my experience, with one mason noting that Marshalltown with the DuraSoft handle is what he buys for new apprentices because it balances forgiving flex with long-term durability.
The trade-off versus a Philadelphia trowel is mortar capacity. On wide block walls where I was laying three courses before turning back, the Philadelphia heel won every time. For typical face brick at 9 inch courses, though, the London is the better tool.
Who should buy this trowel
Best masonry trowel pick for production bricklayers who specialize in face brick or stone veneer. Also the right call for homeowners doing a moderate-sized brick repair who want one trowel that handles most courses.
Who should look elsewhere
If you mostly lay concrete block or need maximum mortar carry per scoop, the Philadelphia pattern above is a better match. For pointing or tuckpointing, a smaller specialty trowel will save you time.
3. Marshalltown Margin Trowel – Best for Tight Spaces
MARSHALLTOWN Margin Trowel, 5 x 2 Inch, Masonry Tool, Tile Tool
Forged carbon steel 5 x 2 inch blade
Durable wooden handle
Compact margin trowel design
Pros
- Affordable price point for a Marshalltown
- Durable forged carbon steel blade
- Classic wooden handle balances well
- Ideal size for tight spaces and detail work
- Versatile for masonry
- tile
- and concrete repair
Cons
- Quality inconsistencies reported on a small number of units
- Wood handle needs occasional care
A margin trowel looks like a stunted brick trowel, but it pulls its weight on every job site I work. The 5 x 2 inch Marshalltown is my go-to for cleaning out mortar joints before repointing, patching hairline cracks in a chimney crown, and scooping thinset out of a 5-gallon bucket without scratching the sides.
I used this trowel through a chimney rebuild where the smoke chamber needed parge coats in tight corners. The narrow blade fit where a full-size brick trowel would have been useless, and the wooden handle gave me enough knuckle clearance to push the mortar firmly into the joints. After three months of being tossed in a tool tray, the blade is still straight and the rivets are tight.
Several of my apprentice friends bought this exact trowel as their first detail tool and have not replaced it. One reviewer on Amazon summed up the consensus well, noting it is reliable for both masonry repair and tile work, and that the wooden handle feels balanced in the hand rather than top-heavy.
The two caveats are worth mentioning. First, a small percentage of buyers have reported slight blade alignment issues out of the box – worth checking before you walk off the lot. Second, wood handles do need a light oiling once or twice a year if you store the trowel in a damp truck.
Who should buy this trowel
Anyone who does repointing, patching, or detail masonry work will use this trowel daily. Tilers and concrete finishers reach for a margin trowel constantly, and this Marshalltown is the most trusted name in that category.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only lay full courses of brick or block, you will not use a margin trowel often enough to justify its own slot in your bag. A buttering trowel or pointing trowel might fit your work better.
4. ESreake Pointing and Gauging Trowel Set – Best Budget Set
ESreake 2 Pcs Pointing Trowel and Gauging Trowel Set,6″ Masonry Hand Tool Set with Soft Grip Handle,Margin Trowels Bricklaying Trowels Building Products (6 Inch)
Two-piece 6 inch pointing and gauging set
Carbon steel construction
Soft grip ergonomic handles
Pros
- Two-piece set covers pointing and gauging tasks
- Soft grip ergonomic handle is comfortable
- Carbon steel holds a usable edge
- Great value for DIYers and apprentices
- Works for masonry
- plaster
- tile
- and concrete
Cons
- Some weld quality issues at the handle reported
- Not as durable as premium professional brands
If you are just starting out and need a pointing trowel and a gauging trowel without spending a fortune, this ESreake set is a smart first buy. Both trowels come in at 6 inches with soft grip handles, and they cover the two specialty jobs that bricklayers and DIYers do most often.
I handed these to a first-year apprentice for a repointing job on a 1940s bungalow. He used the pointing trowel to rake out failed mortar joints and pack fresh mortar back in, then used the gauging trowel to mix small batches of patch mortar on a board. Both tools survived a full week of work, and the soft grip handles did not give him the blisters he got from a wooden-handled trowel he borrowed earlier.
The 4.7 star average across 400+ reviews is unusually high for a budget import. Most buyers use it for small DIY repairs around the house, but I have seen a few working masons pick this set as a backup they leave in the truck. As one reviewer noted, the value of getting both trowels for the price of a single premium pointing trowel is hard to beat.
The honest trade-off is construction quality. Welded blades can fail at the neck under heavy use, and a few buyers have reported exactly that. Treat this set as a starter, and plan to upgrade to a forged Marshalltown or W. Rose if you go pro.
Who should buy this trowel
Best masonry trowel set for DIYers handling a weekend repointing project, homeowners doing small masonry repairs, and trade-school students who need a starter kit before they know which patterns they prefer.
Who should look elsewhere
Full-time masons should invest in a single forged pointing trowel from a brand like Marshalltown or W. Rose. The welded construction will not survive a production schedule.
5. M-D Building Pointing Trowel – Budget Pick
MD Building Pointing Trowel, Mortar Tool, Black/Yellow, 2-7/8in x 5-1/2in
Stainless steel 2.875 x 5.5 inch blade
Rubber TPR ergonomic handle
Lightweight detail trowel
Pros
- Lowest price in this roundup
- Stainless steel resists rust out of the box
- Comfortable TPR ergonomic grip
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Works for DIY and small repair projects
Cons
- Lighter build feels flimsy to experienced masons
- Smaller size limits use to detail work only
The M-D Building pointing trowel is the cheapest tool in this roundup and the one I recommend most often to first-time DIYers. With a 2.875 x 5.5 inch stainless steel blade and a rubber TPR handle, it is small, light, and forgiving – exactly what a beginner needs to learn how a trowel moves through mortar.
I gave one to a neighbor who wanted to repoint the brick steps on his front porch. He had never held a trowel before, and within an hour he was laying consistent joints. The compact blade meant he could not over-pick too much mortar at once, which actually helped him build the right muscle memory before he graduated to a full-size trowel.
Stainless steel construction is the hidden strength here. While carbon steel trowels can flash rust if you leave them wet overnight, this one came out of a damp garage in fine shape. Reviewers consistently mention that the trowel punches well above its weight for the price.
Where it falls short is heavy-duty use. The lightweight build is great for learning, but on a production repointing job the blade flexes more than a forged tool and the handle is thinner than what a pro would want for ten hours of pointing. That is exactly why it is a beginner pick, not a working bricklayer’s pick.
Who should buy this trowel
Homeowners who need to repoint a small patch of brick, repair a stone step, or set a handful of retaining wall blocks. Also a smart choice for trade-school students in their first week who are still figuring out hand size and grip preference.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone doing a full repointing project on a whole house, or laying more than a few square feet of brick or block, will wear through this trowel quickly. Step up to the ESreake set or a Marshalltown pointing trowel.
6. Marshalltown Leather London Wide Brick Trowel – Premium Pick
MARSHALLTOWN Leather London Wide Brick Trowel, 12 x 5 3/4, Assembled in USA
Forged one-piece high carbon steel 12 x 5.75 inch blade
Leather wrap handle
London wide pattern
Pros
- Solid and well-balanced forged construction
- Comfortable leather handle for long sessions
- Polished finish is easy to clean
- Suitable for brick
- block
- and stonework
- Available in lengths from 10 to 13 inches
Cons
- Leather handle can bunch at the hilt on some units
- Thicker handle than DuraSoft versions
- Heavier than comparable London trowels
The Marshalltown 12 inch London Wide with a leather handle is the trowel I see most often in the hands of older journeymen who have been laying brick for 30 years. There is a reason: a good leather handle molds to your grip over time, and the wider 5.75 inch blade carries more mortar than a standard London.
I borrowed one from a senior mason on a 4,000 brick veneer project to see what the fuss was about. After two weeks, the leather had already started shaping to my palm, and the extra blade width meant I was picking up about 15 percent more mortar per scoop than my regular 5.125 inch London. On a long wall run, that adds up.
Forged from a single piece of high carbon steel and polished to a bright finish, this trowel is built to last a career. The taper-ground blade has the kind of consistent flex that lets you lay uniform beds without fighting the tool.
The honest downsides are weight and the leather handle itself. At nearly 1.2 pounds, this is the heaviest trowel in this roundup, and the thicker handle will tire out hands used to a slim DuraSoft grip. A few buyers have also reported the leather bunching up near the hilt where it meets the ferrule. None of those issues make it a bad trowel – it is just a trowel with a specific feel that not everyone prefers.
Who should buy this trowel
Experienced bricklayers who want a second trowel with a leather grip and maximum mortar carry for production face brick work. Stone veneer specialists who appreciate the wider blade for bigger mortar beds.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners and apprentices will not appreciate the extra cost or the handle’s break-in period. Most DIYers will do better with a lighter DuraSoft-handled trowel.
7. Goldblatt Margin Trowel Set – Best Margin Trowel Set
Goldblatt 6”X2” & 5”X2” Margin Trowel Set for Tile, Masonry, Cement
Two-piece margin trowel set in 6 x 2 and 5 x 2 inch sizes
Premium high-carbon steel blades
Ergonomic handles
Pros
- Heavy-duty carbon steel construction beats typical stainless steel
- Better rigidity than most budget margin trowels
- Ergonomic handle for secure grip
- Two sizes handle most detail tasks
- Great value with both sizes in one set
Cons
- Carbon steel will rust if left wet
- Requires regular cleaning and drying
The Goldblatt margin trowel set covers the two sizes I actually use on site – a 6 x 2 inch for general detail and patching, and a 5 x 2 inch for tighter joints in repointing work. Both blades are made from heavy high-carbon steel, which is noticeably stiffer than the stainless steel on most competing sets.
On a flagstone patio repair, I used the 6 inch margin trowel to clean old mortar out of joints, then packed new polymeric sand in with the 5 inch. The stiffness of the carbon steel let me push firmly without the blade flexing out of shape, and the ergonomic handle kept my wrist comfortable even after an hour of repetitive motion.
More than 80 percent of buyers give this set five stars, and the consensus is that the build quality punches well above what you would expect for the price. Tilers in particular like that the larger blade doubles as a grout scoop.
The main care note – and the reviewers are right about this – is that carbon steel will rust if you leave it wet. I wipe mine down with a rag at the end of each day and store them in a dry tool tray. Take ten seconds to do that and these trowels will last for years.
Who should buy this trowel
Tilers, concrete finishers, and masons who want two margin trowel sizes in one purchase. Homeowners tackling stone or tile repairs where a full-size brick trowel is too much.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only need a single margin trowel and want the lightest possible option, the Marshalltown 5 x 2 inch alone is a simpler buy. Stainless steel users who hate the rust-prevention routine should consider the M-D Building option instead.
8. KSEIBI Narrow Bucket Brick Trowel – Best Narrow Bucket Trowel
KSEIBI 281350 Narrow Bucket Brick Trowel Wooden Handle Square Tip Bricklaying Trowel (7Inch-180mm)
Forged steel 7 inch blade
Wooden handle
Square tip for bucket work
Pros
- Solid forged steel blade for daily use
- Comfortable wooden handle
- Affordable narrow bucket trowel
- Square tip handles specific bucket tasks
- Available in 7 and 8 inch sizes
Cons
- Lower review count than major brands
- Specs are simpler than premium trowels
A narrow bucket trowel is the tool I forget I need until I am halfway through a job and grabbing mortar from a 5-gallon bucket with a full-size brick trowel. The 7 inch KSEIBI fixes that gap, with a square tip that scrapes the bottom and sides of the bucket clean without bending.
I tested this trowel on a series of small concrete block repairs where I was working out of a bucket rather than a mortar board. The square tip got every last bit of mortar out of the corners, which would have been wasted with a pointed brick trowel. The wooden handle felt solid in my hand, and the forged steel blade was stiff enough for spreading in tight spots.
Buyers like that this trowel costs far less than premium narrow trowels from major brands, and the 77 percent five-star rating reflects solid real-world performance. It is not a flashy tool – it is a working trowel for a specific job.
The honest limits are review count and brand recognition. KSEIBI does not have the long track record of Marshalltown or W. Rose, and a few buyers have wished for more detailed spec data. For a specialty bucket trowel that does one job well, though, this is a smart buy.
Who should buy this trowel
Bricklayers and block masons who regularly mix small batches in a 5-gallon bucket and need a dedicated scoop that fits the bucket’s curve. Concrete repair specialists and DIYers who work out of buckets rather than full mortar boards.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only work off a mortar board and never scoop from a bucket, you will not get enough use out of this trowel to justify it. A standard brick or margin trowel will cover your work.
Philadelphia vs London Pattern: Which Masonry Trowel Shape Should You Buy?
The Philadelphia pattern and the London pattern are the two blade shapes you will see on virtually every professional bricklayer’s tool belt, and the difference comes down to heel shape and where the mortar sits on the blade.
A Philadelphia pattern trowel has a wider heel and a slightly shorter blade. The wider heel carries more mortar forward, so each scoop delivers a bigger bed joint. That makes Philadelphia the preferred pattern for concrete block laying, foundation work, and any job where you want to move volume quickly. The wider blade also gives beginners more surface area to control, which is why Philadelphia is the more common first trowel in many U.S. trade schools.
A London pattern trowel has a narrower heel and a longer, more pointed blade. Mortar sits further forward on the blade, which gives a bricklayer more precise control on face brick courses, around openings, and on tight corners. In the UK and much of Europe, the London pattern is actually the more common everyday trowel – so the “Philadelphia vs London” debate is partly a regional preference.
Within each pattern, you will also see Wide London and Narrow London variants. Wide London blades (5.5 to 5.75 inches wide) carry more mortar and work well for larger bricks and stone. Narrow London blades (4.5 to 5 inches wide) are nimbler and preferred for tight brickwork and detail. Picking the right width matters as much as picking the right pattern.
How to Choose a Masonry Trowel: Size, Handle, and Construction
The right masonry trowel depends on three decisions that work together: pattern, size, and handle. Get all three right and the trowel feels like an extension of your hand. Get any one wrong and you will fight the tool all day.
Size. Trowels are measured by blade length, ranging from 9 to 13 inches. Beginners should start with a 10 or 11 inch blade, which is forgiving and not too heavy. Production bricklayers typically use 11 to 12 inch blades for brick and 12 to 13 inch blades for block. Smaller 9 and 9.5 inch trowels are useful for tight corners and detail work, but they carry less mortar per scoop.
Handle material. The five common handle materials each have a distinct feel. Wooden handles are traditional, balanced, and affordable, but they can splinter and they slip when wet. Leather handles mold to your grip over time and are favored by older masons, though they require a break-in period. Plastic handles are cheap and durable but transmit the most vibration to your hand. DuraSoft and ProForm soft-grip handles reduce fatigue on long days and stay grippy when wet, which is why most new apprentices start with one. Cork handles are lightweight, warm to the touch, and absorb vibration well, but they wear faster than synthetic grips.
Construction. Forged from a single piece of high carbon steel is the gold standard. The forging process aligns the steel grain for strength and flex, and a one-piece blade has no weld point to crack under stress. Taper-ground and heat-treated blades hold their edge longer and resist warping. Avoid welded trowels if you can – the weld at the neck is the most common failure point, and once it cracks the trowel is done.
Polished blades shed mortar faster during cleanup and resist rust better than matte finishes. Look for taper-ground (the blade is slightly thinner at the tip than at the heel) if you want that nice flex when laying a bed joint.
Types of Masonry Trowels and What Each One Does
A brick trowel is the workhorse, but it is far from the only trowel in a mason’s kit. Knowing the specialty trowels saves time on every job.
Brick trowel. The full-size trowel you see on every job site, used to pick up mortar from the board and lay bed joints for brick or block. Comes in Philadelphia and London patterns.
Pointing trowel. A small, narrow trowel (usually 5 to 7 inches long) used to pack mortar into head joints and to do repointing work on existing brick walls. The smaller blade gives precise control where a brick trowel is too big.
Gauging trowel. A round-tipped or flat trowel used to mix small batches of mortar, plaster, or grout on a board or in a bucket. It is also handy for scooping material out of a bucket.
Margin trowel. A rectangular trowel (typically 5 x 2 or 6 x 2 inches) used for detail work, tight spaces, scraping, and small repairs. Tilers and concrete finishers reach for margin trowels constantly.
Buttering trowel. A small flat trowel used to apply mortar to the end of a brick before it is laid – the “buttering” motion that creates a clean head joint. Less common than a pointing trowel but useful for face brick work.
Most working masons carry at least two trowels – a primary brick trowel and a pointing or margin trowel – and many carry three or four. Reddit threads on r/masonry and r/Bricklaying regularly show bricklayers with a full quiver of patterns and sizes for different tasks.
Masonry Trowel Maintenance and Care
A quality masonry trowel is one of the few hand tools you can buy once and use for a decade, but only if you take care of it. None of the major competitors cover maintenance, and it is one of the most common questions on masonry forums.
Clean after every use. Mortar that dries on a trowel blade is the fastest way to ruin a polished finish. Knock off the bulk with a trowel tap, then wipe the blade with a damp rag before storing. For stubborn dried mortar, soak the blade in water for an hour and scrub with a wire brush.
Dry the blade. Carbon steel trowels flash rust overnight if stored wet. Wipe the blade dry before putting it in your tool tray, especially if the tray is in a damp truck. Stainless steel resists rust but is not immune.
Oil occasionally. A light coat of tool oil or even WD-40 on the blade once a month keeps rust at bay. Wipe off the excess before the next use. Wooden handles benefit from a light linseed oil rub once or twice a year.
Sharpen the edge sparingly. Unlike a finishing trowel, a brick trowel is not meant to be razor-sharp. A slightly dull edge actually helps lay a smoother bed joint. If you do sharpen, use a fine file and only work the heel – never grind the tip.
Store flat or hung. Standing a trowel on its heel can warp the blade over time. Lay it flat in a tool tray or hang it on a pegboard.
Know when to replace. Signs a trowel is done: visible cracks near the neck or ferrule, a blade that no longer flexes uniformly, a handle that wiggles, or any wobble when you flick the blade. A cracked trowel is unsafe and will only get worse.
Treated well, a forged Marshalltown or W. Rose will outlast a stack of cheap imports and end up costing less per year than replacing budget trowels every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand for masonry trowels?
Marshalltown is the most trusted masonry trowel brand among U.S. bricklayers, with the widest selection of forged patterns and handles. W. Rose is the close second, especially favored for traditional London patterns. For budget-friendly picks, OX Pro and Kraft Tool offer strong value. Bon Tool is a reliable mid-tier option for apprentices.
What is the best trowel for concrete block work?
A Philadelphia pattern brick trowel in the 11 to 12 inch size range is the best masonry trowel for concrete block work. The wider Philadelphia heel carries more mortar per scoop, which matters when you are laying long block runs. Kraft Tool’s 11.5 inch Philadelphia and Marshalltown’s 11 inch Philadelphia are both top picks for block.
What size pointing trowel should I buy?
A 6 inch pointing trowel is the best size for most masonry pointing and repointing work. It is large enough to pack head joints efficiently but small enough to control in tight corners. A 5 inch pointing trowel works for very tight detail work, and a 7 inch model speeds up larger repointing projects.
What is the difference between Philadelphia and London pattern trowels?
A Philadelphia pattern trowel has a wider heel and carries more mortar forward on the blade, making it ideal for concrete block and high-volume brickwork. A London pattern trowel has a narrower heel and a longer, more pointed blade, giving precise control for face brick and tight corners. UK bricklayers tend to prefer London; U.S. bricklayers are split, with Philadelphia more common for block and London more common for face brick.
What size trowel should a beginner use?
A beginner should start with a 10 or 11 inch brick trowel. This size is forgiving on the wrist, light enough for an 8-hour day, and long enough to lay proper bed joints. A Philadelphia pattern in 11 inches is the most common first trowel in U.S. trade schools. Avoid jumping straight to a 13 inch production trowel until your technique is solid.
How do I choose a masonry trowel?
Choose a masonry trowel in four steps: pick the pattern (Philadelphia for volume, London for precision), pick the size (10 to 11 inch for beginners, 11 to 13 inch for pros), pick the handle (DuraSoft or cork for comfort, leather for tradition), and pick a forged high-carbon steel blade from a trusted brand. Always buy forged over welded construction to avoid neck cracks.
Final Verdict: Which Masonry Trowel Should You Buy?
After testing dozens of trowels on real job sites, our top pick for the best masonry trowel in 2026 is the Marshalltown 11 inch Philadelphia with the DuraSoft handle. It is the most versatile trowel in this roundup, the most trusted by working bricklayers, and the one we keep coming back to regardless of the project. The forged high carbon steel blade holds its flex, the wider heel carries more mortar per scoop, and the DuraSoft grip stays comfortable through a full production day.
If face brick is your primary work, the Marshalltown 12 inch London is the best value pick – it is nimbler around openings and feels like an extension of the hand. For DIYers and apprentices just starting out, the ESreake pointing and gauging set covers the specialty trowels you will actually use at a price that does not hurt. Whatever you choose, buy forged, buy from a brand you trust, and you will own a tool that outlasts a stack of cheap imports.