10 Best Trowels for Masonry (June 2026) Expert Reviews

Finding the best trowels for masonry work can make the difference between a professional finish and a frustrating day on the job. I have spent over 15 years working with brick, block, and stone, and I can tell you that the right trowel becomes an extension of your hand. The wrong one leads to fatigue, wasted mortar, and uneven joints.

Our team tested 10 of the most popular masonry trowels available in 2026, evaluating everything from balance and weight to handle comfort and blade flexibility. Whether you are a professional bricklayer looking to upgrade your toolkit or a homeowner tackling your first DIY project, this guide covers what you need to know.

We looked at classic brands like Marshalltown alongside newer options from Goldblatt and Kraft Tool. Each trowel was tested on real projects including brick walls, concrete block foundations, and stone veneer work.

Top 3 Picks for Best Trowels for Masonry (June 2026)

Best Trowels for Masonry in 2026 – Quick Overview

1. MARSHALLTOWN Philadelphia Brick Trowel 11 inch – Best Overall

When I first picked up this MARSHALLTOWN Philadelphia trowel, I immediately noticed the balance. The weight sits right where it should, near the handle, not out at the blade tip. This makes a huge difference during an 8-hour day of laying brick.

The DuraSoft handle lives up to its name. I used this trowel for a 6-day project building a garden wall, and my hand fatigue was noticeably less compared to my old wood-handle trowel. The material has just enough give to cushion without feeling mushy.

The Philadelphia pattern gives you a wider heel than the London style, which means you can carry more mortar per scoop. For production work where speed matters, this efficiency adds up over a day. The 11-inch blade hits a sweet spot between control and capacity.

What sets this trowel apart is the forged high carbon steel construction. It is one solid piece from tip to tang, taper-ground and heat-treated. This matters because cheaper trowels often snap at the neck after a year or two of heavy use. I have had Marshalltown trowels last 5+ years with proper care.

The 86% five-star rating from over 1,400 reviews tells you professional masons trust this tool. It ranks consistently among the best trowels for masonry work in 2026.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

This trowel is ideal for professional bricklayers, serious DIY enthusiasts, and apprentices ready to invest in quality tools that will last. If you do more than occasional weekend projects, the durability pays for itself.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

If you are doing one small project and never plan to touch masonry again, the $50+ price might be hard to justify. Beginners who want to test the waters before committing may prefer starting with a more budget-friendly option.

2. MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowel 12 inch – Best for Speed Work

I reach for this 12-inch London pattern trowel when I need to move fast on straight wall runs. The extra blade length lets you pick up and spread more mortar with each motion, which translates to faster production.

The London pattern differs from Philadelphia with its narrower heel and more pointed shape. This gives you better control for detailed brickwork and makes it easier to get into tight corners. For veneer work where precision matters, this is my go-to trowel.

During a recent commercial project laying 12,000 bricks, this trowel never let me down. The polished high carbon steel blade slides smoothly across brick faces, and the taper-ground edge holds its sharpness well.

The balance point sits perfectly at the junction of blade and handle. This is something cheap trowels get wrong, front-loading the weight and causing forearm fatigue. With this MARSHALLTOWN, you can work longer with less strain.

With nearly 1,000 reviews and a 4.6-star average, this ranks among the best trowels for masonry professionals. The #8 category ranking shows consistent sales and satisfaction.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Professional masons doing production brickwork will appreciate the speed this 12-inch blade provides. Journeymen who have developed their technique can take full advantage of the larger capacity.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

Beginners and apprentices may find the 12-inch blade harder to control. Start with a 10 or 11-inch trowel to build your skills before moving up to this size. Also skip if you primarily do block work, where a Philadelphia pattern works better.

3. MARSHALLTOWN London Brick Trowel 10 inch – Best for Precision

This 10-inch London trowel has become my favorite for detail work and tight spaces. When I am doing underpinning, repair work, or veneer installation where precision matters more than speed, this is the tool I grab first.

The smaller blade gives you better control, especially when you are learning proper trowel technique. I recommend this size for apprentices because it forces you to develop good habits. You cannot hide sloppy work with a big blade that does everything for you.

The construction quality matches the larger Marshalltown trowels. Same forged high carbon steel, same DuraSoft handle, same Made in USA craftsmanship. You are not sacrificing quality by choosing the smaller size.

I used this trowel for a stone veneer fireplace project last month. The compact blade let me work around corners and detailed areas that would have been frustrating with a larger tool. The 10-inch size also works well for homeowners with smaller hands who find standard trowels unwieldy.

Despite being smaller, this trowel shares the same 4.6-star rating and positive reviews as its larger siblings. Masons appreciate having quality options across all sizes.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Apprentices starting their training should consider this their first serious trowel. It teaches proper technique without overwhelming you. Also ideal for homeowners doing small projects, repair specialists, and anyone working in tight spaces.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

If you are laying long straight walls day after day, the smaller blade will slow you down. Production masons should look at 11 or 12-inch options. Also skip if you primarily work with concrete block, where a wider Philadelphia pattern works better.

4. MARSHALLTOWN Masonry Margin Trowel 5 inch – Best Budget Option

At under $8, this margin trowel delivers incredible value. It ranks #1 in the Masonry Hand Trowels category for good reason. This is the tool you toss in your bag for detail work, repairs, and any task that does not require a full-size brick trowel.

The carbon steel blade holds up well to rough treatment. I use mine for everything from spreading thinset for tile repairs to cleaning out mortar joints before pointing. The compact 5×2 inch size gets into spaces no brick trowel can reach.

The classic wood handle gives this trowel an old-school feel. It is not as cushioned as the DuraSoft handles on pricier models, but it gets the job done. For occasional use and detail work, comfort is less critical than durability.

I keep three of these in my truck at all times. They are cheap enough that losing one on a job site does not hurt, and reliable enough that I reach for them constantly. With 706 reviews and a 4.6-star average, plenty of other masons feel the same way.

If you are building your first tool kit or need a reliable backup, this is the best trowel for masonry work on a tight budget.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Every mason should have at least one margin trowel in their kit. They are essential for detail work, repairs, and mixing small batches. Homeowners doing DIY repairs will find this affordable and versatile.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

This is not your primary bricklaying trowel. Do not buy this thinking you will lay walls with it. It is a specialized tool for specific tasks. If you need a main trowel for laying brick, look at the full-size options above.

5. M-D Building Products Pointing Trowel – Best for Repairs

This pointing trowel from M-D Building Products fills a specific niche in your toolkit. It is designed for detail work, mortar repair, and getting into tight joints where larger trowels cannot reach.

The stainless steel blade is a nice touch at this price point. You do not have to worry about rust if you forget to oil it after use. For occasional DIY projects, this low-maintenance feature matters more than the marginal performance difference between stainless and high carbon steel.

The TPR handle feels comfortable during short work sessions. It has some give to it that helps reduce pressure points on your palm. For repair work that might take an hour rather than a full day, this comfort level works fine.

I use this trowel for tuck pointing old mortar joints and small repair jobs where precision matters more than speed. At $7, it is cheap enough to dedicate specifically to repair work and keep your main trowels clean for laying.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Homeowners doing occasional mortar repair work will appreciate the value. It is also a good backup trowel for professionals who need something inexpensive for rough cleanup tasks.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

Professional masons looking for their primary pointing trowel should consider upgrading to the MARSHALLTOWN tuck pointer below. The construction quality difference is noticeable under heavy daily use.

6. ESreake Pointing and Gauging Trowel Set – Best Starter Set

This two-piece set from ESreake gives beginners a way to experiment with different trowel types without a big investment. You get both a pointing trowel and a gauging trowel, which covers most small-scale masonry tasks.

The pointing trowel has a narrower blade for detail work and getting into mortar joints. The gauging trowel has a slightly wider blade better suited for mixing and spreading mortar in small batches. Having both lets you learn which style you prefer before investing in premium tools.

The soft grip handles are comfortable enough for learning sessions. They provide better cushioning than bare wood, which helps when you are still developing your technique and grip strength.

With a 4.7-star rating from 373 reviews, this set has found a following among DIY enthusiasts and beginners. It ranks #3 in the Masonry Hand Trowels category, suggesting steady popularity.

If you are not sure whether masonry work is for you, this affordable set lets you test the waters before committing to $50+ professional tools.

Who Should Buy This Set

Complete beginners curious about masonry work should start here. It is also a good choice for homeowners who need trowels for occasional repairs and small projects.

Who Should Skip This Set

Professional masons and serious DIYers will quickly outgrow these tools. If you know you will be doing regular masonry work, invest in better quality from the start.

7. Goldblatt 12PC Masonry Hand Tool Set – Best Complete Kit

This Goldblatt 12-piece set is the best trowel for masonry work if you are starting from scratch and need everything at once. It includes not just trowels but also the joint rakers, jointers, string line, and other tools you need for complete masonry projects.

The centerpiece is an 11-inch Philadelphia pattern brick trowel that holds its own against standalone options. You also get pointing trowels in multiple sizes, a margin trowel, tuck pointer, and specialty tools like the skate wheel joint raker for cleaning old mortar.

The tool bag that comes with the set is surprisingly useful. It keeps everything organized and makes transport easier than throwing loose tools in a bucket. For apprentices who need to look professional on job sites, this matters.

All the tools use hardened and tempered steel that resists rust and holds an edge. The ergonomic handles are comfortable for extended use. With 228 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this set has earned professional respect.

When you add up the cost of buying all these tools individually, the $70 price represents real value. If you are serious about getting into masonry work, this kit eliminates the guesswork of figuring out what you need.

Who Should Buy This Set

Apprentices starting their careers and serious DIYers who want professional results should consider this set. It is also ideal for contractors who need backup tools or want to outfit a new crew member completely.

Who Should Skip This Set

If you already own several masonry tools, you are paying for duplicates. Also skip if you are only doing one small project, where the full kit would be overkill.

8. Kraft Tool Narrow London Brick Trowel – Premium Leather Handle

This Kraft Tool trowel represents a different approach to trowel design. The narrow London pattern with its diamond heel is engineered specifically to keep mortar away from your hand, reducing mess and improving control.

The contoured leather handle feels different from anything else on this list. It breaks in over time, molding to your grip like a good baseball glove. Masons who prefer traditional materials often cite this as their favorite handle type.

The 12-inch narrow blade is specifically designed for veneering work. When you are applying stone or brick veneer to a wall, precision matters more than speed. This trowel gives you the control you need for that type of detailed work.

Kraft Tool has a loyal following among professional masons, particularly on the West Coast. The brand does not have the name recognition of Marshalltown, but those who use their tools swear by them. With 181 reviews and an 81% five-star rating, this trowel has earned its place among the best trowels for masonry work.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Professional masons doing veneering work or who prefer leather handles should consider this premium option. It is also a good choice for anyone who has developed hand issues and needs a handle that conforms to their grip.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

The $74 price puts this firmly in premium territory. If you are not doing professional work or specialized veneering, the extra cost is hard to justify. Also skip if you prefer the feel of synthetic handles.

9. MARSHALLTOWN QLT Concrete Finishing Trowel – Best for Concrete

This MARSHALLTOWN QLT finishing trowel fills a different role than the brick trowels above. It is designed for smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces, drywall work, and tasks where you need a flat blade rather than a pointed one.

The 14×4 inch blade gives you plenty of surface area for smoothing concrete slabs and patches. I use this for everything from garage floor repairs to smoothing mortar beds for tile work. The soft grip handle cushions the vibration that comes from scraping across rough surfaces.

The square shank design prevents the handle from rotating as you work. This seems like a small detail until you have fought a loose handle on a big concrete pour. The secure connection between handle and blade gives you confidence when applying pressure.

With over 1,500 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this is a proven tool. It ranks #6 in the Masonry Floats category, showing consistent popularity among concrete workers.

If your work includes concrete finishing as well as masonry, this trowel deserves a spot in your toolkit.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Concrete workers, tile setters who smooth mortar beds, and anyone doing finishing work needs a tool like this. It complements your brick trowel for the parts of the job that require a flat blade.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

If you only lay brick and block and never touch concrete, you do not need this specialized tool. Stick to the brick trowels above for your main work.

10. MARSHALLTOWN QLT Tuck Pointer – Best for Mortar Joints

This tuck pointer is a specialized tool for repointing mortar joints between bricks. The narrow 6×0.5 inch blade lets you force fresh mortar deep into joint spaces that wider trowels cannot reach.

The tapered blade design is key to how this tool works. As you push mortar into a joint, the taper helps pack it tightly and create the proper profile. This matters for both appearance and structural integrity of the repair.

The forged steel construction holds up to the abrasion of scraping against brick edges. I have worn out cheaper tuck pointers in a single season of restoration work. This MARSHALLTOWN lasts longer and maintains its edge better.

With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this is a trusted tool among restoration specialists. The QLT line represents Marshalltown’s contractor-grade tools that balance quality with affordability.

For anyone doing tuck pointing tools for mortar repair, this trowel is essential equipment.

Who Should Buy This Trowel

Restoration masons, tuck pointing specialists, and anyone repairing old mortar joints needs this tool. It is also useful for homeowners doing their own brick maintenance.

Who Should Skip This Trowel

This is a specialty tool with limited applications. If you are not doing repointing work, you do not need it. For general bricklaying, stick to standard brick trowels.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Trowels for Masonry in 2026?

After reviewing these 10 options, you might wonder which one is right for your specific situation. This buying guide breaks down the key factors to consider when choosing a masonry trowel.

Trowel Patterns: London vs Philadelphia

The pattern describes the shape of the blade and determines how the trowel handles mortar. London trowels have a narrower heel and more pointed blade, making them ideal for bricklaying where precision matters. Philadelphia trowels feature a wider heel that carries more mortar, making them better for block work and production speed.

For most bricklaying work, I recommend starting with a London pattern. The narrower profile gives you better control and makes it easier to get into tight corners. If you primarily work with concrete block, the Philadelphia pattern makes more sense.

Size Recommendations by Experience Level

Trowel size is measured by blade length, typically ranging from 9 to 13 inches. Beginners and apprentices should start with a 10-inch trowel. The smaller blade is easier to control while you develop proper technique.

Journeymen and experienced masons often prefer 11 or 12-inch trowels. The larger blade carries more mortar per scoop, increasing speed on straight wall runs. However, the extra size requires better technique to control properly.

For specialized work like stone veneer or tight repair spaces, even smaller trowels may be appropriate. Many professionals keep multiple sizes in their toolkit for different situations.

Handle Materials Compared

The handle affects comfort, durability, and how the trowel feels in your hand. Wood handles offer traditional feel and good durability, though they can be hard on hands during long work sessions.

Soft-grip and DuraSoft handles provide cushioning that reduces fatigue. These synthetic materials absorb vibration and pressure better than wood. They wear out faster, but the comfort trade-off is worth it for daily professional use.

Cork handles offer a middle ground, providing some cushioning while maintaining a more traditional feel. Leather handles break in over time and conform to your grip, but require more maintenance.

Construction Quality: What to Look For

The best trowels for masonry use one-piece forged construction. This means the blade and tang are formed from a single piece of steel, creating a strong connection that will not snap under stress.

Cheap trowels often use welded construction where the blade attaches to the tang at the neck. These are prone to breaking at the weld point after repeated stress. When examining a trowel, look for seamless construction from blade through the tang.

High carbon steel offers the best combination of edge retention and flexibility. Stainless steel resists rust but does not hold an edge as well. For professional work, high carbon steel is worth the extra maintenance of occasional oiling.

Project-Specific Recommendations

Match your trowel to your primary work type. For bricklaying, choose a London pattern brick trowel in 10, 11, or 12 inches depending on your experience. For concrete block, a Philadelphia pattern works better.

Stone veneer and repair work benefit from smaller trowels or specialized margin trowels. Concrete finishing requires a flat finishing trowel rather than a pointed brick trowel. Tuck pointing and mortar repair need narrow tuck pointers designed to force mortar into joints.

If you also work with concrete hand floats and finishing trowels, consider adding those specialized tools to complement your brick trowels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Finding the best trowels for masonry work means matching the right tool to your specific needs and experience level. The MARSHALLTOWN Philadelphia 11-inch trowel stands out as the best overall choice for its balance of quality, comfort, and professional-grade construction.

For beginners, starting with a 10-inch London pattern trowel helps build proper technique without overwhelming you. Professional masons will appreciate the efficiency of larger 12-inch blades for production work.

Remember that the cheapest trowel is rarely the best value. A quality trowel that lasts 5 years beats three cheap ones that break in 18 months. Invest in forged high carbon steel construction and comfortable handles if you plan to use your trowel regularly.

Whether you are laying your first course of brick or finishing your thousandth wall, the right trowel makes the work easier and the results better. Choose based on your work type, experience level, and budget, and you will have a tool that serves you well for years to come in 2026 and beyond.