How much does tuckpointing cost in St. Louis?

Tuckpointing in St. Louis typically costs $5–$25 per square foot depending on the scope of work, accessibility, and mortar damage. Anchor Masonry offers free estimates — call (314) 775-4557.

What is tuckpointing?

Tuckpointing is the process of removing deteriorated mortar from between bricks and replacing it with fresh, color-matched mortar. It waterproofs masonry and extends the life of brick structures significantly.

How do I know if my brick needs tuckpointing?

Look for crumbling, cracked, or missing mortar joints; white staining (efflorescence) on brick; water getting inside walls; or loose/spalling bricks. If mortar is recessed more than 1/4 inch, it's time to repoint.

Does Anchor Masonry serve The Hill, Soulard, and Tower Grove?

Yes. Anchor Masonry serves all of St. Louis City and County including The Hill, Soulard, Tower Grove, Lafayette Square, Dogtown, Shaw, South City, Clayton, Maplewood, Webster Groves, Kirkwood, and Affton.

Is Anchor Masonry BBB accredited?

Yes. Anchor Masonry holds a BBB A+ rating and has been accredited since the business was founded in 1987 by owner Adam Scott.

What is Anchor Masonry?

Professional masonry and tuckpointing services serving the St. Louis area since 1987, specializing in historic restoration, chimney repair, and custom stonework.

How much does tuckpointing cost in St. Louis in 2025?

Tuckpointing in St. Louis costs $8–$20 per square foot in 2025. A typical two-story brick home runs $5,000–$15,000 for full tuckpointing. Chimneys alone are $500–$2,500. Prices vary based on mortar damage severity, accessibility, and whether brick replacement is needed.

Why does tuckpointing cost vary so much?

Three factors drive cost: (1) how much mortar needs to be removed and replaced — the more damage, the more labor; (2) accessibility — second-story or hard-to-reach areas require more setup; (3) mortar color matching — historic homes with unusual brick colors may require custom mortar blends.

Is tuckpointing worth the cost?

Yes. Tuckpointing typically provides 80–95% ROI at resale and prevents far more expensive structural damage. A $5,000 tuckpointing job can prevent a $30,000+ structural brick repair down the road. Water infiltration through deteriorated mortar is the #1 cause of brick wall failure in St. Louis.

How do I get an accurate tuckpointing estimate?

The only way to get an accurate price is an in-person inspection. Mortar condition varies significantly across a wall — what looks like a small problem from the street can be extensive up close. We provide free, no-obligation estimates and will walk you through exactly what needs to be done.

Can I tuckpoint my own home to save money?

DIY tuckpointing is possible for small areas, but mistakes are costly. Using the wrong mortar mix can trap moisture and cause brick spalling. Improper joint profiles can accelerate water infiltration. For a whole-house or historic home, professional tuckpointing is almost always the better financial decision long-term.

Does homeowners insurance cover tuckpointing?

Standard homeowners insurance does not cover routine tuckpointing — it's considered maintenance, not sudden damage. However, if mortar failure caused interior water damage, that resulting damage may be covered. Always check with your insurer.

2025 Price Guide

Masonry Cost Guide: St. Louis Prices

Real price ranges for tuckpointing, brick repair, chimney work, and more — based on 38 years of jobs across St. Louis City and County.

Get Your Free Estimate (314) 775-4557

2025 St. Louis Masonry Cost Breakdown

All prices are for the St. Louis metro area. Actual quotes depend on project scope, access, and mortar condition.

Service	Low	High	Typical Job	Notes
Tuckpointing	$8per sq ft	$20per sq ft	$5,000–$15,000	Full home tuckpointing. Chimneys alone: $500–$2,500.
Brick Repair (per brick)	$10per brick	$30per brick	$500–$3,000	Depends on number of bricks, mortar color matching, and accessibility.
Chimney Repair	$300per job	$3,500per job	$800–$2,000	Repointing a chimney: $300–$1,000. Full rebuild: $1,500–$3,500+.
Masonry Restoration	$10per sq ft	$25per sq ft	$3,000–$20,000	Historic or whole-facade projects on the higher end.
Retaining Walls	$25per sq ft	$75per sq ft	$4,000–$12,000	Brick or stone walls. Block walls are less; engineered walls more.
Concrete Flatwork	$6per sq ft	$12per sq ft	$1,500–$6,000	Driveways, patios, steps. Stamped/decorative concrete costs more.
Pavers & Patios	$12per sq ft	$30per sq ft	$3,000–$10,000	Depends on paver material, pattern, and base prep required.
Stone Masonry	$15per sq ft	$40per sq ft	$2,000–$15,000	Natural stone is more labor-intensive than brick.

* Prices updated June 2025. Estimates vary based on mortar condition, brick type, access, and project complexity.

What Affects Tuckpointing Cost in St. Louis?

Extent of Mortar Damage

Lightly eroded joints require less grinding and less new mortar. Severely deteriorated walls — where joints are 1"+ deep — take significantly more time and material.

Accessibility & Height

Ground-floor work costs less. Upper stories, gables, and hard-to-reach corners require scaffolding or lift equipment, which adds to cost.

Mortar Color Matching

Standard gray or buff mortar is cheapest. Historic homes with unusual brick colors or custom joint profiles require more time sourcing and testing mortar blends.

Whether Brick Replacement Is Needed

Spalled or cracked brick alongside failing mortar adds cost. Matching original brick in St. Louis can be challenging and expensive.

Joint Profile

Different joint profiles (concave, weathered, raked) take varying amounts of time. Matching the original profile is important for appearance and water shedding.

Time of Year

Mortar cures best between 40–90°F. Scheduling during St. Louis shoulder seasons (spring/fall) sometimes means shorter wait times vs. peak summer demand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Masonry Costs

Get Your Free Estimate

Tell us about your project and we'll give you an accurate price — no charge, no pressure.