My uncle swore by using a 3/8 inch joint for everything, but it cost me a job in Tempe

My uncle, who laid brick for 30 years, always told me a 3/8 inch mortar joint was the only way to go for a clean look. I followed that advice on a big patio job last month in Tempe, Arizona. The homeowner specifically wanted a historic, rustic feel, and when the architect saw my work, he pointed out that the thinner joint made it look too modern and precise. I had to tear out and redo two full days of work with a 1/2 inch joint instead. Has anyone else had a client or inspector call them out for a joint size that was technically fine but stylistically wrong?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_river11d ago

Tempe's got historic building rules that strict? I didn't know architects would make you redo a whole patio over an eighth of an inch difference.

allen.ruby11d ago

Sounds about right for historic boards. They'll measure your grass blades next.