Should I choose a plastic or a metal mortar board?

Choose based on your main priority. Frosted ABS plastic boards are lightweight and have a textured surface to hold mortar. Aluminium and stainless steel boards offer greater durability and are easier to scrape clean for a longer service life on site.

What should I look for when selecting a professional masonry tool?

Focus on the material and construction. Look for stainless steel or aluminium for durability and corrosion resistance, especially for trowel blades and boards. Also, consider features like handle design for comfort and specific tool types, such as a serrated trowel, for specialized tasks.

How do I ensure my mortar board will fit the board stand?

Compare the dimensions of the board with the stand's listed specifications. A stand's width and length should be appropriate to securely hold your board. For instance, a 300mm wide stand is suitable for most standard boards, but always verify dimensions before purchase.

How can I maximize the life of my stainless steel trowels?

Clean your stainless steel masonry tools immediately after each use to remove all wet mortar or plaster. This prevents material from hardening on the blade and causing corrosion or damage. Proper cleaning ensures a long service life, supported by the standard 1-year tool warranty on many items.

When is a trowel with a serrated edge required?

A serrated edge trowel is used to apply a scored or keyed finish to a plaster or render base coat. This texturing creates a strong mechanical bond for the next layer. It is not intended for the final, smooth finish.

Concrete & Masonry Tools

6 products available

Masonry tools are fundamental for professional plastering, bricklaying, and concrete finishing. This category includes the hand tools and accessories that tradespeople rely on for mixing, applying, and finishing mortar, plaster, and cement. Compel serves trade and industry with a focused selection of tools built for daily job site use, not occasional DIY tasks.

Our range covers core equipment like mortar boards in plastic and metal, durable trowels, and stable mortar board stands. We supply tools made from trade-quality materials like stainless steel and aluminium, ensuring they withstand the demands of a professional construction environment. Find the correct masonry tool for your application, specified for performance and longevity.

6 products in Concrete & Masonry Tools

Mortar Board Trowel, a single notched trowel on a clean white background.

Concrete & Masonry Tools

Mortar Board Trowel | Serrated Edge | Large Board Plastering

CMP-03854TOOL-01559

£35.99

Concrete & Masonry Tools

Frosted ABS Plastic Mortar Board | Black Textured Sheet | 0.5-5mm Thick

CMP-03316TOOL-01491

£175.99

Concrete & Masonry Tools

Mortar Board Stand | Stainless Steel & Wood | Plastering Holder Tool

CMP-03111TOOL-01469

£19.99

N04R Aluminium Mortar Board Stand, single product on white background.

Concrete & Masonry Tools

N04R Aluminium Mortar Board Stand | With Handle | Plastering Tool Holder

CMP-03097TOOL-01466

£42.99

Bricklaying Mortar Board & Trowel Set with specification overlays.

Concrete & Masonry Tools

Bricklaying Mortar Board & Trowel Set | Stainless Steel | Plastering & Cement Scraper

CMP-03083TOOL-01463

£27.99

Aluminium Mortar Board Stand: single plastering trowel on a plain white background.

Concrete & Masonry Tools

Aluminium Mortar Board Stand | Craftsman Plastering Trowel Holder | Trade Quality

CMP-03077TOOL-01462

£248.99

Mortar Board Selection: Material and Dimensions

The choice of mortar board material affects weight, durability, and how well it holds mortar. Frosted ABS plastic boards are lightweight for easy transport and feature a textured surface that helps prevent mix from sliding. They are available in various thicknesses, typically from 0.5mm to 5mm, to balance rigidity and weight.

For maximum durability, consider metal options. Aluminium boards offer a good compromise between strength and weight. Stainless steel provides superior resistance to corrosion and is the easiest to scrape clean, extending the tool's working life. Board size, with lengths up to 600mm, should match the scale of your work and personal preference for handling.

Choosing the Right Mortar Board Stand

A dedicated board stand improves ergonomics and efficiency by holding the mortar at a comfortable working height. Stability is the primary consideration. Stands made from stainless steel offer maximum rigidity, while aluminium models provide excellent stability with lower weight for easier transport around the job site.

Check the stand's top dimensions to ensure compatibility with your mortar board. A stand with a 300mm width, for example, provides a secure base for most standard-sized boards. Some models include an integrated handle, making it simpler to reposition the entire setup as you work.

Trowel and Scraper Specifications

The blade is the most important feature of any trowel or scraper. Stainless steel is a common material for professional masonry tool blades due to its strength and resistance to rust. It holds a clean edge and is easy to maintain.

Pay attention to specific blade features for your application. A trowel with a serrated edge is used to create a keyed surface for better adhesion of a subsequent plaster coat. Handle material, often plastic, is also a factor for grip and comfort during extended use. Always select the tool type that matches the job, from plastering and finishing to scraping away old material.

Buying guide

Choosing Concrete & Masonry Tools

Should I choose a plastic or a metal mortar board?: Choose based on your main priority. Frosted ABS plastic boards are lightweight and have a textured surface to hold mortar. Aluminium and stainless steel boards offer greater durability and are easier to scrape clean for a longer service life on site.
What should I look for when selecting a professional masonry tool?: Focus on the material and construction. Look for stainless steel or aluminium for durability and corrosion resistance, especially for trowel blades and boards. Also, consider features like handle design for comfort and specific tool types, such as a serrated trowel, for specialized tasks.
How do I ensure my mortar board will fit the board stand?: Compare the dimensions of the board with the stand's listed specifications. A stand's width and length should be appropriate to securely hold your board. For instance, a 300mm wide stand is suitable for most standard boards, but always verify dimensions before purchase.
How can I maximize the life of my stainless steel trowels?: Clean your stainless steel masonry tools immediately after each use to remove all wet mortar or plaster. This prevents material from hardening on the blade and causing corrosion or damage. Proper cleaning ensures a long service life, supported by the standard 1-year tool warranty on many items.
When is a trowel with a serrated edge required?: A serrated edge trowel is used to apply a scored or keyed finish to a plaster or render base coat. This texturing creates a strong mechanical bond for the next layer. It is not intended for the final, smooth finish.