A trowel may look simple, but any bricklayer knows it’s an extension of the hand. The right one moves mortar cleanly, balances without strain, and makes hours on the line feel natural.
But choosing between London and Philadelphia patterns, and blade steel or handle balance, isn’t just personal preference. It’s about performance, efficiency, and feel.
Let’s break down what really separates the best bricklaying trowels, how the designs differ, and what to look for, whether you’re laying your first wall or upgrading the old faithful in your bucket.
What Makes A Good Bricklaying Trowel?
A good trowel is all about control. It should carry just the right amount of mortar, spread it evenly, and give you a clean release.
The balance between blade length, weight, and handle angle defines how it feels in use. Too heavy and you’ll be fatigued by lunchtime. Too light and you’ll lose feedback when buttering bricks.
Comfort is another big factor. Modern trowels come with soft-grip or rubber handles, but some old-school brickies still swear by hardwood. Either way, it’s less about brand and more about how it fits your hand and wrist over time.
Blade flex is also key. A stiffer blade is better for face work, a bit of give helps when spreading or picking up heavier mortar loads.
Most professional bricklayers end up keeping a few trowels for different tasks, one for speed, one for finish.
The London Pattern: Narrow And Balanced
The London pattern trowel is the classic choice across much of the UK. It’s slightly narrower with a more pointed heel that helps control the mortar and keep joints neat, especially handy for face brickwork or detail-heavy projects.
This pattern is ideal when you need finesse. The pointed tip lets you place smaller mortar beds and work neatly into tight spaces, such as around window reveals or corners.
Its narrower shape also means less mortar drag, which makes it lighter to handle during long shifts.
You’ll often see London patterns paired with carbon steel blades. They wear in beautifully, the edge smooths with use, and it almost becomes part of your technique. They can rust if left damp, so a quick clean and light oil after use goes a long way
For most bricklaying in the UK, garden walls, extensions, or even detailed brick facades, the London pattern is that balance and precision that keeps your work clean and your joints neat. Many brickies stick with it for years because it just feels right.
The Philadelphia Pattern: Broader, Heavier, More Aggressive
If the London pattern is about control, the Philadelphia pattern is about power. It’s a bigger trowel with a square heel and a deeper blade, designed to carry more mortar per scoop.
In the US, it’s popular among some UK bricklayers working on blockwork or large-scale projects where output is key.
The wider base means more mortar per lift, great for speed. It’s also good for blockwork where you need a thicker bed. The downside? It’s heavier and can feel less precise, especially when you’re trying to keep tight, consistent joints on face brick.
Many modern ones come with stainless steel or high-carbon stainless blades. Stainless resists corrosion and keeps its finish even with wet mixes.
But it doesn’t “bed in” like carbon steel, some say it feels too rigid, too new, even after months of use. Still, for damp sites or heavy workloads, stainless is a practical choice.
A lot of tradespeople end up with one of each, the London for detailed facework and the Philadelphia for larger, rougher builds where productivity is key.
Blade Steel: Carbon Vs Stainless
The blade material might seem like a minor detail, but it affects balance, feel, and lifespan.
Carbon steel blades are the traditional favourite. They’re lighter, sharpen naturally over time, and develop a patina that improves grip on mortar.
Many pros say they “break in” like a good pair of boots. The only catch, they rust if not cleaned and oiled.
Stainless steel blades are more modern. They don’t rust, hold their edge longer, and are easier to maintain. But they can feel a bit stiff, with less feedback through the handle.
There’s no wrong choice. If you’re on site most days and don’t mind a bit of maintenance, carbon feels alive in the hand. If you’re a homeowner or prefer low maintenance, stainless is the safer option.
Balance, Handle & Feel
You can tell a well-balanced trowel the moment you pick it up. The handle should sit comfortably over the centre of gravity, not too blade heavy, not too handle heavy. It’s this balance that allows smooth wrist rotation and clean mortar release.
Most modern handles come in three styles: wood, composite, and soft-grip.
- Wooden handles are traditional, lighter, and offer great feedback.
- Composite handles are a mix of weight and comfort, but can feel chunky to some.
- Soft-grip handles absorb vibration and reduce fatigue during long sessions.
The ferrule, the metal band that joins the handle to the blade, is more important than you think. Cheap trowels often loosen here after a few months. Once that happens, accuracy goes out the window.
Professional bricklayers often recommend trying a few trowels before settling. Everyone’s hand size, wrist motion, and laying technique is slightly different. What feels balanced to one person might feel off to another.
Price Range & UK Recommendations
Good trowels aren’t something you buy on a whim, they’re a long-term investment, and if you want one that will really deliver, you’ll be prepared to part with £30–£60 for a model that’s actually up to the job.
Brands like Marshalltown, W. Rose, and Ragni are the ones you want to look to, though they do come at a price.
You can get a trowel for under £20 if you want to, but be warned – anything under that price is going to bend or pit the minute it’s used, especially if it’s being used every day on a building site.
Before long, the blade will lose its tension, and you’ll be fighting the thing instead of using it like you’re supposed to.
For UK tradespeople, Marshalltown London pattern and Ragni Philadelphia are still the go-to tools.
They’re solidly built, balanced, and can be easily swapped out if you do happen to damage one. OX and Footprint make good mid-range options, and you can pick them up pretty easily at most builders’ merchants across the UK.
When you’re just starting, the last thing you need is a trowel that’s going to make your job harder.
What you want is one that will help you get the job done without straining, and once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll find that the tool you’re using becomes second nature.
The Role of Skill (And Practice Tools)
No amount of skill in the world can make up for a rubbish trowel, and while a good one won’t automatically make you better, it will definitely make it easier to learn.
A trowel that’s well balanced and releases cleanly is a gift it means fewer mistakes, less waste, a better finish all around.
If you’re just starting or want to try out a few things before you get on a real site, Tradefox has just the thing their virtual trade simulations let you have a go at using tools and laying bricks without wasting any materials or risking injury.
Final Thoughts
The choice between a London pattern trowel and a Philadelphia one comes down to what you need from the tool, not to be a loyal brand follower.
If you need precision and neat joints, then the London pattern is your winner but if you’re doing some heavy-duty work and need all the mortar volume you can get, then the Philadelphia is the one to go for.
In the end, whatever you choose, the little things matter, how the tool feels in your hand, the balance of it, the material of the blade. All these little things add up to a tool that’s going to make your day-to-day work easier.
And then there’s that magic moment when the trowel feels like an extension of your own hand.
