Our quick verdict
Marshalltown’s brick trowels are the ones most bricklayers who’ve been on the tools for years reach for without thinking twice — genuinely excellent steel and a break-in period that rewards patience with a trowel that feels like an extension of your hand. OX’s Pro range costs less and needs far less breaking in, closing most of the practical gap for anyone who doesn’t want to spend weeks working a trowel in before it feels right. For plastering and finishing work, OX’s UltraFlex range holds its own against anything at this price point.
The two brands at a glance
OX Tools is the younger, more budget-accessible brand of the two, built around getting trade-grade performance to tradespeople without the premium price tag or lengthy break-in period that some traditional brands demand. Marshalltown is the older, more established name in bricklaying specifically — a US brand whose London-pattern trowels have been the reference point British bricklayers measure other trowels against for generations. OX trowels are typically cheaper and ready to use straight out of the packet; Marshalltown trowels cost more and reward a proper break-in period with blade flex and balance that many bricklayers consider unmatched.
Brand overviews
OX Tools
OX’s Pro range covers both bricklaying and plastering with trowels built for immediate use rather than a lengthy break-in — the steel is good quality and the handles are comfortable from the first day, which suits anyone who wants a trowel that performs well without an adjustment period.
Marshalltown
Marshalltown has built its reputation specifically on bricklaying trowels, and the London-pattern range is what most experienced bricklayers mean when they talk about a trowel that’s “broken in properly” — the blade develops a working flex over weeks of use that many tradespeople genuinely prefer once they’re used to it.
Brick trowels
OX’s Pro Brick Trowel in the Philadelphia pattern is a solid, well-reviewed performer straight out of the box — good steel, a comfortable grip, and a price that undercuts Marshalltown comfortably.
Marshalltown’s London-pattern brick trowel is the one many career bricklayers eventually settle on — the DuraSoft handle range pairs a comfortable grip with forged high-carbon steel that develops genuine working flex once it’s broken in, and that flex is exactly what experienced bricklayers are describing when they say a trowel “feels right.”
Plastering and finishing trowels
OX’s UltraFlex finishing trowels are genuinely well regarded for plastering and skimming work — the blade flex is tuned for finish work specifically, and the price undercuts most premium finishing trowel competitors while still delivering a trade-capable result.
Marshalltown’s PermaShape finishing trowels and blue-steel range are also well regarded in this category, particularly among plasterers who already favour Marshalltown’s bricklaying trowels and want the same brand consistency across their kit.
Build quality, steel and handles
Both brands use good-quality forged or high-carbon steel blades, but Marshalltown’s are generally regarded as the more refined of the two once broken in, with a blade flex that OX’s ready-to-use trowels don’t quite replicate. Handle comfort is broadly comparable between the ranges — both offer soft-grip and leather options depending on the specific model.
Price and value in the UK
OX is consistently the cheaper brand across both bricklaying and plastering trowels, which makes it the sensible starting point for anyone new to the trade or not yet sure which brand they’ll prefer long-term. Marshalltown’s premium is real but justified for bricklayers who’ll use a trowel daily for years and want the specific feel its steel and break-in process delivers.
Availability
Both brands are well stocked across UK trade merchants and on Amazon UK, so availability isn’t a meaningful factor either way.
Buyer’s guide — what to actually look for
For bricklaying, decide whether you want a trowel that performs well immediately (OX) or one that rewards a break-in period with better long-term feel (Marshalltown) — there’s no wrong answer, just a different trade-off. For plastering and finishing, both OX’s UltraFlex and Marshalltown’s PermaShape ranges are genuinely capable, so pick based on which brand’s bricklaying trowel you already prefer if you want consistency across your kit.
FAQs
Do Marshalltown trowels really need breaking in?
Yes, in the sense that the blade develops a working flex over weeks of regular use that many bricklayers prefer — it’s usable from day one, but experienced users say it genuinely improves with time.
Is OX good enough for daily professional bricklaying?
Yes — OX’s Pro range is genuinely trade-capable, not just a budget option, and plenty of working bricklayers use it daily without issue.
Which brand is better for plastering specifically?
OX’s UltraFlex range is particularly well regarded for plastering and finishing work, though Marshalltown’s PermaShape range is a strong alternative if you want brand consistency with a Marshalltown brick trowel.
Are these trowels available on Amazon UK?
Yes — both brands have genuine, currently-stocked ranges on Amazon UK alongside their usual trade merchant availability.
The bottom line
Neither brand is the outright winner — OX offers strong performance and value straight out of the box, while Marshalltown offers a premium bricklaying trowel that rewards the break-in period with a feel many experienced bricklayers consider unmatched. Start with OX if you’re newer to the trade or want to save money; step up to Marshalltown once you know exactly what feel you’re looking for in a trowel.
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