Natural building is as much about philosophy as it is about technique. Working with earth, straw, lime, clay, and reclaimed materials calls for a different mindset — and a different toolbox.

Whether you’re sculpting cob walls, mixing earthen plasters, tamping earth floors, or carving joinery for timber frames, the right tools make a world of difference.

Let’s dig into the best natural building tools, from handmade Japanese trowels to humble tampers and mighty sledgehammers — and where to source them (new or second-hand).

Core Natural Building Tools

1. Trowels

Essential for shaping, smoothing, and finishing plasters and renders. Natural builders often use a mix of:

• Japanese Trowels (Kote): Lightweight, beautifully balanced, and ideal for finish coats. Brands like Shapton or Konishi make highly regarded trowels.

• Pool Trowels: Found at masonry supply stores, these large, curved trowels are perfect for wide swathes of plaster or clay.

• Margin Trowels & Pointing Trowels: Handy for tight spaces and detail work.

Where to buy:

• Japanese Tools Australia

• Hidatool (USA)

• St Astier (UK lime products supplier with good plaster tools)

2. Plaster Kits

Many suppliers now offer curated plastering kits with a selection of essential trowels and floats. Look for ones tailored to earthen or lime plasters, not just cement work.

Starter plaster kits typically include:

• Wooden or magnesium float (for base coats)

• Stainless steel finishing trowel

• Sponge float (for smoothing)

• Corner trowels or Japanese detail tools

Good brands/sources:

• Natural Building Company UK

• Clayworks (UK) – offers high-end plasters and tools

• American Clay (USA)

• Earth Plaster Tools (Canada)

3. Tampers & Rammers

Used to compact earth, whether for rammed earth walls, earthbag construction, or earth floors.

You can:

• Buy a commercial steel tamper from landscaping stores.

• Make your own with hardwood handles and a welded steel base.

• Repurpose a sledgehammer head as a mini tamper for tight spots.

Second-hand tip: Check farm auctions or tool swaps — tampers are rarely worn out.

4. Sledgehammers & Mallets

You’ll need these for:

• Driving rebar or stakes

• Compacting cob into formwork

• Breaking up hard soil or clay

Tip: Go for a smaller-sized sledge and a rubber mallet for delicate forming.

Buy new or used:

• Local hardware stores

• Facebook Marketplace / gumtree

• Tool libraries (some cities have them!)

5. Handmade & Specialty Tools

Natural builders often fall in love with handmade tools. These include:

• Carved wooden floats (often from walnut, beech, or ash)

• Custom forged trowels or chisels

• Adzes, froes, and drawknives for timber framing

Check out:

• Blacksmiths at local markets

• Toolmakers like Jayne & Jonathan Schaper (Australia)

• Instagram artisan tool accounts — many makers sell directly via DMs or Etsy

6. Mixing Tools

For cob, plaster, and clay-slip mixes:

• 20ltr buckets and mud paddles (power drill-compatible)

• Mortar mixers (look for second-hand!)

• Trample tarps for barefoot mixing

7. Sourcing Second-Hand Tools

Absolutely yes — you can buy many natural building tools second-hand! In fact, older tools are often better made.

Great places to look:

• Local classifieds (Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)

• Estate sales and garage sales

• Tool libraries and maker spaces

• ReStores (Habitat for Humanity shops)

• Tip Shops

• Flea markets and farm auctions

Search for:

• Masonry tools

• Timber framing tools

• Vintage Japanese or European hand tools

• Garden tampers

What’s Best to Use?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s a quick cheat sheet: