What factors should I consider when choosing a trowel size for tile installation?

One of the most crucial aspects of tile installation is choosing the right trowel size. Various factors such as the shapes and sizes of the trowels, the types of notches, and the tile size and placement should be considered.

What is the importance of the tile placement in selecting the trowel size?

Tile placement significantly affects the trowel size selection. For instance, if you're laying tiles on the floor, the mortar bed needs to be thicker to withstand foot traffic. Likewise, if the surface you're laying tiles on slopes a bit, you would need to back-butter or spread out your mud-bed slightly thicker.

What is the general guide to the size of trowel based on the tile size and placement?

Here is a general guide to the size of trowel to use based on the tile size and placement: 3/16″ to 1/4″ V-notch: Mosaics tiles up to 4-1/2″ glazed wall tile. 1/4″ x 1/4″ U or Square notch: 4″ to 8″ tile. 1/4″ x 3/8″ U or Square notch: 8″ to 16″ tiles. 1/2″ x 1/2″ U or Square notch: 16″ and larger.

What are the different types of notches, and how do they affect tile installation?

There are three primary types of notches - V-shape, U-shape, and square-notch. V-shape spreads less thinset than the same-sized square-notch, while the U-notch spreads out more than the v-notch but less than the square-notch. The major difference is how the thinset lies, affecting tile adhesion. Choosing the right trowel size is crucial for successful tile installation. The trowel size should match the tile size, and the type of notch you use will affect the concentration level of thinset. Also, consider the placement of the tiles and the surface you'll be laying them on to determine the appropriate trowel size.

What should I keep in mind for a successful tile installation?

To really understand which trowel type to use, and how to properly use it, watch the video provided. Keep in mind that choosing the right trowel size is crucial for a successful tile installation. The trowel size should match the tile size, and the type of notch you use will affect the concentration level of thinset. Also, consider the placement of the tiles and the surface you'll be laying them on to determine the appropriate trowel size.

Marshalltown® Margin Trowels

SKU

by Marshalltown

$14.63 - $27.09

$14.63

$14.63 - $27.09

$14.63

Quantity

Margin Trowels

Forged from a single piece of high carbon steel.Tempered, ground, and polished from toe to heel. Wood Handle. Made in the USA

Durasoft Handle Features

Select from Wood or DuraSoft handles

Durasoft are well known for their soft feel which reduces fatigue, yet offers excellent durability

Offering a resilient comfortable, soft grip over a hard polypropylene core, these handles are impervious to water and retain their positive grip even when wet

Marshalltown Margin Trowel Features

Forged high grade steel

Made in the USA

Use a margin trowel to remove excess grout mortar from corners and along baseboards

Grout under the base of your toilet

Marshalltown® Margin Trowels

Margin Trowels

Durasoft Handle Features

Marshalltown Margin Trowel Features

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