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.

ARDEX P 51™

Name: ARDEX P 51™
Brand: Ardex
SKU: 12222
Price: 66.0 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU 12222

by Ardex

$66.00 - $66.00

$66.00

$66.00 - $66.00

$66.00

ARDEX P 51™

For specialized applications and with select underlayments, ARDEX P 51 also can be used for priming wood, gypsum and non-water soluble adhesive residue over concrete.

Features

For absorbent concrete, wood*, gypsum* and non-water-soluble adhesive residue on concrete

Concentrated primer – dilutes with water

Seals the substrate

For bonding ARDEX underlayments and toppings to appropriate substrates

For interior use only

TECHNICAL DATA ARDEX P 51™

Installation

Mixing Ratio:
For standard absorbent concrete: 1 part primer to 1 part water by volume.

For extremely absorbent concrete (“double-prime method”): 1 part primer to 3 parts water by volume for initial application, then 1:1 for second application.

Coverage per gallon: 400-600 sq. ft. (37-55 sq. m.)

Performance

Drying Time: Min. 30 minutes; max. 24 hours
VOC: 0
Packaging: 1 gallon (3.79 L) plastic bottle; 4 gallon (15.14 L) plastic pail
Storage: Store in a cool dry area. Do not expose container to sun. Keep from freezing.
Shelf life: 1 year, if unopened
Warranty: ARDEX L.P. Standard Limited Warranty applies.

For complete product technical information, click on the Downloads tab and open the Technical Data download.

ARDEX P 51™

ARDEX P 51™

Features

TECHNICAL DATA ARDEX P 51™

Installation

Performance

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Have a Question?

Added to your cart: