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 Midget Trowel 8x3 with DuraSoft handle

Name: Marshalltown Midget Trowel 8x3 with DuraSoft handle
Brand: Marshalltown
SKU: 11D
Price: 29.95 USD
Availability: InStock

SKU 11D

by Marshalltown

$29.95 - $29.95

$29.95

$29.95 - $29.95

$29.95

Finishing in tight or confined areas can be difficult or impossible with a standard-sized trowel. The Marshalltown midget trowel goes where other trowels cannot.

Features

Aluminum alloy Xtralite® mounting is lightweight but very strong
Resilient DuraSoft® handle provides a soft feel, reduces fatigue, and offers excellent durability
Designed for finishing concrete in tight or confined areas
High-grade, hardened, tempered spring steel blade

Marshalltown Midget Trowel 8x3 with DuraSoft handle

Features

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Have a Question?

Added to your cart: