Source: Marshalltown
Low on time? -- Jump to the summary
You have decided to take on that tile project. It is likely that your first decision will be which tile to use. Next question: What tools do I need? Here, we are going to be helping you choose the best trowel size for the tile job you are about to tackle. What follows should help you make informed decisions as you begin, because every do-it-yourselfer knows: If you do not have the proper tools, you are doomed from the outset.
When it comes to determining which trowel is right for the job, it comes down to a couple of things: Where is that tile going, and what size tile are you working with? Once you select your tile, you will be able to determine what type of tile trowel you will need with the information below. You will learn about the different notch types (the "teeth" on a trowel). The trowel notches are designed to leave a specific amount of material behind as you work the trowel over your thinset—the adhesive stuff the tile sits on. Smaller notches will leave a small amount of material behind; ideal for mosaic and wall tile. Larger notches leave more material behind which is best-suited for bigger, heavier tiles. To set tile properly, these troughs are intended to 'collapse' into each other, via moderate pressure and motion, or vibration, of the tile, forming a continuous material bond. To learn more about how to set tile click here.
There are three essential notch-shapes you need to know about when you are determining which trowel you need: U-notch, V-notch, and Square-notch.
V-notch Trowels
V-notch trowels spread the least amount of thinset, so they are what you need for smaller tiles that will take less of a day-to-day beating in your home—wall or ceiling tile that isn’t subject to the stomping that poor floor tile endures each and every day.
U-notch Trowels
U-notch trowels spread more thinset than a V-notch, so they are good for jobs where you are using larger tiles.
Square-notch Trowels
The square-notch trowel applies even more thinset than the U-notch. Some tilers do not see a significant difference between U-notch and square-notch trowels, but there is a bit of a difference, indeed. The standard guidelines break it down this way:
"Special" Notch Trowels
Two special notch options used amongst professional installers are "slanted" notch and "euro" notch. These offer unique ridge patterns that are believed to offer a superior level of ridge/trough collapsing; ideal for large format tile installations.
In summary:
- Larger tiles call for larger trowel notch sizes
- V-notch trowels are best used for smaller tiles. If you are putting up a kitchen backsplash, you are probably going to be using smaller tiles that call for the V-notch.
- U-notch or square-notch trowels are ideal for medium & large tiles
Use these guidelines to aid in your decision:
- 4.5-inch mosaic or wall tile -- Use a 3/16-inch to 1/4-inch V-notch trowel
- 4-inch to 8-inch tile -- Use a 1/4-inch by 1/4-inch Square-notch
- 8-inch to 16-inch tile -- Use a 1/4-inch by 3/8-inch Square or U-notch
- 16-inches and up -- Use 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch Square or U-notch
Time to get to work!
Need more info?
Source: F8 studio/ Shutterstock
Contact Contractor’s Direct for All Your Tiling Needs
If you have questions about tile and what supplies you need for the job, we’re here for you! Reach out to us at 1-800-709-0002 or orders@contractorsdirect.com