How to select the correct trowel
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
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How to select the correct trowel, I have often been asked what trowel size should be used with a certain size tile, in this video i try to explain how to choose the correct notch size for the tile you want to install. The most important determining factor that will dictate the type of trowel that should be used is the size of the trowel, however it is not a hard and fast rule. The shape of the tile, the pattern on the back of the tile, whether the tile is cupped and other factors might influence the trowel size selection. In general the larger the tile, the larger the notch size. There are also different shapes for the teeth or notch of the trowel, but here i am just explaining the basics.
All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link.
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![Tile Notch Trowel sizes. Which trowel size do you need for ....? [Full vid]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FxkS87BGUfI/mqdefault.jpg)
Sal is a genius when it comes to tiling and explaining the "whys" so simple and succinctly! Great demonstration Sal!
Thank you kindly!
Just so you know Sal, your videos have had a huge impact on the quality of my tile jobs and my confidence taking on new projects. I used your technique from this video to select the right trowel. Achieved about 80% on first check but then remembered to back butter! 100%!
Thanks for sharing your knowledge Sal!
Thanks
Great rule of thumb with trowels. Best video I've seen on this as well. This stumps almost everyone who's ever set tile first time out.
Thank you for all the time you take to do these videos. They are very clear and helpful...
One of the most informative videos I've ever seen. Thanks Sal!
I'm doing some tiling for the first time on Friday. I'm putting some 4" by 12" tiles on a wall. I have a couple of trowels, a 6mm x 6mm and a 10mm x 10mm. After watching your demonstration I think the 6mm will work but I'll be sure to check and step up to the 10mm if not! Thank you for sharing this information.
This is the best video I've viewed on what trowel to chose for the job. You presented the facts in clear language and backed it up with clear video. Thank you, sir.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, well demonstrated. Thank you. You've just stopped me from screwing up my kitchen floor.
Bravo Sal.........That was the best Demonstration-Explanation video I've seen, since I started learning how to DIY. Thanks!!!
+Griff Mustard Just the facts, what else do you need.
Great Sal. Thanks. So if using the same size trowel on the floor, would you just back butter the tile as well? I guess they don't come much bigger than 1/2 inch so for bigger tiles on walls maybe the same the floor and back butter
Thank you for sharing over 30 yrs of experience and knowledge with us! You have helped me tremendously with your videos. 👍
You're Welcome
Sal, I've done maybe 3 4 tile jobs so far. Thanks to your videos tile jobs are getting easier. Thabk you.
Glad to hear it, the right info always helps make it easier.
I am just starting a DIY tile project and need to select the correct sized trowel for the 12 x 24" tile I purchased. Your video provided exactly the help and guidance I required. Well done, concise and to the point. Much appreciated. Thank you very much and I look forward to other tile videos from you.
👍
Sal love your video. Try using a pieces of glass to show how air gaps are filled and the percentages allowable per industry standards. Also, add swirling your mortar should never be done. It will leave to many air gaps which will cause failure. And lastly, mortar application should always be applied in the straight line fashion. Again, love your video!!
Best demo of how to choose notch size. Kind of amazing since you didn't put mortar on the back of the tile (back buttering). Very instructive.
Sal excellent teacher my friend! Illustrating the process is 110%. Keep em coming brother
Super helpful, now I need to find out if I can use a smaller trowel if I back butter?
Great demonstration! A real confidence builder. If in doubt, we can re-create the experiment on the job with the exact tile and thinset being used to make sure we’re getting adequate coverage. You are a TERRIFIC instructor of a fascinating subject. Thanks!
Thank you for teaching us, what, and how. It will save me a lot of money.
Happy to help
Thanks, Sal - not only excellent and important info, but this is a tile attachment physics demonstration for the ages! NICE WORK!
You might also enjoy this newer version ua-cam.com/video/w5RqzOAn_tc/v-deo.html
Informative video. When doing sheet mosaic do you choose your trowel by the size of the sheet or the size of each individual tile? Squeeze out sucks.
Thank You! I found this video as I was looking at trowels to buy with no idea it made a difference until I saw multiple sizes
Glad it was helpful!
Your video is one of the best basic demonstrations - you show clearly what the relationship of trowel size to tile size. Thank you so much. But I notice that you are not back-buttering your tiles. Does back-buttering change the ratio of trowel size to tile size? Dumb question, I know. Thanks.
most of what ive learned with regards to tiling has been from your videos Sal. - thanks a million mate all your vids have definitely helped me to elevate my tiling to an extermely high standard. I'm still working on reducing mess everywhere though !! Best wishes Eddie (UK)
I'm a newbi embarking on my first tile job very soon! For my accent 1x1 mosaics, seems a 1/4 x 1/4 may be the one to use???
Yay, I was about to hang some 32x18 tile with 1/4 inch trowel and after a few vids including this one, I went for the 1/2", which covered alot better.
Im having a hard time understanding why the medium tile had voids... Is it bowed? Or its because it has those squares on the back of it? And you need to coat more cubic space...? (to fill the voids)
The best explanation I've found
I'm getting ready to do a room in my house, it was recommended to use a 1/2 ×1/2 and I didn't understand why. now I do thank you very much for explaining clearly and easily
😊 👍
thank you for this knowledge. question: if I am installing 12 x 24 tiles and therefore use the 1/2" option, but I am also anticipating the need to cut tiles to fit along walls and so forth, will I switch between trowels or use the same larger size for all in order to facilitate the leveling process?
No use the same trowel
What is teeth size suitable for 60cmX60cm tiles? Good job.
I'm installing 6"x12" marble tiles on a wall as a fireplace surround. Going by size I was going to use a 1/4-Inch by 3/8-Inch trowel but each tile weighs slightly less than 3 pounds. Should I step up to the 1/2". And which for the floor in front of the firebox? I'll be using Mapai LFT mortar.
On the 1/4x1/4 qith 12x12 couldn't u avoid the voids by doing back butter or if needed a directional trowel on back of tile too?
Also what do you prefer to do in jobs that are utilizing 3 different sizes of tile on same floor...6x6, 12x12, 20x20?
Good explanation, straight to the point and easy to follow and understand. Good teacher. Many thanks for the vid!
You are still the man and my favorite mentor.
I'm installing 6"x12" marble tiles on a wall as a fireplace surround. Going by size I was going to use a 1/4-Inch by 3/8-Inch trowel but each tile weighs slightly less than 3 pounds. Should I step up to the 1/2". And which for the floor in front of the firebox?
I'm glad I saw this video! I'm starting to lay 490 sq ft of 18×18 tomorrow and I was going to use a 3/8 trowel. Not anymore! 👍
The correct information can save a lot of pain.
@bejais Great! But it wasn't easy. I would recommend giving it more then 24 hours to set before walking on it. I had to reset two tiles I walked on after 14 hours.
Two questions. When using 2x4 mosaic tile, would 1/4 trowel be too large? For a backsplash on a textured wall is is necessary to smooth the wall? Florida walls are not a smooth drywall, they have a slight texture. Thank you for your videos, I have learned a lot. Just finished a travertine backsplash in my laundry room, your videos made it go smoothly.
Wall should be smoothed and a 1/4" trowel may not be too big if the tile is thick enough. The goal is to get at least 80% coverage, if you can do that with a smaller trowel then use it.
Thank you very much for taking the time during your job to demonstrate this. It makes perfect sence now.
interesting video. I'll be tiling my first room soon and need to buy everything. Most likely 12"x12" tiles so I'll be looking at the last tool you used. My floor slopes a bit towards a drain and a few tiles wobble on the floor due to unevenness, but I'm hoping they'll sit nice once stuff is on the floor.
Glad I clicked on this tutorial. Direct and easily explained. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
So impressed by your thoroughness!
Hello. We do not have thinset, at our location. Is that the same as tile adhesive? Would the principle in getting the proper trowels be the same, if I use the adhesive? I would really appreciate your help. By the way, your video is the best I have ever seen. Simple and straight to the point. The demonstration is awesome for being simple but very informative. Thank you very much.
If it comes in a bucket it has very limited places where it can be used, it is probably mastic. If it is a powder that you mix with water. then it is a dry set thinset mortar
@@SalDiBlasiThanks a lot!. It does come in powder form. They are packaged in 20-lb sacks. You are awesome. ;-)
This is what craftsmanship looks like.
What size do you use for a 2x2 mosaic marble honed and sheet is 10x12 and .38 thick ? Also, do you have to seal honed marble? Thanks
Great video...Question: My wife and I are planning to remodel the kitchen, and she is considering a tile pattern that has several different tile sizes - 18" x 18"s, 12" x 12"s, down to possibly smaller tiles as the pattern forms. Should I just use the larger trowel for the whole project? Is there a problem using too big a trowel for smaller tiles?
I would use the same trowel, you need to keep all the tiles at the same height.
Sal DiBlasi that's what I was thinking. Thanks for the help!
Nice explanation of trowel size selection and resulting thinset coverage. Watched several of your videos in the past few months. Good stuff! With regards to tile size and trowels, I have one question if you will: Can you tell me what is the average end result thickness of thinset when installing 12 x 24 tiles on backer board in shower walls using 1/2 x 1/2 inch notch trowel? I have an idea but would like to hear it from you. Thank you!
It will be less than 1/4" but depends on the type of mortar and whether you back butter the tile and the depth of the pattern on the back of the tile.
Great explanation for a newbie..... being a Lefty i instantly noticed you need to hold it with the handles open end up. Another one to put on the list of righty tools, just like key rings....LOL :)
Watched a few of your video, good stuff. skill saw is the worst. I have to tape up the exhaust chute to stop breathing sawdust
Great Video 👍 if I am laying a 6x24 porcelain tile what trowel size would you recommend? The tile is flat on the back with a small grid pattern. Thank you very much.
1/2" deep
Best vidoe so far about this topic.
👍😊
Great video, Sal. If folks are going to have a go at tiling DYI, they might as well go in armed with professional information.
Gar Mar agreed.
Indeed
Thanks for that explanation! 1/2inch trowel for 12x24. Glad you covered that at the end
Glad it was helpful!
Learned a lot more about trowel size from this video thanks a lot 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Checking with you that I should use a 1/2" square notch trowel to put down 18" x 18", marble tile that is 1/2" thick, on concrete slab in my house? Also, I watched your thin set video. Do you recommend Mapei, Kerabond T for large tiles??? Thanks so much for your videos. They are so helpful for those of us who want to do our own labor in laying tiles.
Yes 1/2" trowel, KerabondT is an unmodified thinset, which is fine for concrete, but I would rather see a modified thinset like UltraflexLFT or add the liquid polymer to the unmodified thinset.
Oh! I didn't realize it was unmodified. Thank you so much for the recommendation on UltraflexLFT. I was waiting to see what you recommended before I get the thinset! I really appreciate your help!!!
Great video. I'm in the middle of laying wood floor tile in the bathroom... not as easy as it looks!
Great demonstration and explanation of trowel selection! What size of trowel is needed for applying Thisset on plywood for laying 1/4" Hardi Backer Board?
1/4x1/4x1/4
Wow! That was a quick response! Thank you! I am hooked watching your videos!
Sal, Sorry to be a pest but one more question for now! I know I tape and thinset over seams but should I thinset over each screw to seal and seal around countertop (Hardi-Backer) and wall? Thank you!
Are you talking about a shower?
Sal, quick question, what size trowel for the odd size of 16x16"? thinking 1/2 x 1/2", good?
👍👌
Hi Sal, I'm going to be installing 6x36" plank tiles using the RLS clips. Initially I was going to use a 1/4"x3/8" trowel, but I noticed that the bottom of the clips have a little bit of height to them. Would you recommend upping the size to 1/2" trowel?
You should be using a 1/2" trowel regardless if you use the clips or not. A 1/4x1/2x1/4 U-notch is the one i like the most, but 1/2x1/2x1/2 wil also work.
Great! Thank you, sir!
Excellent demo, very helpful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the video! I have 2 follow-up questions: [1] If you're setting a rectangular tile, does it matter if the troweled grooves run parallel or perpendicular to the length of the rectangular tile? [2] Is there a reason to *not* use a larger groove trowel for a smaller tile--so for example, here you showed that the 1/4 x 3/8 trowel worked best for the largest tile--could you have used the 1/4 x 3/8 trowel to properly set the medium tile? Thank you!
watch this,it explains how to choose a trowel, and usually the ridges go the short way so air can be expelled with less effort from the ridges, but coverage is the most important thing, 80% or better in a dry area and 95% or better in a wet area, exposed area or for natural stone.
@@SalDiBlasi thanks! I watched the video, and understand that a bigger tile needs a larger groove. But my second question was if there's a problem with using a large groove for a smaller tile
It will be messy and make your life harder, always use the correct. I forgot to include the link in my last reply, here it is ua-cam.com/video/cqbYzSTiLG4/v-deo.html
Good video thank you. I have some 16"x16" will the 1/4" x 3/8" work or will i have to move up to 1/2" x 1/2"? I need to replace 3 tiles on the bathroom floor? I picked up a 1/4 x 1/4 for a buck but seeing this it will not work unless I wish to redo.
1/2 inch is probably a better choice.
Good afternoon Sal, installing marble(12"×24") over chipboard with no grout lines. Do I need backerboard?
You need to remove the chipboard and use a grout line. Unless the chip board is OSB.
Hey Sal quick question, planning for plumbing depth in a tub/ shower... tile is 3x12 subway . I need to know final measurements from stud wall. 1/2 inch schluter kerdi, tile is about 3/8 which brings me to 7/8 question is how can I estimate thin set thickness after tile is pressed in place.... thinking of 1/4 x 1/4 or 1/4 by 3/8 trowel thanks in advance
You can figure it to be about 1/8" or a bit less. The shower valve should have a minimum and maximum depth allowable.
Do you think 12"x 24" porcelain tiles are good for walls? If so, I shall use the 1/2" trowel for them.
+bluekeet yes, I install them all the time on walls and even larger.
Thank you for your great videos, Sal. I have a question about trowel selection. I'm remodeling my shower and went to bare studs. I did my best to shim the studs and make them as plum, level, and straight. I hung up my Durock then and water proofed the walls. However, I still see a small 1/16 gap from side to side. Can I go with a large trowel to bring the tiles to the same level. I intend to use T- locks for leveling. Thanks, Frank
If it is only a 1/16" I think you will be fine if you use a large notched trowel.
thanks for making this. really made it simple.
Glad it helped!
Hey Sal another great video...the last example using the 1/4*3/8 the coverage was perfect, so why the need to back butter? Thank you!
That is a whole other story, technically back buttering is not needed, however the benefits are certain. I usually back butter every tile. I Have been thinking about making a video about this, so stay tuned.
Thanks So Much Sal for an Awesome Demo Video.
Sal good day have you ever used a Euro Combo trowel? If yes, would it only be used for large format tiles example 6inch by 24inch tiles? Thank you again in advance. Love the videos
Yes, often, use them for whatever tile it works.
Thank you for actually doing a demonstration.
Quarta by 3/8... love the Joorsey accent. Thanks for making these videos, very helpful.
Boston,😊
What kind of trowel would you use when installing 12x24 tiles horizontally on wall in a shower? There'll be whole pieces in full width and small pieces like 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 pieces.
amzn.to/2gg9FEZ
Excellent videos. Big help. Glad I'm watching them before mixing & troweling. Thank you!
btw, I love that paint color on the wall, do you know what it is?
Hey Sal
Great info, I’m using on the floor thassos white marble basketweave 1x2 in. Mosiac tile with 1/2 inch dots and 3/8 inch thick do I use 1/4 inch or 1/4 x 3/8 inch trowel .
Probably ¼x¼x¼ would be better.
@@SalDiBlasi thank you so much I’ve been doing kitchens and bathrooms for almost 40 years and but never did any marble work I always sub contract but your videos are so friggen good that I just couldn’t resist doing this my self
God bless
Thanks Sal, great video. Do you happen to have one on flat backed marble tile? Mine is 12" x 24". Any suggestions you have would be very helpful.
Hey Sal, I have the same tile as Hooahayes. In this video at the very end, you actually did say what trowel to use for a 12 x 24 tile, but I really could understand what you said. It kind of sounded like you said use a 1/2" and something. THANKS SAL!!!
He said he would use a 1/2" square-notched trowel.
Sal, great detail on trowel selection.
Hi Sal.
I'm in the middle of my tiling project. Right now I'm installing 12x24 tiles with a 1/2" trowel. I've checked a few random tiles and I get complete and perfect coverage. The problem I'm facing is squeezeout through the grout lines. How do I prevent the thinset from doing this?
Thanks,
John from Andover
+EthylOH It happens, but can be greatly reduced by careful placement and racking the thinset nearvthe edge of the tile before placement
Other way, put your tile down push the two tile together so the mortar between will going out wipe it and separate your two tile the mortar left between will going down automatically by suction and clean the top of your tile with sponge and water...
Sal, you're da best! Thanks for all you do for us. Blessings to you bro!
👍
@@SalDiBlasi good morning brother Sal. What would you use for a 6x24 tile
Awesome video as usual Mr. Sal. When would you select a V -groove over a square notched trowel? Thanks again
Small thin mosaics with a very flat surface on the back and the, or a small tile with a very flat and smooth back on a very well prepared flat substrate. Always check your coverage as you go.
Hi Sal! This is super informative, yet I'm wondering what to do with my 6x24" floor tiles that have a super deep hex pattern on the back. I plan to use directional troweling to back butter and do the floor, but worry that a 1/2x1/2x1/2 square directional back butter and on the cement floor backer would create quite a clearance/threshold issue. Would back uttered directional and on the substrate with a 1/4x3/8x1/4 be a good way to go?
I've never used or seen a 1/4x1/2x1/4 u shape like you mention in another comment, maybe that would give good coverage and not add as much height?
Here is a link to that trowel amzn.to/2wZa85L if you have a deep pattern on the back of the tile, back butter with the flat side of the trowel to fill the pattern , then use the correct trowel to spread your thinset. I would use the trowel in the link or a 1/2x1/2x1/2" trowel
Planning on installing 8x48 plank tiles soon. Would I be safe using a 1/2x1/2x1/2 trowel and back buttering the tiles?
Only way to know is to set a few tiles and then lift a couple to see how the coverage is, it will probably be good, if not move to a larger notch.
Really informative video👍👍👍
Please tell me what kind of mortar you are using -
is it a cement mortar or it is a lime mortar or it is a gauged mortar????
In this case it was an unmodified thinset mortar that complies to ANSI standard A118.1
Hey Sal, thank you for all of your videos. You've helped me finish two tiling projects in no time at all! I was wondering if back buttering changes the trowel size you should use?
+Erick Quijada That is a subject for another video, the answer is yes and no, depends on the back of the tile.
for the majority of back buttering you just need a thin even coat so just use the flat side of the notched trowel you are already using on the project, no need to dirt up another trowel
yes.. but if you put some adhesive on the tiles, just for contact! than.. if you dont use the proper trowel will be full with adhesive. me opinion it to put ALL THE TIME adhesive on the tiles too!) Realy nice your work! we look your video! Regards from Germany! Merry Christmas 🤶
👍
Thanks, Sal, for posting these videos. Super helpful!
What about the YW/Euro notch trowel or large 3/4" U notch? Do you ever use those and if so how might they compare to a 1/2" by 1/2"?
Showing what the effects of trowel size and tile size have on coverage.
Great video sal! I was wondering for 12×12 tile what size trowel would I need? And do i back butter?🤔 thank you
Usually 3/8 deep trowel, always a good idea to back butter.
@@SalDiBlasi thank you sal for replying!👍
Hi Sal. Hello from Nova Scotia. Hope Boston enjoyed the Christmas tree this year. Great videos. I am going to lay down 2" mosaic with the mesh back.(12x12). Do I use the v notch or a 1/4x1/4 trowel?
+pokefins if you can get adequate coverage with a V notch great, if not move up to a larger trowel
Great Thanks. Love the video's. Keep them coming.
Hey sal great video my question is the orange backer board? Is it good? Im thinking of trying it
Schluter Ditra, uncoupling membrane, great stuf
Good explanation; What size trowel for 4X8 quarry tile? 1/4 X 1/4 ?
+Michael LoVetere might need 1/4×3/8
6"x24", is the best way to just do a test as you have done here? Does using tile leveling clamps make much difference?
+Jason Taylor Try a 1/2"x1/2" Square notch trowel and back butter the tiles, that is what i do.
Choose even bigger notched trowel and especially round notch and you don't need to back butter those tiles at all.
Is it necessary to buy the ditra 11/64 x 11/64 to install ditra or could I select something else?
Use any of these trowels, for DITRA 1/4" x 3/16" V-notched trowel, 5/16" x 5/16" V-notched trowel, or the DITRA trowel, 11/64" x 11/64" square-notched design
Outstanding! My next video to watch is “Thinset explained.”
Sal, on that last tile you did not
back-butter the tile , and you used the 1/2” X 1/2” trowel. My question is, why would you still be able to get 99% coverage ?
Has it got to do with the wetness of the medium mortar mix ? Or am l missing something from the other videos where you suggest keying in the subfloor first, mud trowel next, and also back-buttering your 24”x 24” porcelain tile.?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
This video is to demonstrate the difference in coverage that you will get depending on the size of the trowel. This s different to bond strength that will be achieved by "Keying" the thinset first. Flat troweling the substrate gives a better bond than simply troweling out the notches, same for the back of the tile. Back buttering and keying forces the mortar into the surface much better than simply applying the thinset then placing the tile. Coverage insure that the tile is supported properly. Together you get the best bond and support.
Sal DiBlasi ,
Each step is important, and we do not want to skip any.
Your video on the crystal formation helps me to understand your answer a lot clearer. Cheers !
Hey Sal great video, Thank you. I have a question, what type (v-notch/square) and size trowel would you use for pebble tile/river rock on shower floor?
Probably a 1/4" square notch.
hi sal do u ever use self leveling compound I'm a professional tiler my self I have my self leveling skills pretty well honed I'd just like to see how you use it as ur a bit of a legend
+kyle the tile not as often as i used to, don't have any videos of it either,
Does these sizes work for walls and floors equally
yes
Do you test this everytime you do tile, or you already have an eye and know what size trowel to use?
How could it hurt to test every time, in fact you test several times during the job.
Thank for the great info. For wall tiles 12x12 do you "back butter" tile? say for a shower.
yes , always
Sal, cant seem to find the recommended trowel size for a 4x8 travertine wall tile. Would you do 1/4x3/8 or 1/4 x1/4
1/4x3/8 might be a bit big try the 1/4 x1/4 if you get good coverage then you are good to go.