How to select the correct trowel
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- Опубликовано: 9 дек 2015
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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)
One of the most informative videos I've ever seen. Thanks Sal!
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.
Sal is a genius when it comes to tiling and explaining the "whys" so simple and succinctly! Great demonstration Sal!
Thank you kindly!
Thank you for all the time you take to do these videos. They are very clear and helpful...
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
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)
Thank you for sharing over 30 yrs of experience and knowledge with us! You have helped me tremendously with your videos. 👍
You're Welcome
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 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!
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.
👍
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.
Great video, well demonstrated. Thank you. You've just stopped me from screwing up my kitchen floor.
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.
Good explanation, straight to the point and easy to follow and understand. Good teacher. Many thanks for the vid!
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!
Excellent videos. Big help. Glad I'm watching them before mixing & troweling. Thank you!
You are still the man and my favorite mentor.
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.
Thanks, Sal, for posting these videos. Super helpful!
Thanks So Much Sal for an Awesome Demo Video.
So impressed by your thoroughness!
Thank you for actually doing a demonstration.
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!
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 ruclips.net/video/w5RqzOAn_tc/видео.html
Sal, great detail on trowel selection.
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
😊 👍
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.
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.
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!!
Thanks, this was very helpful!
Sal excellent teacher my friend! Illustrating the process is 110%. Keep em coming brother
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
Thank you for teaching us, what, and how. It will save me a lot of money.
Happy to help
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
Glad I clicked on this tutorial. Direct and easily explained. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for that explanation! 1/2inch trowel for 12x24. Glad you covered that at the end
Glad it was helpful!
I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!
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.
Super helpful, now I need to find out if I can use a smaller trowel if I back butter?
Thank you, very informative.
Graet lesson Sal. Thanks a lot.
Very instructive thank you!
Thank you so much for this!! Great explanation!
The best explanation I've found
great demo thanks for the info
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
Makes perfect sense. Thank you
Awesome video very helpful thanks for posting 👍
you're a legend! thanks for all this info!
👍😊
Excellent demo, very helpful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. I'm in the middle of laying wood floor tile in the bathroom... not as easy as it looks!
Learned a lot more about trowel size from this video thanks a lot 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent video. thanks!
thanks sal, you da man
Great video. Thank you
thanks for making this. really made it simple.
Glad it helped!
Thank you very much for taking the time during your job to demonstrate this. It makes perfect sence now.
Best vidoe so far about this topic.
👍😊
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.
Another great video.
Outstanding! My next video to watch is “Thinset explained.”
Such help! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Amazing video. I learned so much from it. Thx sal
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome video!!!! Thank you!!!
thank u so much. í enjoy ur videos.
great informative video
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.
Nice video! Thanks
Thanks for watching my video.
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
Thanks you so much for this greatful info. So appreciate it.
You are so welcome!
brilliant video
btw, I love that paint color on the wall, do you know what it is?
This is what craftsmanship looks like.
thank you so much.
very good, thank you
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 🤶
👍
Your the best!
Thank you sir
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.
Excellent tutorial - exactly what I needed as i am about to lay some 11" x 11" tiles and wasn't sure which size of trowel to buy.
Btw- I think you've really honed your presentation style. Concise - accurate - understandable. Some people film great vids only for them to be let down by their commentary which makes it really difficult to follow.
Brava !
+Matthew Cartwright Thanks, just trying to share some info that might be helpful.
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.
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.
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.
Quarta by 3/8... love the Joorsey accent. Thanks for making these videos, very helpful.
Boston,😊
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
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.
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,
Thank for the great info. For wall tiles 12x12 do you "back butter" tile? say for a shower.
yes , always
I know what trowel im wearing tomorrow ! good video
+DeeJae Shocka It is dress code for a tile installer 😊
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.
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)
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
Why thank you fine sir!
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.
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?
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.
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???
I am a rank amateur and have used 3/8 square for everything from floor tile to smallish backsplash subway tiles. I have gotten excellent coverage with that size. I own one trowel.
Correct, you are a rank amateur.
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
thanks man