How to choose a tile trowel square and u notch trowels.
Type of trowel for wall tile.
This trowel size is used for thinner membrane installation and not typically used for tile.
Tile trowels come in many shapes and sizes generally starting out from a 3 16 v notch up to the 1 2 square notch.
If one of the tiles is fairly flat with minimum warping cupping you may meet the proper coverage requirement using a 3 8 square notched trowel.
1 4 x 3 8 square notch.
1 4 x 1 4 square notch.
This can either be a.
Mortars selection chart and approximate coverage select a trowel based on tile size to properly bond various types or sizes of tile or stone select a trowel according to the size of tile you want to install.
V notch trowels are the preferred type for walls but they are not mandatory.
Use this for 8 8 s and some of the 5 16 thick 12 12 builder grade tile.
Mosaic tiles and wall tiles up to about 4 by 4 inches call for a v notch trowel with 3 16 by 1 4 inch notches while larger tiles require a trowel with a square or u shaped notch to obtain proper adhesive coverage.
The other main consideration is where the tiles will be set on the floor or on the walls and ceilings.
1 4 x 1 4 u notch.
Twelve inch square tiles for instance are best applied using a trowel with 1 2 inch by 1 2 inch notches.
Actual coverage depends on substrate type of tile and setting method.
So a 10mm u notched trowel leaves a 3mm bed of adhesive beneath the installed tile.
Tile trowels come in many shapes and sizes generally starting out from a 3 16 v notch up to the 1 2 square notch.
The most common type of trowel for floors is the u notched trowel.
Here is a list of the most common trowel sizes and what they re used for.
The v notch is superior.
A 6mm x 6mm trowel will leave a 3mm bed of adhesive beneath the tile.
The larger the tile the larger the trowel.
If however the other tile has quite a bit of cupping you may need to use a larger 1 2 square notched tile trowel to get proper coverage.
Using a u notched trowel and embedding the tile into the adhesive leaves you with a bed of adhesive beneath the tile a little over 1 3 the size of the trowel teeth.
Anytime you use 12 x 12 or smaller vertical wall tile you always use a v notched trowel rated for tile installations since it is made specifically for vertical surfaces to bond the mastic mortar successfully.
Finding the right trowel for the job is quite simple when you know that generally speaking the trowel size should match up to the tile size the smaller the tile the smaller the trowel.
1 8 x 1 8 notch.
This trowel size is good for uncoupling membrane.
Also make sure the thin set mortar you hand mix yourself is also rated for vertical surfaces.
