How do you know what size trowel to use?

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; the larger the tile, the larger the trowel.

What sized notched trowel do I need?

Size Matters

All tile manufacturers offer a recommended trowel size. Mosaic installations up to 2 inches can use a 1/8-inch notch, as can wall tiles of up to 4 inches, as a general rule. 16-inch tiles need a 1/2-inch-deep notch, and anything over 24 inches should use a 3/4-inch notch.

What size trowel should I use for 12x24 tile?

Generally, for the 12×24 inch floor tiles, you should use a square-notched trowel that has either ¼-inch by ½-inch or ½-inch by ½-inch notch. The notch size is vital as it determines the area where the mortar will collapse after installing and pressing down the tiles.

What size tile trowel should I use?

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. 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.

Why do you start in the middle when laying tile?

It's always advisable to start tiling your grid in the centre of the wall, as it's easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. It also means any half-tiles you may need can go at the end of each row and will be of matching size.

How to select the correct trowel

What size notched trowel for 8 tile?

Floor tiles: Use square-notched or U-notched trowels for all sizes. The ¼" is suitable for 4" and 6" floor tiles. For floor tiles ranging in size between 8" and 12", you may want to use a ¼" x ⅜," and for floor tiles 12" wide and larger, go with a ½."

What size notched trowel for 12x12 wall tile?

What size trowel for 12×12 wall tile? A ¼ inch x ⅜ inch square notch trowel works well for most 12 x 12 tiles (30cm x 30cm).

How thick can thinset be under tile?

Plan for a layer of thinset 3/16-inch to 1/8-inch thick beneath your tile. A 3/16-inch layer of thinset will be enough for tiles with a smooth back to bond the tile to the floor or backer board. For natural tiles with an uneven surface on the back, you may need to spread a 1/8-inch layer of thinset during installation.

What size spacers should I use for 12x24 tiles?

Installing 12×24 Tile: Grouting

We used 1/4 inch spacers to achieve the perfect grout lines that you see here and I would definitely recommend using them, even if you think you're pretty comfortable with tiling.

What size notched trowel for 18x18 tile?

An 18-inch tile requires full mortar coverage on its back. This means that if a tile is pried up after it is laid down, it must have mortar covering the entirety of the back surface. While a 12-inch tile can use a 1/4-by-3/8-inch trowel, an 18-inch tile must use a full 1/2-inch trowel.

What size trowel do I use for subway tile?

1/4'' x 1/4'' square notch: this trowel size is the most common size in the tiling industry.

How thick should tile mortar be?

The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are pressed in to the cement.

What size trowel should I use for 6x24 tile?

What Size Trowel For 6×24 Tile? A ½ x ½ inch square notch trowel is mainly preferable for installing 6 x 24 inch tile. Despite this, you can also use a ¼ ” x ⅜ ” square notch trowel, but don't forget to fill up the hump in the tile center using mortar.

Can I use a 1/2 trowel on a 12x12 tile?

Keep in mind that floor tiles experience more traffic, so you can use the larger ½ X ½” trowel on most floor installations of 12×12 tile. For wall installations, use the smaller ¼ X ⅜” trowel size.

How big should grout lines be for 12x12 tile?

The manufacture specifies 3/16 of an inch for grout spacing. The tiles are not exact in size. They can be off as much as 3/32 of an inch. If I go smaller than 3/16 of an inch on my grout spacing would this cause the grout to crack.

Can you use 12x12 tile on walls?

You can still put it on a wall. It will just be an extra durable wall. Just about any 12 x 12 inch tile is commonly referred to as a 'floor tile' simply because of the size without taking any of the above into consideration. This is simply another example of misinformed dealers, stores, and installers.

What happens if you use too much thinset?

The application of excess thinset with Spanish pavers will lead to staining and uneven surfaces.

Can I wait a week to grout tile?

Waiting longer than 24 hours is advisable in cool and/or humid weather. Remember, there's no harm in grouting your tile several days after you install it, but it is a bad idea to grout too soon. Applying grout too soon will stop the mortar curing process, leading tiles to pop loose from the floor or wall.

Should I back butter subway tile?

Back-Buttering shouldn't be needed. But, the best determination is to set a tile & then pry it off. You should have a nice even smush of Thin-set that covers the whole back of the tile. If you don't get full coverage, then you can try it again with a bigger notch trowel...on a fresh clean tile.

Do I want sanded or unsanded grout?

Sanded grout is best for grout lines ranging from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch. Grout lines wider than 1/2-inch are impractical and will crack and become unstable. Because unsanded grout can also be used for 1/8-inch lines, between the two it is recommended that you use sanded grout.