Mortar Trowel, Curved-Edged

Mortar Trowel, Curved-Edged

Choosing the right tile trowel is where your tile installation really starts to come together—or falls apart. With so many types of trowels and notches out there, selecting the correct one can be a real challenge. Selecting the correct trowel notch size is extremely important for achieving proper mortar coverage during tile installation. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of trowels and notches, trowel notch sizing, troweling and mortar coverage, choosing the right trowel and—most importantly—how to select and install the right tile for the job.

There are several types of trowels and notches available, each designed for specific tile installations. Square-notched trowels, with their straight sides, are best for smaller tiles and provide a consistent bed of mortar. U-notched trowels, with their half-moon shaped notch, are better suited for larger tiles and help distribute mortar more evenly. Notch size varies, from 3/16” to ½”, depending on tile size and adhesive requirements. You want to get that adhesion just right.

Trowel notch sizing is usually represented in fractions or metric measurements. You’ll see 1/4”, 3/8”, 1/2”, 3/4” and so on in fractional notation. Or 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm in metric. That notation refers to the width of the notch. Understanding notch size is key to getting the right amount of mortar applied. That’s crucial for the stability and durability of your installed tile.

The troweling itself is critical for that mortar coverage. For thin bed and Large and Heavy Tile mortars, the straight-line troweling method is recommended. That means keying the mortar into the substrate with the flat side of the trowel, then moving the tile in a perpendicular motion to the mortar ridges. That back-and-forth motion lays the ridges into the valleys, giving you full mortar coverage. For rectangular tile, spreading the mortar in the same direction as the short side of the tile lets air escape more easily. Proper technique saves time and effort during installation.

Choosing the right trowel size depends on the tile itself and the substrate. The flatter the tile, the less mortar you’ll need beneath it. That means a smaller trowel. A minimum of 3/32” of thinset mortar is required beneath the finished installation. Aiming for 1/8” minimum makes it easier to calculate the proper tile trowel size. Calculating warpage (cupping) of the tile is also essential for determining the right trowel size. That helps you avoid issues like too much thinset or insufficient mortar coverage.

Selecting the right tile trowel and installing it correctly is where your tile installation really starts to shine. Or falters. By understanding these aspects, you’ll be well on your way to a successful installation.

Selecting the right tile trowel is where your tile installation really starts to come together—or falls apart. You want a trowel that delivers just the right amount of mortar to that substrate. In dry areas, you’re aiming for 80% mortar coverage (that’s the ANSI A108 standard). In wet and exterior areas, that jumps to 95%. You don’t want mortar squeezing up between those tiles because of the trowel notch. That means you need to experiment with different notch designs and depths. And the only way to really know what works best is to test that trowel on the actual substrate you’re working with. When you get that right, you’re on your way to a tile installation that will last—and look great.

Introduction

Choosing the right tile trowel is crucial for a successful tile installation. A tile trowel is a tool used to apply mortar or thinset to the substrate and tile, ensuring proper coverage and bonding. With various types of trowels and notches available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss the different types of trowels and notches, trowel notch sizing and measurement, troweling and mortar coverage, choosing the right trowel size, and tile trowel selection and installation. Understanding these aspects will help you achieve a flawless and durable tile installation.

Types of Trowels and Notches

There are several types of trowels and notches available, each designed for specific tile installations. The most common types of trowels are square-notched and U-notched. Square-notched trowels have straight sides and square notches, making them ideal for smaller tiles and providing a consistent bed of thinset mortar. On the other hand, U-notched trowels feature a half-moon shaped notch, which is better suited for larger tiles as it helps distribute mortar more evenly. The choice of trowel notch depends on the type of tile, substrate, and desired mortar coverage. Selecting the right trowel ensures that your tiles adhere properly and remain stable over time.

Trowel Notch Sizing and Measurement

Trowel notch sizing and measurement are critical in achieving proper mortar coverage. Trowel notch sizes are typically represented in fractions or metric measurements. The first number represents the width of the notch, while the second number represents the depth. For example, a 1/4” x 1/4” notch size means that the width and depth of each notch on the trowel are 1/4 of an inch. It is essential to choose the right trowel notch size to ensure adequate mortar coverage and prevent voids under the tile. Proper notch sizing helps in achieving a strong bond between the tile and the substrate, ensuring the longevity of your installation.

Troweling and Mortar Coverage

The troweling is crucial in achieving proper mortar coverage. The straight-line troweling method is recommended for thin bed and Large and Heavy Tile mortars. This method requires keying the mortar into the substrate with the flat side of the trowel, then moving the tile in a perpendicular motion to the mortar ridges. This back-and-forth motion lays the ridges into the valleys, yielding full mortar coverage. It is essential to test the trowel on each job substrate to ensure adequate mortar coverage. Proper technique not only saves time but also ensures that your tiles are securely bonded and free from air pockets.

Choosing the Right Trowel Size

Choosing the right trowel size depends on the tile size and type. A larger trowel size is often used for large format tile installations, while a smaller trowel size is used for smaller tiles. It is essential to choose a trowel size that provides adequate mortar coverage and prevents voids under the tile. A minimum of 3/32” of thinset mortar is required beneath the finished installation, aiming for a 1/8” makes it easier to calculate the proper tile trowel size. Ensuring the correct trowel size helps in achieving a smooth and even tile surface, which is crucial for both aesthetics and durability.

Tile Trowel Selection and Installation

Tile trowel selection and installation are critical in achieving a successful tile installation. It is essential to choose the right trowel notch size, trowel size, and troweling to ensure adequate mortar coverage and prevent voids under the tile. A larger notch may not provide enough room to move the tile in a back-and-forth motion, leading to potential voids. It is also essential to test the trowel on each job substrate to ensure adequate mortar coverage. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a successful tile installation that meets customer expectations. Proper trowel selection are the foundation of a durable and visually appealing tile installation.