What Size Trowel?

buildenterprise

What size trowel are you guys using for 8 x 12 ceramic wall tile over cbu for a tub surround? Also, what type Laticrete mortar would work well here?

R&D Tile

1/4x1/4"

Modified.

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

Many times there will be a label on the trowel and it will tell you what notch trowels are used for certain sized tiles.

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Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

nwtile guy

I might look at using a 1/4 by 3/8ths and use laticrete 253 gold. It is a good all around thinset, but a little pricey.

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Chad

R&D Tile

I wouldn't go by that, the size of the trowel depends on the condition of the substrate, the backs of the tile and yes, size also.

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

I see your point on the backs of tile such as saltillo or so, using a larger notch. I guess I could have said "rule of thumb", have to be careful of certain advice at times. But what does the condition of the substrate have to do? Not being "smart" here but I would assume the condition of the substrate would be secure and flat.

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Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com

R&D Tile

Yes, flat.

If it isn't and a small notch is used, you will have voids without placing more thinset to make up for it, be it backbuttering or a bigger notch.

MattCoops

What will really gets you flubbed up is when your doing a pattern with two or more different tile sizes. Then the trowel label tells you you got to do the installation with a bunch of different trowels.

Man, don't think too much into it. Trowel some thinset, slap a tile down, and lift it right back up to see your coverage. Adjust if needed.

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Matt with Cupan Custom Tile & Paint of Lowell, Massachusetts
Design and installation of ceramic tile and natural stone for floor, wall, and countertops
(978) 601-8774 | cupantile@gmail.com | view tile pictures and more

kevjob

use the trowel sizing as a benchmark, the substrate and tiles will tell you what to use.

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Kevin
Basement Finishing Highlands Ranch Colorado
Littleton Colorado, Basement Remodeling
Kitchen Remodeling Denver

jarvis design

A little something I just learned:
A lot of customers are asking for larger tiles - 18x18, 12x24, 24x24, etc.
I was using a 3/8"x3/8" for 13" tile so I went to a 1/2"x1/2" square notch.
I have been finding these installations a little tedious to get perfect (no lippage), and would end up back buttering before setting tiles.
What I found out today is that if you use a 1/2"x1/2" trowel on a 45 degree angle, by the time you smooth out your ridges you are left with about an 1/8" of mortor under the tile. I think I'll be changing trowel sizes or go to a medium bed installation. - anyones thoughts?

Norrrrrrrrrrrrm

For the those 24's you could get away with a 3/4x3/4 notch to give you a better bed for your tiles. Some tile stores carry them in 18''(not sure in cm) trowels.

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Norman Sharp
http://www.sharpimprovements.com