How to select the correct trowel

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  • čas přidán 9. 12. 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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Komentáře • 392

  • @Fireship1
    @Fireship1 Před 8 lety +13

    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.

  • @aportman58
    @aportman58 Před 4 lety +6

    Sal is a genius when it comes to tiling and explaining the "whys" so simple and succinctly! Great demonstration Sal!

  • @bvac
    @bvac Před 8 lety +21

    One of the most informative videos I've ever seen. Thanks Sal!

  • @NMranchhand
    @NMranchhand Před 6 lety +1

    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!

  • @eddieq1905
    @eddieq1905 Před 4 lety +3

    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)

  • @tomhollins9266
    @tomhollins9266 Před 4 lety

    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.

  • @mds5444
    @mds5444 Před 6 lety

    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.

  • @barbara34810
    @barbara34810 Před 7 lety +39

    Thank you for all the time you take to do these videos. They are very clear and helpful...

  • @davidrobins4025
    @davidrobins4025 Před 3 lety

    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.

  • @Grizzleback07
    @Grizzleback07 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you for sharing over 30 yrs of experience and knowledge with us! You have helped me tremendously with your videos. 👍

  • @2112jonr
    @2112jonr Před 3 lety +1

    Great video, well demonstrated. Thank you. You've just stopped me from screwing up my kitchen floor.

  • @jeffjewett
    @jeffjewett Před 6 lety +6

    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!

  • @griffmustard
    @griffmustard Před 8 lety +25

    Bravo Sal.........That was the best Demonstration-Explanation video I've seen, since I started learning how to DIY. Thanks!!!

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 8 lety +11

      +Griff Mustard Just the facts, what else do you need.

    • @leeedwards3783
      @leeedwards3783 Před 3 lety

      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

  • @the72u7h4
    @the72u7h4 Před 6 lety +1

    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.

  • @Nebuchadnezzar18
    @Nebuchadnezzar18 Před 6 lety +1

    Sal, I've done maybe 3 4 tile jobs so far. Thanks to your videos tile jobs are getting easier. Thabk you.

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 6 lety +1

      Glad to hear it, the right info always helps make it easier.

  • @Harvardfacebook
    @Harvardfacebook Před 4 lety

    Good explanation, straight to the point and easy to follow and understand. Good teacher. Many thanks for the vid!

  • @lodhi8972
    @lodhi8972 Před 3 lety

    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

  • @DiannaAtherton
    @DiannaAtherton Před 4 lety

    You are still the man and my favorite mentor.

  • @jamessmith84240
    @jamessmith84240 Před 3 měsíci

    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.

  • @jenniferronning941
    @jenniferronning941 Před 4 lety

    Thanks, Sal - not only excellent and important info, but this is a tile attachment physics demonstration for the ages! NICE WORK!

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 4 lety

      You might also enjoy this newer version czcams.com/video/w5RqzOAn_tc/video.html

  • @timcline161
    @timcline161 Před 5 lety

    Excellent videos. Big help. Glad I'm watching them before mixing & troweling. Thank you!

  • @bdunn2435
    @bdunn2435 Před 7 lety

    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

  • @norcalnewsnetwork
    @norcalnewsnetwork Před 7 lety +2

    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!!

  • @notwrkn2mch
    @notwrkn2mch Před 4 lety

    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

  • @jeffdeluca1153
    @jeffdeluca1153 Před rokem

    Sal excellent teacher my friend! Illustrating the process is 110%. Keep em coming brother

  • @charlesjeensngar29
    @charlesjeensngar29 Před 7 lety

    Thanks So Much Sal for an Awesome Demo Video.

  • @doit4matt
    @doit4matt Před 7 lety

    Thanks, Sal, for posting these videos. Super helpful!

  • @maces1405
    @maces1405 Před 6 lety +6

    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! 👍

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 6 lety +9

      The correct information can save a lot of pain.

    • @maces1405
      @maces1405 Před 3 lety

      @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.

  • @jamiecole6955
    @jamiecole6955 Před 8 lety +1

    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.

  • @maydanlex
    @maydanlex Před 3 lety

    So impressed by your thoroughness!

  • @TheLoobis
    @TheLoobis Před 6 lety

    Thank you for actually doing a demonstration.

  • @CountZ2010
    @CountZ2010 Před 7 lety +3

    Sal, great detail on trowel selection.

  • @hambone4402
    @hambone4402 Před 6 lety +1

    Outstanding! My next video to watch is “Thinset explained.”

  • @TheNewErachannel
    @TheNewErachannel Před 4 lety

    Thanks for that explanation! 1/2inch trowel for 12x24. Glad you covered that at the end

  • @carolynw7817
    @carolynw7817 Před 7 lety +1

    Thanks, this was very helpful!

  • @bennyboyle1134
    @bennyboyle1134 Před 4 lety

    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.

  • @murielchristner4329
    @murielchristner4329 Před 3 lety

    Thank you for teaching us, what, and how. It will save me a lot of money.

  • @Ploggy.
    @Ploggy. Před 4 lety

    Awesome video very helpful thanks for posting 👍

  • @vicosee4439
    @vicosee4439 Před rokem

    The best explanation I've found

  • @dangrapentine5690
    @dangrapentine5690 Před 7 lety

    Thank you, very informative.

  • @scotthsmith8635
    @scotthsmith8635 Před 6 lety +1

    Sal, you're da best! Thanks for all you do for us. Blessings to you bro!

  • @devore1776
    @devore1776 Před 7 lety

    Very instructive thank you!

  • @eladioc.chavez8503
    @eladioc.chavez8503 Před 4 lety

    Glad I clicked on this tutorial. Direct and easily explained. Thank you

  • @PBS-nm1uu
    @PBS-nm1uu Před 7 lety

    great demo thanks for the info

  • @rmhutchins7
    @rmhutchins7 Před 6 lety

    I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!

  • @serjjpv
    @serjjpv Před 7 lety

    Graet lesson Sal. Thanks a lot.

  • @JohnUllrey
    @JohnUllrey Před 5 lety +2

    Super helpful, now I need to find out if I can use a smaller trowel if I back butter?

  • @jeffbanfieldsflwr3537
    @jeffbanfieldsflwr3537 Před 6 lety +6

    Great video. I'm in the middle of laying wood floor tile in the bathroom... not as easy as it looks!

  • @karenkeim1064
    @karenkeim1064 Před 6 lety

    Thank you so much for this!! Great explanation!

  • @runalong
    @runalong Před 5 lety

    This is what craftsmanship looks like.

  • @yh0016
    @yh0016 Před 4 lety

    Excellent video. thanks!

  • @roul3688
    @roul3688 Před 6 lety

    Makes perfect sense. Thank you

  • @JoseMartinez-ru6fg
    @JoseMartinez-ru6fg Před 7 lety

    Great video. Thank you

  • @Erated78
    @Erated78 Před 2 lety

    Excellent demo, very helpful thank you

  • @nicholascolquhoun3098
    @nicholascolquhoun3098 Před 3 lety

    Learned a lot more about trowel size from this video thanks a lot 👍

  • @Grant_S_M
    @Grant_S_M Před 8 lety +12

    Great video, Sal. If folks are going to have a go at tiling DYI, they might as well go in armed with professional information.

  • @Ballardinhos
    @Ballardinhos Před 8 lety +6

    you're a legend! thanks for all this info!

  • @WhatIsKenDoing
    @WhatIsKenDoing Před 6 lety +1

    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.

  • @sfrancis531
    @sfrancis531 Před 5 lety

    What size do you use for a 2x2 mosaic marble honed and sheet is 10x12 and .38 thick ? Also, do you have to seal honed marble? Thanks

  • @fvfgx
    @fvfgx Před 8 lety +1

    thanks sal, you da man

  • @kevinj.obrien2622
    @kevinj.obrien2622 Před 3 lety

    thanks for making this. really made it simple.

  • @vladlashing
    @vladlashing Před 6 lety

    Another great video.

  • @ofrimashiah2
    @ofrimashiah2 Před 4 lety +1

    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)

  • @johnmulderrig9516
    @johnmulderrig9516 Před rokem

    I'm installing 6"x12" marble tiles on a wall as a fireplace surround. Going by size I was going to use a 1/4-Inch by 3/8-Inch trowel but each tile weighs slightly less than 3 pounds. Should I step up to the 1/2". And which for the floor in front of the firebox? I'll be using Mapai LFT mortar.

  • @jeffdeluca1153
    @jeffdeluca1153 Před rokem

    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???

  • @erickquijada4871
    @erickquijada4871 Před 8 lety +1

    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?

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 8 lety

      +Erick Quijada That is a subject for another video, the answer is yes and no, depends on the back of the tile.

    • @townside_woodcraft
      @townside_woodcraft Před 7 lety +4

      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

  • @heinrichengelbrecht7109

    Best vidoe so far about this topic.

  • @DANNY40379
    @DANNY40379 Před 7 lety +1

    btw, I love that paint color on the wall, do you know what it is?

  • @paulochavarin3168
    @paulochavarin3168 Před 2 lety

    Amazing video. I learned so much from it. Thx sal

  • @justinjustin337
    @justinjustin337 Před 6 lety +1

    Awesome video!!!! Thank you!!!

  • @johnmulderrig9516
    @johnmulderrig9516 Před rokem

    I'm installing 6"x12" marble tiles on a wall as a fireplace surround. Going by size I was going to use a 1/4-Inch by 3/8-Inch trowel but each tile weighs slightly less than 3 pounds. Should I step up to the 1/2". And which for the floor in front of the firebox?

  • @ShaneHolly
    @ShaneHolly Před 2 lety

    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?

  • @josetrujillo2277
    @josetrujillo2277 Před 7 lety

    thank u so much. í enjoy ur videos.

  • @Noorstud
    @Noorstud Před 6 lety

    Is the yellow base a must for the marbles ?

  • @robbobcat7286
    @robbobcat7286 Před 7 lety

    so the more gaps under the tile the more likely the tile might crack among other things?

  • @hnumbbrain4678
    @hnumbbrain4678 Před 4 lety

    great informative video

  • @zates2272
    @zates2272 Před 2 lety

    Such help! Thank you!

  • @earthishome1866
    @earthishome1866 Před 3 lety

    Thanks you so much for this greatful info. So appreciate it.

  • @yongchindek2262
    @yongchindek2262 Před 5 lety

    thank you so much.

  • @gra5793
    @gra5793 Před 8 lety

    brilliant video

  • @leandramartinleatherdesigns

    very good, thank you

  • @Onlyoneway321
    @Onlyoneway321 Před 3 lety

    Nice video! Thanks

  • @khanriza
    @khanriza Před 7 lety

    which towels to wear :)

  • @marin-florintudor6073
    @marin-florintudor6073 Před 5 lety

    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 🤶

  • @MikeRants4real
    @MikeRants4real Před 5 lety

    Thank you very much for taking the time during your job to demonstrate this. It makes perfect sence now.

  • @enigma6451
    @enigma6451 Před 5 lety

    Thank you sir

  • @Zeropointbug
    @Zeropointbug Před 7 lety +1

    Quarta by 3/8... love the Joorsey accent. Thanks for making these videos, very helpful.

  • @nerycaduada7010
    @nerycaduada7010 Před 9 měsíci

    What is teeth size suitable for 60cmX60cm tiles? Good job.

  • @fvfgx
    @fvfgx Před 8 lety

    ops my thumb hit the send button, any how do you do your own demo, if so is it as hard as concrete foundation. you need a thousand years to remove the thinset and the dust finds it way into medicine bottles. also how do you deal with uneven wood foundations.

  • @mattcartwright8272
    @mattcartwright8272 Před 8 lety

    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 !

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 8 lety

      +Matthew Cartwright Thanks, just trying to share some info that might be helpful.

  • @manyakus8919
    @manyakus8919 Před 5 lety

    Your the best!

  • @djshocka2007
    @djshocka2007 Před 7 lety

    I know what trowel im wearing tomorrow ! good video

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 7 lety +1

      +DeeJae Shocka It is dress code for a tile installer 😊

  • @jeremylawson7154
    @jeremylawson7154 Před 2 lety

    what size trowel for 6x12 tile?

  • @TS-Music-57
    @TS-Music-57 Před 3 lety

    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!

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 3 lety +1

      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.

  • @DboL83
    @DboL83 Před 6 lety

    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?

  • @RobertLinthicum
    @RobertLinthicum Před 2 lety

    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.

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 2 lety +4

      Correct, you are a rank amateur.

  • @nvdtile3643
    @nvdtile3643 Před 3 lety

    I'm the working man and I approve this message!!!

  • @littlehuey5679
    @littlehuey5679 Před 2 lety

    What about to big of notch trowel?

  • @trevcessna1723
    @trevcessna1723 Před 7 lety

    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!

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 7 lety +2

      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.

  • @treystills
    @treystills Před 4 lety

    Awesome video as usual Mr. Sal. When would you select a V -groove over a square notched trowel? Thanks again

    • @SalDiBlasi
      @SalDiBlasi  Před 4 lety +1

      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.