V notch trowels are the preferred type for walls but they are not mandatory.
Type of trowel for wall tile.
A great trowel for installing small ceramic tile such as 4 25 x 4 25 6 6 and 3 6 subway tile is this 1 4 inch square notch trowel.
The larger the tile the larger the trowel.
A 6mm x 6mm trowel will leave a 3mm bed of adhesive beneath the tile.
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.
Here is a list of the most common trowel sizes and what they re used for.
1 4 x 1 4 square notch.
The v notch is superior.
1 4 x 1 4 u notch.
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.
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 other main consideration is where the tiles will be set on the floor or on the walls and ceilings.
So a 10mm u notched trowel leaves a 3mm bed of adhesive beneath the installed tile.
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.
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.
1 4 x 3 8 square notch.
How to choose a tile trowel square and u notch trowels.
With your 12 24 tiles you should use a 1 2 notched trowel on the wall and back butter each tile but just with a skim coat.
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.
The most common type of trowel for floors is the u notched trowel.
Also make sure the thin set mortar you hand mix yourself is also rated for vertical surfaces.
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.
Twelve inch square tiles for instance are best applied using a trowel with 1 2 inch by 1 2 inch notches.
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.
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.
1 8 x 1 8 notch.
Actual coverage depends on substrate type of tile and setting method.
This may also be a good trowel size for thicker 5 16 mosaics.
