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❓ Asking "Which trowel size...?" is the Wrong Question -[your monthly email]
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A lot of trowel size info this month and next. Have a great 4th and I hope you can take a little time off. In this issue:
The Popular 1/2 x 1/2 inch notch trowel may be going awayThe popular 1/2 inch x 1/2 inch square notch trowel has been in demand since the explosion of large format tile like the very popular 12x24 tile size. However, it's rise in fame has attracted an unlikely enemy: the tile industry. The problem with the 1/2 x 1/2 trowel sizeThe problem lies in how far you have to move the tile to collapse the mortar ridges that are 1/2 inch apart. With big tile and small grout joints, there just isn't enough room to move the tile far enough to fully collapse the mortar underneath. 1/4 x 1/2 inch U-notch trowelA better alternative seems to be the 1/4 inch x 1/2 inch U-notch trowel. The notches are still 1/2 inch deep but only 1/4 inch apart rather than one half. This still puts down a similar amount of thinset. The 1/2 x 1/2 trowel has 11 teeth and the 1/4 x 1/2 has 22. The U shape seems to be more popular in this size trowel and I'm not sure of the reason behind that. Most trowels use the square shape. Is the 1/2 x 1/2 trowel doomed?I don't know what the future holds for this trowel but it's looking like the industry organizations, including unions, are going to recommend moving away from this trowel. Keep in mind, that the notch trowel is simply a tool. It's up to the installer to get proper mortar coverage underneath the tile. See my post below for more information about mortar coverage requirements. New at DIYTileGuyTrowel Size MattersThis month, I've drastically updated my Trowel Size post. Mainly, I stripped it down to just being about trowel sizes and what they are for. The videos are still in there, I'm just trying to make it more focused. The other information will be used to update other posts or create new ones. Mortar Coverage Basics: "What size trowel...?" is the wrong questionThis was an old post that was completely overhauled and republished. Some of the information I took from the trowel size post ended up here. Basically, you should be concerned about how much mortar coverage you are getting and not worrying about which trowel size to use. Around the Web
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Don't know where to look for good tile advice? Get the monthly newsletter dedicated to tile installation info. Contains exclusive subscriber info not found on the website.
In this issue: 3 ways of lowering a wood-framed subfloor Rapid Recess subfloor lowering kit Cleaning your shower head Lowering your Subfloor for a Curbless Shower The Rapid Recess System for lowering subfloors My new post this month is about 3 different ways to lower your wood-framed subfloor for a curbless shower. One of the methods that is covered is about using a subfloor lowering kit. Using these takes the guesswork out of how to perform this task. You don't have to wonder what type of...
In this issue: Uneven Floor Transitions Grocery store grout cleaners Tile Backer Board [updated] Should You Use Grocery Store Grout Cleaners on Your Tile? This is an example of a pH-neutral cleaner found on the shelf at Lowes Most products advertised as 'grout cleaners' and available at the grocery store are not typically recommended by grout and tile companies. Why? Typically, grout manufacturers recommend using a neutral cleaner on the pH scale. However, most of what you will find in the...
In this issue: Mixing small batches of Prism grout Shower pans with liquid waterproofing I mixed Prism according to the instructions and it didn't go well The back of a box of Prism grout Recently, I mixed a bag* of Prism grout to what I thought was the water ratio allowed by instructions and the grout was so stiff it was unusable. Further, they have a certain amount they will allow as additional water. Again, my batch wasn't turning out. I only tried this once, so maybe I did something...