About Tile Trowels
Tile trowels are hand tools used to spread mortar or adhesive and control material thickness during tile installation. The notches formed by the trowel determine how much mortar is applied beneath the tile, directly impacting coverage, bond strength, and overall installation quality.
This collection includes tile trowels designed for ceramic, porcelain, stone, and large-format tile installations in residential and commercial environments.
Types of Tile Trowels
- Notched Trowels: Used to apply mortar with a specific notch size and profile.
- Margin Trowels: Smaller trowels used for mixing, back-buttering, and working in tight areas.
- Cable Trowels: Designed for embedding floor heating cables while applying mortar.
- Brick Trowels: Used for general masonry and mortar placement.
- Adhesive Trowels: Designed for spreading adhesives and thinset materials.
Notch Shapes & Sizes
Tile trowels are available with square, U-shaped, and V-shaped notches in various sizes. Larger notch sizes typically deliver more mortar for large-format tile, while smaller notches are used for mosaic or small-format tile.
How to Choose a Tile Trowel
- Tile Size: Larger tiles generally require larger notch sizes.
- Tile Back Profile: Heavily textured backs may require additional mortar.
- Mortar Type: Some mortars perform better with specific notch profiles.
- Application Area: Floors, walls, and large-format installations may require different trowels.
Common Applications
Tile trowels are used for floor tile, wall tile, backsplashes, showers, and large-format tile installations where consistent mortar coverage is required.
Why Proper Trowel Selection Matters
Using the correct tile trowel helps achieve full mortar coverage, reduce voids beneath tile, and improve bond strength. Proper trowel selection supports long-lasting installations and consistent results.