How do you choose the right notched trowel?

Are you planning to lay tiles yourself soon? Good preparation is half the work and an essential part of that is choosing the right notched trowel. The right tool can make the difference between a professionally looking tile floor and a disappointing result. In this article, we explain how to choose the perfect notched trowel for every tile size, so that your project runs smoothly from the start.

Size of the notched trowel

Notched adhesive trowels are available in different sizes, tailored to the type of tiling job.

A standard notched trowel usually has a length of approximately 20 to 28 cm. This size is ideal for standard tiling work, such as floors and walls with small to medium-sized tiles. Thanks to its compact size, the trowel is easy to handle and allows you to work precisely even in smaller spaces.

For larger tiling projects, there are also very large notched trowels, often with a length of 40 to as much as 60 cm. This extra-long notched trowel is developed for large-format tiles and large surfaces. Due to the greater width, you can spread more adhesive in one movement, which makes the work faster and the adhesive is applied more evenly. This is especially important with large-format tiles, because an even distribution of the adhesive is essential to prevent hollow spaces and loose tiles.

The correct notched trowel tooth size

Which tooth size in notched trowel you need depends on the size of the tile you want to place.

Small tiles (up to 10x10 cm)

When placing small tiles, a notched trowel with fine teeth of approximately 3 or 4 mm is ideal. This ensures a thin, even layer of adhesive, perfect for accurately laying smaller tiles. The fine tooth size helps with precise application without excess adhesive, which is crucial to maintain a flat surface.

Medium-sized tiles (10x10 cm to 30x30 cm)

When laying medium-sized tiles, a notched adhesive trowel of 6 mm is ideal. This size ensures that there is enough adhesive to properly support the tile without it becoming too much and pushing through the joints. This helps to guarantee a strong adhesion without compromising the finish.

Medium to large tiles (30x30 cm to 45x45 cm)

For laying larger tiles, a notched trowel of 8 mm is recommended. These larger teeth provide a thicker layer of adhesive, which is necessary to properly place and support heavy tiles. The thicker adhesive layer also ensures good adaptation to slight irregularities in the substrate.

Larger tiles (45x45 cm to 60x60 cm)

For even larger tiles, such as those between 45x45 cm and 60x60 cm, the recommended size of the notched trowel remains 8 mm. This size is essential to ensure that the larger and often heavier tiles have sufficient adhesive for reliable installation. This helps in creating a durable and stable tile surface that can withstand daily use.

Extra large tiles (larger than 60x60 cm)

For extra large tiles or slabs, such as those larger than 60x60 cm, a notched trowel with a tooth size of 10 mm or 12 mm is recommended. This size ensures a generous amount of adhesive that is needed to effectively support large, heavy tiles. With 12 mm you get a very thick adhesive layer that helps to deal with larger irregularities in the substrate and ensures an exceptionally strong adhesion for the largest formats.

Notched trowel in stainless steel or carbon steel

When choosing a notched trowel, the material plays a major role in both the durability and the maintenance of the tool.

Stainless steel (inox)

A stainless steel notched adhesive trowel is resistant to rust and therefore very durable, which makes it a favorite choice among professionals. Thanks to the smooth finish, they are also easy to clean, which is essential to maintain the quality of the work. A disadvantage is that they are generally heavier, which can lead to more fatigue during long working days.

Carbon steel

A carbon steel notched adhesive trowel is robust and cost-effective, making it a good option for beginner tilers or do-it-yourselfers. However, they require more maintenance to prevent rust formation, and without proper care they can wear out over time.

Notched trowel with softgrip or wooden handle

When choosing a notched trowel, not only the material of the trowel itself is important, but also the type of handle. A comfortable handle can make a big difference in how pleasant it is to work with the notched trowel, especially on larger projects. In this section, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of two popular handle materials: wood and softgrip. This way you can make a well-considered choice that suits your use and preferences.

Wooden handle

Wooden handles offer a natural grip and are often lighter than other materials, which makes them comfortable for long-term use. In addition, wood has an aesthetic appearance that is appreciated by many users. A disadvantage, however, is that wood is sensitive to water and chemicals; without regular maintenance, the material can dry out, crack or even splinter.

Softgrip handle

Softgrip handles are designed with ergonomics in mind and provide a comfortable grip, even during prolonged use. They reduce hand fatigue and improve control, which contributes to more precise tile placement. A possible disadvantage is that these handles can wear out faster than harder materials, especially in a rough working environment.

Choosing the right notched trowel

Choosing the right notched trowel is essential for both the quality and the comfort during the work. Below we share our recommendations for different usage situations:

For professional and frequent use, a stainless steel notched trowel with a softgrip handle is ideal. This combination of durability and comfort makes this type of notched trowel a reliable choice for daily, intensive jobs.

For occasional use or smaller projects, a metal notched trowel with a wooden handle can be a cost-effective and effective choice. This combination offers sufficient durability and comfort for less intensive work.