How do you choose the right notched trowel?

Planning to install tiles yourself? Good preparation is essential, and choosing the right notched trowel is one of the most important steps. The right tool can make the difference between a professional-looking tiled surface and a disappointing result. In this guide, we'll explain how to choose the right notched trowel for every tile size, so your project gets off to the best possible start.

Choosing the right trowel size

Notched trowels are available in different sizes, each designed for a specific type of tiling project.

A standard notched trowel is typically 20 to 28 cm long. This size is ideal for most wall and floor tiling projects involving small to medium-sized tiles. Its compact dimensions provide excellent control, especially in smaller spaces.

For larger projects, extra-long notched trowels measuring 40 to 60 cm are available. These are specifically designed for large-format tiles and extensive floor areas. Their wider blade allows you to spread more adhesive in a single pass, making installation faster while ensuring a more even adhesive bed. This is particularly important for large-format tiles, where uniform adhesive coverage helps prevent voids and loose tiles.

Choosing the right notch size

The notch size you need depends primarily on the size of the tiles you are installing.

Small tiles (up to 10 × 10 cm)

For mosaics and small wall or floor tiles, a 3 × 3 mm or 4 × 4 mm notched trowel is usually sufficient. The fine notches apply a thin, even layer of adhesive, providing adequate support while preventing excess adhesive from squeezing into the grout joints. This makes it easier to achieve a flat, professional finish.

Medium tiles (10 × 10 cm to 30 × 30 cm)

For medium-sized tiles, a 6 × 6 mm notched trowel is generally recommended. For floor tiles or slightly uneven substrates, an 8 × 8 mm notch may be a better choice. This provides enough adhesive for a strong bond while avoiding unnecessary adhesive consumption.

Medium to large tiles (30 × 30 cm to 45 × 45 cm)

Tiles measuring around 30 × 30 cm typically require an 8 × 8 mm notched trowel. For floor tiles or rectangular formats such as 30 × 60 cm, a 10 × 10 mm notch is often preferred. The thicker adhesive bed provides better coverage and helps compensate for minor irregularities in the substrate.

Large tiles (45 × 45 cm to 60 × 60 cm)

Larger tiles require additional support. A 10 × 10 mm or 12 × 12 mm notched trowel is generally recommended, depending on the application and the flatness of the substrate. Adequate adhesive coverage is especially important for floor tiles to prevent voids and distribute loads evenly.

Extra-large tiles (over 60 × 60 cm)

For large-format tiles and porcelain slabs, a 12 × 12 mm or 15 × 15 mm notched trowel is usually the best choice. For these installations, selecting the correct notch size is only part of the solution. The buttering-floating method is also highly recommended. Applying adhesive to both the substrate and the back of the tile ensures 95–100% adhesive coverage, preventing voids and creating a durable, stable installation.

Please note: These notch sizes are general guidelines. The final choice also depends on the flatness of the substrate, the tile back profile, the type of tile adhesive and whether you are working on a wall or floor.

Stainless steel or carbon steel notched trowel?

The material of your notched trowel affects both its durability and ease of maintenance.

Stainless steel

A stainless steel notched trowel is corrosion-resistant and extremely durable, making it the preferred choice for professional tilers. Its smooth surface is easy to clean, helping maintain consistent performance. One drawback is that stainless steel trowels are generally heavier, which may lead to increased fatigue during long working days.

Carbon steel

A carbon steel notched trowel is robust and cost-effective, making it an excellent choice for DIY users and occasional tilers. However, it requires more maintenance to prevent rust, and without proper care it may wear more quickly over time.

Wooden or Soft-grip handle?

The handle is just as important as the blade. A comfortable grip can significantly improve both comfort and precision, especially during larger projects.

Wooden handle

Wooden handles provide a natural grip and are often lighter than other materials, making them comfortable for prolonged use. Many users also appreciate their traditional appearance. However, wood is susceptible to moisture and chemicals, so regular maintenance is required to prevent drying, cracking or splintering.

Soft-grip handle

Soft-grip handles are designed for maximum comfort and ergonomics. They reduce hand fatigue and provide excellent control, helping you achieve a more precise tile installation. Their main disadvantage is that the softer material may wear faster than harder handle materials in demanding working environments.

Choosing the right notched trowel

Selecting the right notched trowel is essential for both installation quality and working comfort.

For professional and frequent use, we recommend a stainless steel notched trowel with a soft-grip handle. This combination offers the ideal balance of durability, comfort and performance for intensive daily use.

For occasional use or smaller projects, a carbon steel notched trowel with a wooden handle is an excellent, budget-friendly option, providing reliable performance and sufficient durability for less demanding work.