Which trowel should you choose for tiling? Belgian, straight or pointed trowel

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When it comes to tiling, using the right tiling tools makes all the difference. It's not only the quality of the tile adhesive or notched trowel that determines the final result. The trowel you use also plays an important role. Its shape, size, material and construction affect how much control you have, how comfortably you work and how efficiently you apply adhesive or mortar.

For most tiling applications, a 160 mm Belgian trowel is the most versatile choice. Thanks to its balanced design, it offers an ideal combination of capacity, control and manoeuvrability. In this guide, you'll discover the different types of trowels and which model best suits your work.

Why is the shape of a trowel important?

During a tiling project, you'll use your trowel countless times. Every movement matters. Choosing the right shape helps you work faster, reduces material waste and makes accurate finishing much easier.

The shape of the blade determines, among other things:

• how much adhesive or mortar you can carry;
• how easily you can scoop material from the bucket;
• how accurately you can work along edges, corners and obstacles;
• how efficiently you can cover larger surfaces.

Even a small difference in shape becomes noticeable after only a short time on the job.

The most common trowel types for tiling

Although many different trowels are available, three shapes are most commonly used for tiling and masonry work: the straight plastering trowel, the Belgian trowel and the pointed (cat's tongue) trowel, also known as a pointing trowel.

Model	Straight Plastering Trowel	Belgian Trowel	Pointed / Pointing Trowel
Model
Shape	Fully rectangular with straight edges.	Wide base tapering to a narrower straight tip.	Oval or pointed blade.
Ideal for	Applying large amounts of mortar or plaster.	Tiling, general masonry and everyday use.	Fine finishing work, shaping and filling narrow joints.

Why do many tilers choose a Belgian trowel?

A trowel used for tiling needs to carry enough adhesive or mortar without feeling bulky or heavy. The Belgian trowel is specifically designed to achieve this balance.

Its wide rear section makes it easy to scoop adhesive or mortar, while the tapered tip provides greater control when working along walls, inside corners and around obstacles. This allows you to work accurately without constantly switching tools.

The combination of capacity, precision and manoeuvrability has made the Belgian trowel a popular choice among professional tilers for many years.

Which trowel size should you choose?

Besides the shape, the length of the trowel also affects comfort and working speed. A shorter trowel offers more control for precision work, while a longer blade carries more material and improves efficiency on larger surfaces.

Not sure which size to choose? Use the following guideline:

• Working mainly on bathrooms, wall tiles or detailed finishing? Choose a 140 mm trowel. Its compact size offers excellent precision in corners, edges and confined spaces.
• Looking for one trowel for almost every tiling project? A 160 mm trowel is the best all-round choice. It provides the ideal balance between capacity, control and manoeuvrability.
• Regularly applying large amounts of adhesive or mortar on spacious floor areas? Choose a 180 mm trowel. The larger blade carries more material, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Carbon steel or stainless steel trowel?

Trowel blades are generally made from hardened carbon steel or stainless steel (stainless steel / SS). Both materials are suitable for professional use, but each offers its own advantages.

A hardened carbon steel trowel is exceptionally strong, wear-resistant and ideal for intensive daily use. A stainless steel trowel offers excellent resistance to moisture and corrosion, is easier to clean and maintains its appearance for longer. That's why many professional tilers choose a stainless steel trowel for everyday use.

Which handle should you choose?

The handle has a major impact on working comfort, especially if you spend hours laying tiles every day.

An ergonomic soft-grip handle provides extra grip, reduces strain on your hand and wrist and remains comfortable even in wet or dusty conditions.

A wooden handle is the traditional choice. It feels solid in the hand and is appreciated by many professionals for its natural grip and durability.

The best handle ultimately depends on your personal preference and how intensively you use your tools.

Fully welded or spot welded?

Not only the blade itself, but also the connection between the blade and the handle determines the durability of a trowel.

A fully welded trowel is welded along the full width of the blade. This creates a stiffer construction that twists less when scooping and spreading adhesive or mortar. As a result, the blade remains stable under heavy loads, improving accuracy and making it ideal for intensive professional use.

A spot-welded trowel is lighter and generally more affordable. For occasional use or lighter work, it still provides more than enough strength.

Which trowel best suits your work?

There is no single trowel that's perfect for every application. The right choice depends on the type of tiling work, the amount of material you handle and your personal preference.

For most tiling projects, a 160 mm Belgian trowel remains the most versatile option. It offers an excellent balance between capacity, control and manoeuvrability, making it suitable for both floor and wall tiling. If you mainly carry out precision work or regularly work on large floor areas, a smaller or larger model may be the better choice.

Choosing the right blade material, handle and construction will also improve comfort, accuracy and efficiency.

For the best results, combine your trowel with a notched trowel that matches the size of your tiles. Explore the Nivello range of notched trowels to choose the right notch size for your tiling project.