Whatever its size and composition, a tile should be fixed to a wall with an adhesive spread with a notched metal trowel. The configuration of the trowel differs depending on tiles to be applied.
Choosing a Trowel
To adhere properly, tiles must be pressed into wet adhesive that has been shaped into a pattern of alternating ridges and valleys. This texture is created by spreading the adhesive with a notched metal trowel. Choosing a trowel configuration is made simple by the tile packaging, which specifies the notch shape and size for different applications. If the packaging is unavailable, a general rule of thumb is "the smaller the tile, the smaller the notch." Mosaic tiles and wall tiles up to about 4 by 4 inches call for a V-notch trowel with 3/16- by 1/4-inch notches, while larger tiles require a trowel with a square or U-shaped notch to obtain proper adhesive coverage. Twelve-inch square tiles, for instance, are best applied using a trowel with 1/2-inch by 1/2-inch notches.
The Drip Cap
- Do-it-yourselfers in the midst of remodeling often choose tile for wall coverings in kitchens or bathrooms, although the many textures and finishes of tile lend themselves to almost any room.
- To adhere properly, tiles must be pressed into wet adhesive that has been shaped into a pattern of alternating ridges and valleys.
- Mosaic tiles and wall tiles up to about 4 by 4 inches call for a V-notch trowel with 3/16- by 1/4-inch notches, while larger tiles require a trowel with a square or U-shaped notch to obtain proper adhesive coverage.