Tips on Trowel Size & Tile Coverage

#schluterthinset #schlutershowersystems #schlutersystems
Coverage, coverage, coverage! So often we get asked--what size trowel do I need to set tile? The right answer to that is: the trowel that gets you the right coverage! Check out this Tips and Tricks on how important coverage is and some info on choosing the proper notch trowel for your tile!

Please refer to the NTCA for industry standard guidelines on coverage.
Please refer to the TTMAC for industry standard guidelines on coverage in Canada.

For further information on our products please visit our website:

[jasonlalonde]

You are supposed to pull to the shortest side of the tile so the air has less room to escape.. that being said as long as you dont do a swirl and you work it in the thinset and back butter shits stronger than your grandparents relationship

[professorkaos]

As a tile setter of 15 years, I agree its best practice to back butter tiles but at the same time I do not feel back buttering in every given situation worth the extra effort. I believe half of it has to do with proper trowel size and thinset (non sag preferred) and installation technique. If you look at the back buttered tile at the end of the video, it does not have 80 percent contact and coverage. The whole tile has thinset on it of course, but the contact that is made between the mortar and bb'd tile are the squiggly lines... all the other spots are just the back butter that made no contact with the mortar spread on the floor.

[mimiq]

Am working with this now. Putting in a shed with plywood. And oh boy glad I got the Schluter product 👍🏾

[milezerotv-xdsc]

If you create the high/low mortar lines across the short dimension of the tile instead of the long dimension there is less chance of trapping air in the grooves. Run the mortar lines across the width of the tile not the length.

[fn]

That was very informative. It's always best to learn from the professionals. Thank you very much for making the professional advice available online.

[mikecarney]

This video is incorrect. Trowel lines are supposed to go PARALLEL TO THE SHORT EDGE of the tile so air has to travel the least distance to escape to minimizes air pockets.

[williampatrickfurey]

5:07 "quarter by 3/8". 8:07 "quarter by 3/8”? Great video though; both men were superlative in explaining with extra tips. Liked and subscribed; will be thinking about buying your company's tools/products above others because of this video.

[michaelblack]

Great info. I just found your product and absolutely love everything Schluter is doing.

[aidangarrett]

Literally don’t know what I’m watching but it’s intriguing

[kevinclayton]

Ive worked side by side other tile setters and they always are able to throw tile down like frisbees. Often they wonder why it takes me almost twice as long and I explain its quality over quantity! They usually have problems with their tile popping up or whatever. Not me! Mine are ALWAYS back buttered and very carefully placed! Definitely pays off to take the extra time.

[kttango]

I used to always back butter but if using 1/2x1/2 trowel I usually get 100% coverage without back buttering👍 but always pull up and check as u go👍

[djcostin]

Excellent tutorial for setting a tile.

[RighttothePointDIY]

Very helpful. The other video recommended by Richard Hume down in the comments section is also good to watch.

[Patriots]

Excellent detailed, clear step by step with context.

[dougthegreat]

Nice discussion gentlemen. Thank you very much.

[BEAdventurePartners]

Awesome tips y’all! We’d have to say getting it right takes a little trowel & error to hone these skills! However, this demonstration will help us set the technique fo sho! We’re doing a school bus to tiny home on wheels conversion right now. We just finished using the Schluter Kerdi Board V for our curved shower wall and the Schluter Kerdi board for the flat walls and it came out great!! We’re so happy that we found this video before we start setting our tile on the floor! Solid tips here y’all!
- Brian +Erin

[cleatusdavis]

Thanks guys . great job .Well be getting Schuter for my bathroom makeover

[kennethbobu]

I'm curious about one thing. I was under the impression that best practices in setting rectangular tile is to have the direction of the ridges be in the direction of the short side, not the long side. Reason being that it releases the air more easily and provides for superior coverage.
Granted, when you pulled the ridges in the long direction and backbuttered, you did get coverage, but isn't it generally true that you want the ridges to follow the direction of the short side?

[markoshun]

Another real-world thing that got me in trouble in the beginning that they didn't mention here, is not allowing for an uneven substrate. A thicker mortar bed gives just a little wiggle room when dealing with small discrepancies, especially on cement and with large tiles. So, don't even try to go for the least.
To avoid the thinset squishing up through the grout lines, use a pointer trowel to clean the edges just a bit before setting the next tile.

[projectgaming]

I've learnt something new today. Thanks for the content, it was really helpful. 👌