Learn to Tile --- THE 5 TROWELS YOU NEED

There are 5 trowel sizes and shapes that you will need to start installing tile. They are 3/16" v-notch, 1/4" square notch, 3/8" square notch, 1/2" square notch, and a margin trowel for utility purposes. The rule of thumb is basically this: the smaller tiles such as a mosaic use a smaller notch trowel, and the larger tiles such as a 12x24 use a larger notch trowel. The size of the notch on the trowel controls the amount of thinset mortar applied to the surface. There are a few exceptions to this rule, like when you are using a flat backed marble or stone tile, you can use a slightly smaller trowel. Also, the flatness of the substrate can have an affect on what size trowel you can use.
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Thank you!

[karldore]

I don't comment on videos very much. I just wanted to tell you how helpful you are. Thanks a lot for your time and knowledge. You are a YouTube gem!

[joshweir]

Great Advice bro, appreciate you. Big up from Canada

[L.Scott_Music]

I'm a union trained 35+ year tile setter. The 1/8" triangle notch used to be called a mastic trowel. It's good for use with thinset for small tiles like 1" and glass mosaics too. A few years ago I came across a nice 3/16 square notch trowel and I love it for 3x6 subway (better than a 1/4" notch).
One thing you didn't mention is brand. A DIYer should get whatever but anyone looking to make a career of tile should invest in Marshalltown. The quality of steel matters especially in the margin trowel. BTW, all trades should have a margin trowel. It's one of the handiest tools ever.
I saw flat trowels there. I hope it's because you guys know how to float.
Good video though.

[muffinsmuffins]

3/16 V notch - sheet membrane and small mosaics

1/4 x 1/4 square notch - small mosaics, 2in mosaic and subway

3/8 x 1/4 square notch - 12x12 tile (was popular in early 2000s)

1/2 x 1/2 square notch - 12x24 tile (most common size today)

Margin trowel - scrapping inside bucket and adding and removing Thinset

6in drywall taping knife - spreading Thinset behind sheet membranes

[johnbell]

25 years tiling and learning more from you wt each video.would love tips on grouting shower ceilings.Messy even wt skill.Small amounts in dab motion slowly and patience is all I can figure. Also started my own small business recently tiling decades for Others.How do I competivly price based on MY SKILL AND CRAFTSMANSHIP LEVEL which deserves to be higher than 80% of the corner cutting hacks out there.Why do I feel bad or u comfortable trying to charge adequately? Proving my CRAFTSMANSHIP is better than Most explaining in details the difference over n over!
Your videos hopefully are helping tile guys do things right and better even though most followers may be DYI newbies.

[tashanaearl]

Hi I'm Tashana from Jamaica and I have been watching your videos alot to help me with a short tiling course that I have recently completed and looking to go into the tiling business. This video has been helpful as your other videos have been, thank you.

[michaelcarter]

Very helpful video. I’ve seen so many “how to” tile videos lately, and I always come back to yours. You not only cover the “how to” but I like that you share the “why”. As an amateur DIYer, your expert opinion is appreciated. Overall, excellent channel! Keep them coming!

[davidwoods]

A happy new year to you coach I watch all of your videos they have started me in the tile business thank you.

[scorpio]

I love you, Isaac. Thank you for the introductory level series.

[jassonzaragoza]

Half inch trowels forsures that way to go! Dope videos brotha.

[alec]

Hello, I have found the bigger the tile I use a 3/4x3/4 trowel . Also I dampen each tile as if it were natural stone, I have found through the years the thinset does bond better . I'm not telling you that you should do this just passing on my experience . I rate your videos and teaching highly, all the very best .

[donlumahai]

Thanks. Always was unsure about the proper trowel to use on my home tile projects. Your guidance is appreciated.

[TeknycMediaHub]

This video is still bringing value to us laymen. Thank you.

[userzukie]

Very Helpful Information. I went to one of the big box stores and they had no idea what trowel size to use on subway tiles. I went to the tile manufacturer's website and they danced around the answer.

[darrylhicks]

Thank you for the clear explanation of the trowels.

[fingers]

Ive been watching you videos since spring in order to prepare for my upcoming bathroom and kitchen remodel from the floor joists up. People (old people) in my life think it's crazy and doubt my abilities. However they don't know the power of people like you who's knowledge is in my pocket. Your videos have been extremely helpful. I'm looking forward to the ones to come.

[nickjmaceyful]

I do tile as well. I'm a good at what I do but I'm a shifty teacher. I made the new guy watch this so he understood. Lol. Thanks man.

[steveschutt]

I'm not a beginner, but it's always nice to just check in to make sure I'm up to date with any changes or new product in the industry! Thank you

[AnonyMous-jflc]

Thanks for posting all your videos, Issac!

[dannymeil]

Thanks because I haven’t done any tile work since 1999. So getting a refresher course is perfect, times have changed and so have the procedures of installation.