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!

[@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.

[@michaelwalling8281]

Thank-you! The information was surprising to me. (Last time I set tile was in the late 70s.) The milk crate is a great idea. I "got it" in an instant; no need to explain. Most of us are well experienced in stealing good ideas.

[@vlapetino]

Thank you for this. Doing my first bathroom remodel with tile walls and tub. I made the mistake of listening to the guy at Lowe’s on what trowel size to get for 4x12 subway tile. He recommended the 3/16 v notch… I’m currently redoing almost the whole back wall of my shower/tub now

[@muffinsmuffins8074]

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

[@jassonzaragoza2776]

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

[@karldore8800]

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 KZbin gem!

[@AnonyMous-jf4lc]

Thanks for posting all your videos, Issac!

[@kevinkelly5153]

Loving all your videos. Starting a bathroom reno and have been taking notes on your Schluter videos. Excited for the beginner tile series. Thanks!

[@rickdefalco1676]

Great video Can’t wait to see the beginner series Thanks for all the great help

[@scorpio6587]

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

[@stevenjerauld2352]

Short and right to the point. Very helpful and much appreciated. Thank you, Issac.

[@view05nys]

All your videos are most informative and appreciated. Looking forward to your upcoming series on tile setting.

[@scottadams2624]

Very informative video. Really looking forward to seeing your beginner series.

[@joshweir6512]

Great Advice bro, appreciate you. Big up from Canada

[@loristephens83]

Looking forward to watching the course videos! We are doing a renovation and hoping we'll be able to tile ourselves.

[@sixstring215]

Exactly what i was looking for to install my mosaics today and my wood look tiles. Thank you!

[@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.

[@nigeld8694]

Very useful guide for trowels, thanks!

[@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.

[@michaeray2673]

Good video, simple, quick and informative.

[@darrylhicks5414]

Thank you for the clear explanation of the trowels.

[@Randomnomad2024]

So glad to find you man! Where can I find the beginners guide series ? :)

[@davidwoods607]

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

[@edwinjones7307]

You never stop learning thank you.

[@Justin_Smith_1]

Great informational video thank you Isaac.!!

[@davidhenner5067]

perfect timing! I did a search on google just now then came to youtube. This popped up without me searching! Issac when this pandemic is over I need to buy you a beer. You've been awesome with your content!

[@luisy214]

Really looking forward to the new series of videos 🙏.. this video (like all of your videos), have been very helpful and simple. Thank you

[@IzzoCello]

The mix of beginner, advanced, and troubleshooting is perfect. I’m adding tiling to my remodeling business and your videos have been helpful.

[@donlumahai9767]

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

[@RedNeckBiker109]

Love this...Looking forward to the other video in this series what a great idea! Thanks!

[@michaelcarter2734]

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!

[@johnbell1246]

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.

[@asomatus]

Thanks Isaac for all your videos, I've been following for awhile now and really looking forward to the beginner tutorials. I've never tiled before, but after watching so many of your videos, I'd feel confident starting... Now just to convince the wife I'm ready! lol

[@elizabethb3270]

Thank you so much! Been following you and hoping to expand my experience. Love the more beginner video!!

[@TileCoach]

You are so welcome!

[@kylerobeson530]

I am so stoked you are doing this series. Whether you are an experienced or first time tile installer you can learn so much going through all the motions (or videos) of someone like yourself explaining why and how they do what they do. I am looking forward to this, and will have my paper and pencil ready! Thanks again Tile coach!

[@fingers1441]

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.

[@michaelmillican5592]

Great video! I'm glad you are helping people out with this skilled labor.

[@semisitaunisila3583]

I love the way you explain about what kind of trowel you needed for tilling.

[@mrtrader4628]

Thanks you have help me a lot to have confidence in my DIY projects please keep them coming.

[@alec1113]

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 .

[@almagilbreath4896]

Thank You so much, I would have been lost without your knowledge on trowels. I am on my way to lowes now.

[@bf9178]

Informative video. I have been waiting for this one. Best one I have seen on what trowels to use. You made it simple, clear, and easy to understand with examples.

[@keepitrolling5332]

This was super helpful. Was going to use the wrong trowel and im glad I watched this!!!

[@kostasmargariths1415]

Very useful video! Thanks!

[@nerdinside8242]

These videos are of value to me. Keep em comin'

[@johnnybates7580]

This info is more valuable than you know. In fact some people have to apprentice to learn it. Thanks man!

[@MrAhoyos]

Thank you so much for your trowel information it’s very well explained for a beginner

[@dwainchristensen6467]

Again... Super helpful. Thank you!

[@Bourbonsocialist]

Just finished the demo on my bathroom after finding a leak where the tub meets the wall. Found it early though! Glad I came across your channel. Your videos are great! Thanks for the content!

[@brianafrojack5215]

Thank you for your advice this will help me with my bathroom project.

[@raymondli2784]

Simple and straightforwad instruction.

[@Art416]

Awesome informative video . Thanks coach

[@hightide-mcknotts]

Excellent! - Isaac, Thank you very much! - I appreciate your videos and instructions as well as the information you provide! Your videos are some of the most informative and precisely explained on KZbin and the Web.

[@user-vt4fc7hn2e]

I find your tutorials great .You have really become my coach.Keep on with the good work

[@albertorivera9726]

thank you bro I've been learning a lot from you God bless

[@TeknycMediaHub]

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

[@dannystpierre6939]

Great video...simple and clear

[@edmondenterprisesgrouphold3782]

Good info straight to the point thanks. I am doing the kitchen floor first. Then bathroom

[@skyace888]

Great video! Can't wait to see your beginner tile course! A couple of additional points probably worth noting. 1. The importance of a quality trowel and trusted brand. It looks like you have the Marshalltown brand trowels there and they are also one of my favorites! Rubi is another good one. 2. For even larger tiles, like very long wood planks, a 3/4" U notch trowel is good to have to lay down a little more mortar and make the ridges easier to collapse.

[@tashanaearl8844]

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.

[@scpeckham]

Just when I needed it. Thanks!

[@markslates6609]

Nice tutorial, very straight forward, no bs. Im installing some Chevron stone tile around my gas fireplace & on the floor. This video was very helpful!

[@cr7player798]

Thanks you a lot, I learnt lot of useful videos from you, Ill keep waiting for coming videos

[@dannymeil3294]

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.

[@roboticusroboticus7912]

Good info, Helped a lot. Thank you. 👍 I’m subscribed.

[@steveschutt5209]

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

[@andrewhuelster5236]

You're a legend, giving away the trade base info for free.

[@sergiusmora9029]

Thank you your video helped me a lot.

[@bswinters]

Thanks for doing these videos.....

[@keithderr9564]

I'm gonna finish a bathroom with a Schluter system. This video was very helpful for picking the tools I'll need. Thanks

[@geraldlopez7467]

Thank you for the informative video, new to tiling. Working on my laundry room right now. Up to the thinset but haven't mixed.

[@PetePuebla]

Thank you for providing such a great video! Liked and subscribed!

[@themanamana81]

Thanks! nice video! Greetings from Germany!

[@kickersandkeepers236]

I wasn't sure what size trowel to use. Thank you for making this video!

[@richardl1959]

Very nice informative video. Thanks!

[@micronautseven]

Excellent info thank you! I do tile once every ten years so I forget what I’ve learned and have to start from scratch every time!

[@bradleybrian2362]

Yes very helpful I've subscribed and will be following you I have 3 bathrooms to do.

[@DocterOctigonapus]

These videos are of value to me.

[@MrRoyalbonbon]

Another great videos. Thanks

[@thomasvilla4577]

good clear practical info,thanks

[@esaudanielbanda1785]

Very very helpful video. Am a beginner and I need these.. thanks

[@ravingrambler9533]

Great advice. Just purchased a 6mm square notched trowel and Edge trowel goes alongside my 12 mm notched ox trowel.

[@user-mq5yz3zo9h]

Great info! Always interested to hear what tools the Pros use!

[@iamdrbthedestroyer5808]

Yes. Very well explained.ty

[@snoodle877]

Perfect, perfect, perfect! Thanks buddy!!

[@jerzeedivr]

Thank You Very Much! Great Info!

[@wilcat375]

I really enjoy your videos You Keep it real don't make it too wordy . Keep up the good work i will be watching

[@user-cg7dc5io8j]

Nice Sir, Good Idea to Select a trowel size for tiles👍

[@barneythedog977]

EXCELLENT INFO THANKS!

[@ouchman4212]

Excellent video thank you!

[@MrFree2fish]

Great advice. Thanks

[@dineshlimbu313]

Thank you very much....it was really helpful to me

[@XaRRy01]

It’s great to learn from someone who is passionate about what they do. Great videos, thank you for sharing your experience and I look forward to the beginners course.

[@ibrahimwehbe1153]

Precise as usual Fan from Montreal

[@amillionviews888]

I needed to know that for my home projects. Just joined from Sweden

[@ragtop50]

Thank you for your videos, you have quickly become my favorite go to for tile videos while remodeling my bathrooms!

[@TileCoach]

Wow, thank you!

[@cristianmaltez3016]

Thank you Tile Coach. Thanks to your videos for diyrs I started my first tiling job with 12*24 ceramic planks. I'm just having a tough time keeping the thinset in the substrate and not on top of the tile and myself. It can get very messy.😫 Lol..

[@danspizarsky4417]

good video ,lots of good information

[@nickstanton9625]

Looking forward to next video

[@AdirondackNY]

I'm glad you made this video

[@timaytes8180]

Great information!