Trowel and Error - How to Set Tile the Right Way

How to install tile the right way! Learn NTCA-approved, correct trowel techniques to set large format tile and how to create a stronger bond between the tile and the substrate. Prevent crack transmission, lippage, tile breakage and other costly tile installation repairs.
Tile and stone are very durable materials that can and should last a lifetime. When tiles break, more often than not, it’s due to issues with the substrate or the installation method.
The way you trowel mortar for setting tile makes a big difference. Porcelain tiles, in particular, can withstand extra heavy service conditions. It takes a lot of impact or point load to cause bond loss when installed correctly over a sound substrate. The mortar under this tile was installed using the correct trowel technique. On the other hand, since tile is a hard and brittle finish or a veneer, unsupported space under the tiles actually creates weak spots. That same Porcelain tile may be easily damaged by the same impact, heavy loads and other causes.
Spot bonding with mortar is not recommended to set tile. It may be easier to set tiles flat to each other during the installation, but it’s only a matter of time before just the slightest force causes a failure! The first tile was installed using the NTCA-recommended ANSI Standard - the others were not.
Unfortunately, many tiles are being installed incorrectly, especially very large tiles, and this can result in costly breakage! You get the job done more quickly, but you can’t get proper mortar coverage. Air gets trapped with nowhere to go and leaves the tile unsupported. Swirling the mortar causes voids where the tile is not bonded to the substrate. These voids can result in cracked tile and bond failure under normal use but especially under point load or impact.
In addition to impact and heavy loading, tiles set without proper mortar coverage are more likely to fail under many conditions! To name a few - substrate deflection; shrinkage or creep; thermal expansion in high temperatures; and freeze/thaw applications.
A lack of perimeter and other movement joints affects well bonded tile so imagine when half - or even less - of a tile is adhered. According to the American National Standards Institute and the TCNA Handbook, tile requires a minimum of 80% mortar coverage in interior applications -- 95% for exteriors and wet environments. Natural stone tile requires 95% coverage in all areas.
During the manufacturing process of most large tiles, the center tends to dome or warp upward. This warpage requires more mortar to be used and air is even less likely to be removed when the mortar is swirled.
Flatter substrates are also required to successfully set large format tiles as they cover a much larger area. According to TCNA and ANSI guidelines, variations in floor flatness should not exceed 1/4” in 10 feet. When working with large format tile, a tile with any side 15 inches or longer, there is even less tolerance. Variation is limited to 1/8” in 10 feet and no more than 1/16” in 24 inches. The key to successful coverage is “Playing It Straight!” - combing the mortar in straight lines. Trowel ridges running in straight lines are much easier to collapse.
They assist with air removal to maximize mortar coverage and ensure a strong bond to the tile and substrate. The first is to “key in” a coat of mortar into the substrate with the flat side of the trowel. Then, add more mortar to the substrate and comb the mortar in straight lines, all going in one direction. Combing the trowel ridges in straight lines provides better distribution of the mortar. With rectangular tile, trowel ridges should go across the short direction of the tile. This allows better air release when you bed the tile. Be careful not to leave any voids along chalk lines or between tiles. Use a trowel that will help you achieve continuous minimum 3/32” coverage. Larger tiles most often require deeper trowels.
For large format tile, glass tile, natural stone or any tile set on exterior surfaces, “backbuttering” the tile is recommended. Use the flat side of the trowel to get an even coat of mortar and fill all the spaces in the surface. To finish, set the tile firmly, and move it backward and forward across the trowel ridges about 1/8 to ¼ inch. Move the tile only in one direction, perpendicular to the ridges, without moving in the opposite direction or twisting the tile. When you first start setting and then periodically through the installation, remove a tile and check for coverage. Ridges should be collapsed, and you don’t want the tile or the substrate to be missing mortar. Straight trowel ridges collapse with back and forth motion to eliminate voids. You will get a much stronger bond with complete mortar coverage. And remember - the larger the trowel, the more back and forth movement is needed. “Play it Straight!” and always use the NTCA-recommended tile setting method!

[@nedderfu]

I've seen tiling in hundreds of home reno shows but not once have they stressed this technique. Brilliant. Great video.

[@Muscleduck]

If you watch 100 people tiling you'll maybe see 10 that do it correctly. Irregardless of whether they are professionals or not.

[@Wolphypwi]

really... if I come and charge you to straighten the floor or the wall as is required for this technique then you will say -Thank you, I have somebody doing it for half price. It's easy to talk if you have no idea.

[@bgBlea]

@@Wolphypwi it means you can't explain your customers what quality requires.

[@Wolphypwi]

@@bgBlea that's why when you do an estimate you go and see what the client needs, many want just to look ok, cheap price for selling the property or even rent.

[@BonBon770]

​@@Muscleduckmaybe five

[@edchen1240]

I love the glass tile part. It really let people see what happened below the tile.

[@duanehyatt800]

L ❤❤ Lll ❤

[@RJZS1]

Well said Ed!

[@tahazudesigns1515]

As a DIY'er, this video was incredibly thorough and informative. I learned quite a bit in such a short span of time. Thank you for the content!

[@JoseTorres-dl3kh]

I've tried telling the men I've worked with that the swirling technique was bad for adhesion, but as a laborer with no certifications no one listens. I wish I could open my own buisiness so I could do the jobs I know how to do the right way like tiling, to be able to actually help folks keep the products they pay so much money for. Too many people dont do a good job any more and I'm thankful for companies like yours that show the right way to install products for maximum durability.

[@dethmaul]

Extremely helpful video. I did not know there were actual trowelling standards, and didn't know about straight lines. Using glass was a VERY good idea. Proof is in the butter!

[@richardprice5978]

as a final finished look 👀i kinda like it 👍 , yes not for everyone's tastes or location but as a option okay 👍just like any other style is.

[@watersbey25]

"The proof is in the butter" that saying does not exist

[@Th3RussBus]

Watching this and learning every single mistake my dad and I made laying large porcelain tiles.

[@TheOmen606]

Me too dang

[@juan2049]

How are those tiles holding up?

[@Th3RussBus]

@juan2049 surprisingly well, only 2 of them cracked, but they are mostly intact although uneven. We're about to start again at my parents homestead with the same tiles that were left over.

[@ChromeArty]

My dad has been an installer for 45 years and is highly sought after. I have been doing this trade for 17 years straight and am 34. I have never installed a floor where I didn't need to adjust tile heights as I went. There will be voids! Keeping them to a minimum is the key. Walls are another story all together. Yesterday I tiled the face of a pony wall with some 1'x2' running vertically (brick pattern). It is probably more void than contact. But then, It would be a miracle of anyone walked on it... and I don't expect anyone to walk in with a hammer and start beating on it 😄 But yes... good coverage and the right thin set, are everything

[@kencuerrier570]

I did tilesetting professionally for 6 years, this is a good video, great explanation. Tile failure will occur eventually if not installed correctly.

[@allesparty4690]

Please erase all the other 'watch me lay tile for the 1st time" videos. This is the only one you need! Excellent info backed up with proof, thank you very much, this will come in handy tomorrow!

[@jeffparker3463]

This is one of the most informative and straightforward instructional vids I’ve ever seen on YT

[@RGSPrideTILE]

I keep this video at the top of my list. I have to show it to every customer that I give a quote to. When you do more, you must charge more! When you charge more you have to explain why.

[@renenava5196]

Yes do it because people that don’t know thinking 10 minutes you tube video and it’s done..when l told them my price ...”no no no it’s too much for 10 minutes work 😂😂😂😂and just walked away...next day l got a call ok let’s do it ....but too busy no more deal see yaaa 😀

[@ByersLeafguard]

Great educational video. The clear glass to show how much contact is made was a great technique

[@brianbecerra9735]

Swirls were made wrong

[@ca2942]

Interesting to see why the glass tile on the swirl technique was not moved left and right but simply put straight down.

[@76shogun1]

@@ca2942 do you think he gets a kickback from steering you the wrong way?do it your way if you want to you tit.....he knows what he's talking about.

[@plintu3]

it also shows him setting the tiles differently and not equally

[@MrBaconis]

They also edit a cut when they put the tile in correctly. Don't know why.

[@mgjk]

I've been trying for months to find out why the previous owners' tile job in my house came apart, this is the best explanation so far.

[@TheDarrenJones]

Genuinely one of the best videos I've seen on tiling. There are loads about setting out and so on, but I've never seen one that addresses trowel technique and shows how important it is with the glass tile. You've probably just saved me making an expensive mistake with my upcoming floor tile installation.

[@SexyThyme]

Ditto. Kudos.

[@mariadykeman7008]

Thank you.

[@johnny0seven]

Thanks for the tips - just tiled 350sq/ft in my house! Went very well but a bit rough on the lower back. You guys that tile for a living are beasts

[@Th3UprightMan]

Just like with anything else, you do it a few times and your body adapts to the localized strain. No great secret.

[@Alexander_l322]

@@Th3UprightMan guess that’s why your knees are strong huh

[@Th3UprightMan]

​@@Alexander_l322 Must be from all that praying!

[@CrackerBarrelKid54]

​@Gared Stark definitely not from his boyfriend bill

[@alankluttz4400]

I've been in a long search for this demo, and this is by far the best explanation and demonstration I've seen. The glass demo was the perfectly eye opening. Thanks for this vid.

[@denniscouturier378]

I'm not sure how I landed here, but glad I did. Thanks for the info, I'm planning a DIY bathroom remodel and this is awesome stuff!

[@xzcmvs]

I am too! I keep coming across pro's saying to back butter all tiles. Now I understand.

[@tiffanygreen627]

Dennis C I

[@raymondchavez329]

You have a chip in your head that reads your mind and sends the signal to your phone providing information to ads and recommendations...among other things like tracking, and suggestions

[@yunkie12]

Raymond Chavez Wow! Scary! No telling what's in some foods nowadays.

[@nigony]

Seriously same story here. I was watching Ben Shapiro thug life videos.

[@verohandymike]

This is a perfect educational video. It not only instructs you on the proper methods but shows the results of both correct and incorrect techniques. You guys should do driving instructional videos except you would need a lot of cars to crash to show what happens when you do it the wrong way.

[@davidswanson5669]

The only people who will take this advice to heart are DIYers. No one else has the incentive to follow these guidelines.

[@yongyea4147]

I'm a migrant and I do it the fast easy way. It's not my home. Not my problem.

[@Ransetsu]

​@@yongyea4147 you bastard

[@irshadali8713]

100% right 😂😂😂

[@davidswanson5669]

@@yongyea4147 yeah, that’s precisely my point.

[@-TheDevilsAdvocate]

@@yongyea4147 shouldn’t get paid then ya dog. Take some pride in your work. Your job, your problem

[@johndegregs1777]

This is the first thing I learned when I was taught to tile. The old school guys are way better than any newer installers.

[@wolf335599]

You Americans are amazing. You always make simpler the harder things, thanks the way you explain it. That's why you still are great nation, no matter what some people says. Greetings from Uruguay, a place where nobody gives a tip on anything and you have to deal with bluffers to do this kind of jobs. Thank you.

[@burrmanchu687]

We're not all bad, just a lot of us. lol

[@michaelgonzales1365]

Much love from Texas! Thanks for the compliments, we get a lot of undue hate. People around the world need to understand the individual American wants world peace and equality like everyone else. Can’t judge us all because of politics. Anyways, hope all is good in your neck of the woods, take care!

[@tvguide4khv]

Liked this comment from Russia ) *In love with this new world united mostly by western tech and internet.*

[@ded3228]

No tile setter with e experience do the #8 pattern. I DO install straight. But ive been told half moons ( i. Call them "rainbows") is the right way. Any rebuttals?? Btw: im half Mexican. I've had uncles that beat my father's "American way" .I've imagine that there has to be more than a few RIGHT ways of tile setting. Is only matter of who you ask. The #8 pattern shown, is obviously incorrect. Being that you still have to come back and fix you 90 degree angles, with straight lines. In doing so you mess up your "perfect" #8 spreads.

[@skii_mask_]

Love seeing nations come together in the comments of an educational tiling video.

[@delicate143]

This has been one of the best educational video I watch as an adult and a father who's starting to build a home..

[@philprowse8434]

Thank you for exposing this. Apparently either it’s taught the wrong way to many tile people, or were not taught at all. I did it the wrong way the few times that I laid tile. I’m not a tile professional. But removing the tile from my bathroom that was loose and cracking, discovered that neither were the people the builder hired to put our floors in lol. Glad I found this video

[@sparkles455]

indeed ! MOST trades are 'taught' in schools or Community Colleges. At least HERE in Canada. We tend to hire "teachers" that WERE MASTERS of that particular trade. However sometimes having been a MASTER doesn't always equate to being a GOOD and PRODUCTIVE Teacher !

[@5400bowen]

It happens a lot more than you know. I’ve pulled and replaced a lot of tile and have seen a ton of poor muddying results. This technique is obviously far superior.

[@5400bowen]

@@sparkles455not in the US. Most tradesmen get trained on the job as helpers. Some from starting as DIYErs, and a few go to school.

[@jameslfowler9988]

great video, I have watched tile-setters do the figure 8 method for decades. its good to know they were wrong. I am so very glad that I watched this.

[@TheTofuGod]

That's what you get when you pay by the foot

[@SquareEarth1]

Awesome video guys, great info here. I troweled the right way when I renovated the bathroom 20yrs ago - no cracks or movement in floor or wall. However I did not know there was a right and wrong way.....lucky eh.

[@PlateletRichGel]

Thanks very much for this video, my tile contractor on a $14,000 job was not trowelling correctly, and after I showed him the video they started trowelling 90 degrees to my long format tile.

[@DonnaShanks]

Great video! I learned so much. Using the glass was an excellent idea. So well done. Thank you. Just in case anyone needs to know --- Large format tile is considered to be square or rectangular tiles larger than 12x12, including popular wood look porcelain planks in sizes like 6x24 and 6x36.

[@derpfaceonigiri4950]

I can say, I've just been transformed by your video, the me 7 mins ago would only consider of spacer, grout, tile leveling, clean surface, rubber hammer for tile installation. However without this micro yet powerful knowledge, they'd all still be insufficient in getting the job done perfectly. You sir are a legend

[@bomber20662]

I am glad that they added the back buttering information here in Australia to conform to the installation standard any tile above 33x33 needs a 12 mm trowel and back buttering the majority of the tilers here unfortunatly disagree

[@eazyridin7283]

Been installing for 30 yrs . Great video!!! I wish every installer would watch n Listen .

[@staceyprater9988]

This is THE BEST VIDEO for how to apply mortar and and laying larger tiles. Thank You!

[@markozejak1122]

Ja

[@Nscheire415]

Thin set...

[@anjiarepalli6032]

Indian pepole not motor use only raber hemar use

[@dss1024]

This video made me look like a professional with years of experience after I followed the method here... No hollow sound was detected in any of the 50, 18×18 tile placed on the floor, since December 2018

[@MAGAMAN]

Anyone doing tile should be required to watch this video. I had learned how I was supposed to do the tile in other videos, but I never really knew the why. This does great in explaining that and I might have done a few things differently if I had seen this first.

[@mrelgotoe6556]

Finally ... A great video to show the reason why some people shouldn't do tile!

[@helenixm4368]

Now they can!

[@jeffdawson7841]

I laid tile for my old boss... I admit I am not efficient at it. And, after leaving for a job better suited my skills, I now can't understand why anyone would WANT to lay tile lol.

[@Gross_Gaming27]

There should be a video doing the same thing for literally every construction or remodeling phase.

[@JosephWheeler14]

Jeff Dawson There’s a job for everyone. It’s pretty good money when you’re experienced and know how to market too.

[@sbflooringtechnical8358]

@@helenixm4368 please Subscribe my channel

[@heatherevans5471]

This video is no joke. I always watch it when I’m about to do more tiles. Although I’m thankful to the homeowners before us for the swirl job they did because it made taking up the flooring so easy. it wasn’t fun however, when I had to remove one of my own tiles and it’s a lot harder when it was properly sealed!

[@davidrobins4025]

Wow. This video is exactly what I needed to see and hear. Wanting to do the best job and knowing how to do it are two conjoined twins. Thank you for the clear, full description of the job. I'm about to do my 72 sq ft basement bathroom floor and will be laying the tile on cement. I hope I've accurately learned what you just taught.

[@Alexander_l322]

Did you do it? Update please

[@GoHomeKamala]

How was it?

[@raysims890]

I fell like I'm getting a new job at a different tile company! Great video! Alot of tile setters don't understand. Especially when it comes to showers.

[@johnwealthy6821]

One of the better KZbin instructional videos. Very useful and will apply these methods on my first tiling project.

[@royalukas8144]

Thank you! I’m having to repair a very poorly installed exterior slate tile deck at this moment. Your video confirmed my approach to resetting 60 sqft of tile. It’s a big job to say the least!

[@smicksmookety]

Top ten best videos on KZbin. Top 20 without sick guitar licks.

[@clemmtec9506]

Have been doing tiles for years, This is the first time that I am seeing the right way, I have not have any of the tiles that I put in with any creak , From Now on I will do it as shown I will be doing a barthroom , and tub walls now I know better. I will do better . Thank you.

[@pirobot668beta]

OK, I too saw this video 'by mistake', but it made my day! There is/was a huge debate among computer over-clocking enthusiasts about the correct way to apply thermal heat-sink compounds. Heat-sink grease, if you will. There are folks who spend much time and money getting all the performance they can out of computers by running them fast and hard enough they could burst into flames! Cooling has always been the single most important part of this effort. All sort of funky techniques have been proposed for heat-sink grease application. Some work, most don't. It all gets down to individual technique. Very random. I have been going nuts trying 'big dab in the center, press and twist' to get coverage. Too much goo, bad heat removal. I have tried 'thin film both surfaces', similar bad results. Air-gaps... Thin films both sides, big dollop in the center? A thick bead of shmoo in an X pattern? Arg. No repeatable results. Not much flatness is another aspect: CPU packages and heat sink surfaces are rarely flat, usually somewhat convex. Some are even convex! Intel, looking at you! Now, if the techniques used in this here video were applied, better results would be the result. I made up a tiny little trowel from an old credit-card a few months back for just this very purpose. I made the notches in the trowel edge using a hot 8-32 screw: I melted the edge of the card such that it matched the profile of the screw. I 'back-buttered' the heat-sink, and applied a think key-in coat to the CPU package. Heat-sink as tile, CPU lid as substrate. Then I troweled the heat-shmoo onto the CPU in a uni-directional pattern. Heat-sink goes on, slight side-to-side motion, and all is well. Did I get a miraculous drop in heat? Nothing for bragging rights, but a pretty good improvement over all the other techniques I had tried. The biggest win was consistent results. Each time I have re-applied the shmoo, I get results that are boringly predictable. I like that kind of boredom! BTW, I learned troweling helping my step-dad red-do bathroom floor tiles. Amazing how applying the techniques from different sectors can give great results!

[@lolbots]

hot dang that was irrelevant

[@macp349]

I enjoyed reading that, shows how some things transfer to other applications

[@isabelmera4818]

I've been looking for a video that actually explained what pattern is best to use for tiling, and this is IT! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

The clear glass examples are very instructive, thank you. Great video.

[@-_-----]

Clear, technically-accurate advice. Good stuff, thank you very much. The "Glass Time" demonstration also really proved the point.

[@Titantitan001]

Its insane how many people don’t do this correctly. Makes tearing out for me easy but costs the homeowners.

[@toddmaclauchlin296]

Im remodeling a bathroom and looking around for how to videos. This is bar none THE best, most informative video Ive found. Great info guys, Thanks!

[@billtaylor3747]

Excellent, informative display of why straight trowelling is so necessary.

[@jdtimmer61]

Bill Taylor I

[@eugenenoah6639]

The best tile instalation info so far. Using glass as experiment is very clear to see how tile reacts to trowling pattern

[@IWBVS]

This is how you make an educational youtube video

[@realitycheck5383]

i agree. very informative!

[@user-si6qj5ug2x]

nope

[@mijemumijemu4466]

So why are we using a groove trowel to start with? looks to me you don't want any grooves in it.

[@dozerboyd8784]

Mijemu mijemu they explained that so the air can get out.

[@Acheiropoietos]

Damn right. It's science.

[@caseyhartman7094]

Great video. A contractor and I found a few tiles in the home I recently bought that make a hollow sound. I bet the previous owner installed them and swirled the mortar near walls and transitions to carpeted rooms.

[@kwak916]

This is one of my favorite videos to watch when I'm super high

[@devlinsemmler8236]

You’re a loser

[@Andrew-iq5ud]

Lmao

[@EthyEth]

Extremely helpful tile video. I would say i have never seen anyone trowel straight lines. They always curve them. So now i will call them out on it and teach them correctly

[@AlexanderWilithinIII]

It's 12am and I guess I know how to apply mortar to tiles now.

[@Henrix1998]

11:57pm

[@d.i.a.5392]

8:56 am 😂

[@TheHOruS55]

Same and I never lay any tiles but good to know anyway lmao

[@Acme12345]

I'm tiling our walk in shower tomorrow, I pretty sure I did a good job in the kitchen and hallway. Thank you from Australia

[@michaelmicalizzi5222]

Answer for dbez: the correct process is to flatten/level the substrate prior to tiling. Then when you trowel and collapse the ridges, you achieve adequate coverage and the tiles are "level" or flat to each other. Unfortunately, some installers use a deep trowel -1/2" or 3/4" and just rest the tile on the ridges without collapsing them completely or spot the tiles and make up for variations in the floor to "level" the tiles to each other. This is when the assembly fails because the tiles are not supported.

[@wwhs98]

thank you for your explanation. helpful.

[@michaelmicalizzi5222]

You're welcome! Please share the video as our industry needs to get the word out to keep "errors" from happening.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

Seems that the 1/4" notches on the trowel don't actually create 1/4" high ridges, since it doesn't appear that anyone ever holds the trowel at a right angle to the floor, but at some smaller angle. At 49 degrees it's 3/4 full height, and at 30 degrees it's only half, or 1/8". Do they recommend trying to maintain a larger angle with the trowel to get the full height with the notched trowel? Or are the notch recommendations taking into account the smaller angle when troweling?

[@michaelmicalizzi5222]

Good catch and questions! For sure the angle affects the amount of mortar troweled. The goal per industry standards is to end up with a minimum of 3/32" continous mortar between the tile and substrate. If changing the angle accomplishes it, ok. If not you'll need to move to a deeper notch. @@wingerrrrrrrrr

[@heyitsrick01]

ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT video... Informative & actually SHOWS the effects of wrong application/installation... Sooooo many people have videos showing the WRONG ways... This is HUUUUGELY helpful... Great work on making this video.

[@Sasquatch0251]

In case people haven't caught on, this is the company that makes VersaBond sold at Home Depot. Which makes this essentially manufacturer spec on the right way to use thinset. I've seen other guys use the toothed edge of the trowel to back butter instead of the flat side. I'm also guilty of doing that as well since that's the way I was taught.

[@dadadodo2733]

Versabond thinset is junk

[@curtisrafa7211]

This was quite informative. The see through glass proves at all! Swirling it entraps the air as it has no place to go.

[@paurometabolous]

Learned so much in less than 7 minutes - I wish all videos were like this

[@ryanmaharaj4365]

This is d best instructional video on youtube, it's all about sharing the knowledge.

[@MysteryScienceGaming]

why have I watched this multiple times over the course of the past 2 years?

[@MrEye4get]

An exceptional video! I showed it to a local (Thai) working hired to install large 60cm x 120cm floor tiles. He has no idea the proper method, calculations or tools. Even though he doesn't understand English, he could follow the video easily! Thank you!

[@TheSilverstonedwolf]

I did it this way and my boss fired me for "taking too much time" a week later he called and told me that the tile is all cracked. And i told him "bet you wished i did it my way and not your way" he had to pay 400 bucks outta his own pocket to repair it!

[@elifire4147]

Come to Naples Florida. You will be worth your weight in gold. You were obviously working for a hack and need to find a good quality contractor. OR just sub yourslef out. You'll have more work than you know what to do with making top dollar. Our city is paying 2x the maximum national average for skilled labor like you.

[@chadruland5460]

Phenomenal! I'm renovating an old house for my son and I literally have no idea how to tile anything but this is highly informative and it gives me just a bit more confidence that I otherwise would not have had thank you so much!

[@jakobfolmar6604]

Watch more, man. I regret not when I first played tile at my house years ago. Don't grout right up to wood, or you'll be cracking tiles in no time.

[@bravingbrivatebrian]

@@jakobfolmar6604 what do you mean by this? What's the alternative?

[@chrisa9373]

Well made! You simply cannot ague with the glass! It proved the point. Both me and the little lady got a chuck out of "Trowel & Error" - cute. This video really helped me. I needed to install a 4'x 5' section of 12"x12" porcelain tiles onto a concrete floor. What I was most concerned about was what was going on those tiles: an iron wood stove! Not only will this floor have what you described as "point load" but will most likely have heavy logs mistakenly dropped on them. That guy with the hammer, well that's pretty much what my tiles will have to endure on a daily basis in the winter! If I drop a log on it and one cracks, I think I will replace them all with clear tiles to insure I have 100% coverage. LOL Now I wanna check my work and go all hammer time on my tiles to see if I did a good job or not.

[@as-lr8mb]

Excellent work. This is a top notch example of the right way to give useful, practical information. Thank you!

[@Dbdconnect]

The best video on tile work I've seen so far. Using the clear glass in the demonstration was genius. Thank you.

[@juanitosuriel6931]

This is an amazing video,I never knew about buttering the tiles before setting them down. I really appreciate this amazing teaching system.Thank You

[@DocIlpalazzo]

I don’t do tiles nor have I ever done them. But now I know and if I ever do, I’ll recall this video. Don’t know why it was in my recommendations but it was a good watch. 👍

[@donnash5813]

The best advice is to pull up one or more of your tiles to see if is covered. Back buttering is great on bigger tiles. I can't tell you how many houses I worked at where the tiles are cracked. And these huge refrigerators with little wheels destroy tiles that are not properly installed.

[@leascaart]

BRILLIANT!!! THANK YOU!! The only thing missing is waterproofing.

[@MB031]

Nice video. This demonstrate how tile work is underpriced.Every GC should see this and pay well to tile guys doing it like this !!! Tile guys :Charge at least $5 per sqf. for install floor !!! Charge for floor prep and leveling !!! Charge for underlayments !! Charge more if using good tile leveling system !!!

[@montoyapablo2089]

using glass as education tools.. is the brilliant idea &.. how it's work underneath..something that never cross at our mind!! u r people is the great Sifuu.!! Tqvm!!

[@frankfromupstateny3796]

Outstanding video....one that should be taught to every home builder/tile man/selfer. Very well delivered video. One of the best I've seen. Nice job.

[@CorrectCaulking]

Great video! Your detailed explanation on setting tile correctly is super informative. The "Trowel and Error" technique is such a clever way to remember the right steps. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

[@nicholasbradburn9492]

Hey of all the tile videos I watched, this was the most thorough and informational, thanks!

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

I luv tile work because it always looks like something when you're done. And this video reminds me of the deep history - all the tile work done in the ancient cultures: China, India Egypt, Italy, etc.

[@hw8621]

Great tutorial! I just learned something new! Never knew the right way from the beginning seems like everyone uses the circular motion not knowing it is the least effective way of setting mortar. Thanks to your video I am never going to make those mistakes ever again. Great Job Guys! Thanks!

[@johnnichols2710]

You have a great attitude HW. Many people are resistant to change when they are set in thier ways

[@cheeseymccheese7249]

Well, the tile i just installed yesterday is doomed. Thanks for the video, huge amount of information learned in 6 1/2 minutes

[@lakeschoolrestorationchann1567]

Excellent video. The jobs that are done as shown I fear when doing remodels. Bad tile jobs make it easy to peel off all the tiles. Properly bonded/supported tiles become a jackhammer and sledge job. If it's worth doing it's worth doing right.

[@jacobcairnes521]

Lake School Restoration Channel haha, I always feel bad for anyone that has to demo my work. Especially hardibacker floors.

[@paulcuredale1643]

Tiling

[@steventhehistorian]

You have convinced me to use the NTCA-approved trowel technique if I ever install tiles. Great presentation!

[@Honesty64]

Thank you for this video, it was very helpful - I realise I was trying to use a trowel that was too small!

[@Dandog1333]

I watched a bunch of DIY tile videos lately and no one explained what u said thanks so much

[@jaekamacho1416]

Guess what newbie is gonna re-tile his entire house during this quarantine time?! 😬😅 Just came here to get some pointers... I think ill be alright. 👌🏻 very good educational video👍🏼

[@MapsAndCaps]

How did it turn out?

[@jaekamacho1416]

@@MapsAndCaps not bad for a "virgin", i didn't use any fancy saws other than a makita with a diamond blade for cuts and whatnot, had to double and even triple cut some of my measured tiles but i learned as i went along. Even my wife jumped in on the work. Not a bad way to spend being stuck at home.

[@sparkdog44]

Most professional. Most educational video I have ever seen on tile setting.

[@bryanpeart]

Truly great video guys.The glass tile really brings it home. Thank you very much.

[@dreambreakerremixfactoryof6160]

Theses tips are helpful because I help my dad with this .it's not his actual job just something he does a s a hobby and he never pushes on the tile he uses the rubber hammer he obviously does the comb method as one should. He told me the reason he uses the rubber hammer rather then pushing the tiles because he says that if he pushes on it there's a high chance he can move the previous tile which could lead him to lift the previous tile and possibly break it.

[@davejones4740]

Great. I'm looking to be a trainee tiler and this has educated me right off the bat.

[@corynelson6367]

I own a Tile and Flooring company, if u use the Right notched trowl and back fill the back of each Tile, you won't have a problem ever!! U have to do things the right way, the first time, always!!!

[@virginia347]

Thanks so much! Just getting ready to install 12 x 24 and learned a lot here!

[@danielquinterojr9628]

Just remember with 12 by 24 tiles maximum of 1/3 offset. NO HALF OFFEST OF GROUT LINES!!! This is due to the manufacturing process of the tile. Lippage will be guaranteed with 1/2.

[@wingerrrrrrrrr]

@@danielquinterojr9628 why does half offset cause lippage? Is that because doming of the tiles is assumed to be present?

[@dantheman1337]

Videos like this make you more knowledgable than 99% of youtube tilers

[@unrealantics]

Thanks! Glad I watched this before I tiled my bathroom.

[@jaihind32949]

mostly tile worker do not follow these instruction. You shown the best technique of tiles fitting.

[@rocklobster3333]

Somehow i have the feeling that i might need this at some point in my life

[@Artanis_Reigns]

My pal explained in Spanish about setting tiles like this. Well this educational video certainly did the icing on explanation in English well done!

[@lography6917]

Why am I dying at "trowel & error"

[@adrade1854]

Me too... I burst out laughing.

[@michaelbalfour3170]

Man, I used to love your videos, why'd you stop? You even replied to my comments at times. One of the most reasonable vegans Ive seen on here, come back please.

[@haileuropa3708]

Simple mind

[@haileuropa3708]

@@michaelbalfour3170 he got ill from poor diet

[@lisat9707]

Just removed a few tiles and replaced them for a client. Many on stairs. But looking now they really really messed up the toweling. I had to pull one up after I set it. It was Difficult! And was very evenly gooey☺️.

[@Amithrius]

I just took an adderall and drank two monsters. Now I want to tile my entire house but it's 1:00 am and there isn't a hardware open.

[@hoodratt113]

Amithrius hahaha no fkn doubt

[@davidcooper5375]

lol

[@MtnMan802]

LMAO!!! Been there, years ago, white pony and construction... i'm good for 24 hrs, i can't sleep when there's work to do!

[@melody3741]

Take some dirt and make your own ceramic

[@soho1661]

Lol I will do the same

[@roberthelmick9574]

1:27 the blob method. Had an oldschool guy teach me this method once on a big tile. It worked in regards to getting the surface flat easily. We were doing 120 bathrooms at an Embassy Suites. Not my method, haven't used it since. I have always wondered how those tiles held up. It's been 9 years since it was done.