Tiles are 250 x 750 - Trowel size!!!

[Aspesim]

Hi Guys

I'm installing 250 x 750 tiles in my bathroom can you advise what trowel size should I use (square or notched)

The walls are hardie backer board and plasterboard


Thanks in advance

Simon.

 

[charlie1]

Ensure walls are very flat, place 1.8 level across the whole wall, should be minimal gaps(less than 5 mm) get it right into the corners and use 12 mm square notch.also skim back of tile with flat side of trowel (1 - 2 mm)

 

[Rookery]

Depending on how flat the walls are I'd be looking at a 10mm notch trowel.

 

[Bubblecraft]

10mm round notched back skimmed for me. Depends on how flat the surface is

 

[Aspesim]

After reading a few more threads on here, I seemed to have got myself a mixed bag of information 8, 10 or 12mm square has been suggested for bathroom walls so has 8 and 10mm round notched trowels and of course I understand that it all depends on the tile size etc.. and the wall flatness...

As I didn't have any of the trowel sizes above and I needed to go to my local tile supplier. I thought I'll just ask once more prior to purchasing one, but when the guy said I'll use a 6mm square for that size tile I knew I was doomed... Anyway I purchased a 8 and 10mm square but haven't decided on which to use yet!!!.

 

[Dougs Third Go]

I'd use an 8mm for those, backskimmed.

 

[Dougs Third Go]

in the "wet areas" though, you should really try for a solid bed round notched trowel.

 

[Aspesim]

I own a solid bed trowel is that better suited to use on the walls?

 

[Aspesim]

Sorry Doug, I missed your post ref solid bed before posting again as I was reading another thread

 

[DHTiling]

There is no need to use a trowel depth greater then the thickness of the tile you are installing but if the walls are not within BS5385 (3mm over 2 mtrs) then you can step up in depth to allow a thicker bed in those areas.

8mm to 10mm is fine and as mentioned above back skim the tiles to aid in adhesion and solidity of adhesive bed.

 

[beanz]

in the "wet areas" though, you should really try for a solid bed round notched trowel.

Really? I've never heard this before!?! I've only ever used square trowels on walls. Can I ask what the reason is, and does it really make a difference!?!

Cheers

 

[Dougs Third Go]

Really? I've never heard this before!?! I've only ever used square trowels on walls. Can I ask what the reason is, and does it really make a difference!?!

Cheers

it stops any water that gets through the grout (don't forget that grout isn't "waterproof") gathering in the ribs of adhesive left by a square notch trowel.

 

[charlie1]

it stops any water that gets through the grout (don't forget that grout isn't "waterproof") gathering in the ribs of adhesive left by a square notch trowel.

i always use square notch trowels too, in wet areas i serrate the wall horizontally to stop any water all running to the bottom.

 

[DHTiling]

Walls in a wet area are 100% adhesive contact , floors are Solid bed...

 

[danmasey]

Does back skimming really help adhesion of the tiles?? Wall or floor, only ever done this with travertine.

 

[charlie1]

Yes, quite significantly

 

[White Room]

Does back skimming really help adhesion of the tiles?? Wall or floor, only ever done this with travertine.

If the back of the tile has a deep profile, everytime....

 

[rcjtiling]

10mm notched trowel plus weber grout and sealer

 

[charlie1]

Does back skimming really help adhesion of the tiles?? Wall or floor, only ever done this with travertine.

perfect trowling technique: spread substrate with flat side of trowel then serrate, this compresses the adhesive and improves adhesion quite considerably rather than just applying with combed side of trowel ( its also cleaner Imo), then back skim tile. Now,... Assuming all that has taken you under 2 mins to do then you have the perfect adhesion when you twist tile in to place, only spread for 1 tile at a time with those! Tiles that size and above usually take me 10 minutes to set each tile so take your time. A rubber sucker will aid your leverage when moving tile in to its final position.