Discuss Choosing trowel size in the DIY Tiling Forum area at TilersForums. The USA and UK Tiling Forum (Also now Aus, Canada, ROI, and more)

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Hey guys
I'm going to be laying some basket weave mosaic tiles on my floor and some subway tiles on the walls. Just need some advice on the size trowels required. I have been getting mixed responses.

My mosaics will be laid on cement sheet in 300x300 premade mosaic sheets. They are 10mm thick and look like this... but made of natural stone. I've been told to use a 3/16 b notch but from someone else just to use a 10mm square notch.
carrara-white-marble-1x2-basketweave-mosaic-tile-carrara-white-dots-honed


On the walls I will be laying 200x100 ceramics onto plaster board. I've been told to use a 1/4 square notch.

What do you guys reckon?
 
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L

LM

It's hard to say with the mosaic as I can't see your picture. It's a bit of trial and error really, for the mosaic you want the notch to be big enough to ensure good bedding of the sheets but not so big that adhesive is coming through the joints and making a mess. For the metros a 6mm should do it but you'll have to take the first few tiles off again to check coverage, if it's not good enough up the notch to a 8mm.

Welcome to the forum by the way :)
 
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It's hard to say with the mosaic as I can't see your picture. It's a bit of trial and error really, for the mosaic you want the notch to be big enough to ensure good bedding of the sheets but not so big that adhesive is coming through the joints and making a mess. For the metros a 6mm should do it but you'll have to take the first few tiles off again to check coverage, if it's not good enough up the notch to a 8mm.

Welcome to the forum by the way :)

Sorry I'll try again with the mosaic photo..
View media item 15179
So a 6-8mm square notch will do the job for the walls? I appreciate your advice
 
F

Flintstone

The same size 6 to 8 will probably be good for the floor too. Get both sizes and see how you go
 
J

J Sid

more importantly or as important, mix the tiles for different boxes as you'll be very lucky if there isn't a large colour variation from sheet to sheet. lay a few boxes on the floor dry to really make sure you are happy with them.
Also use a white fast setting adhesive.
 

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