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Choosing a notched trowel: which notch size fits your tile?
Short answer: small wall tiles need a fine notch, large floor tiles a coarser trowel and a flat surface. The trowel spreads the adhesive, but the real check is coverage on the back of the tile. Lift a tile now and then: if you see almost full coverage without large empty lines, you are right. If you see stripes, the trowel is too fine, the adhesive too stiff or the surface too hollow.
👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. For large format, natural stone, floor heating or a wet area, a tiler remains the safest choice. A professional also judges whether the surface is strong and flat enough for the tile.
What matters most
- Format as a starting point: a small tile follows the wall more easily than a large slab. A large tile needs more adhesive height and a tile levelling system to limit edge height.
- Mix calmly and evenly: with a Raimondi mortar mixer in a construction bucket the adhesive becomes smooth without lumps. Adhesive mixed too thin slumps, too thick combs badly.
- Check coverage: press the tile into the adhesive with a sliding movement. Keep space between tiles even with adjustable 4 mm tile spacers and clean as you go with a Raimondi floor sponge.
What do you need?
- A grout spreader to grout only later when the adhesive is hard; grouting is not a way to hide height differences.
- A long 60 cm spirit level and a tape measure with auto-lock to check flatness and layout beforehand.
- Spare tiles to lay a test and really see coverage instead of guessing.
How to do it
- Check the surface for flatness and make it dust-free. A trowel does not repair a large bump or hollow.
- Mix a small amount of adhesive according to the directions and let it rest if needed.
- Comb the adhesive in one direction and lay the tile with a light sliding movement.
- Lift the first tile and look at coverage. Adjust trowel or technique at once.
- Continue in sections that you can finish before the adhesive skins over. Read the build-up in our blog on tiling a floor and the system in our blog on the Kerakoll tile system.
Working safely
Wear work gloves with nitrile coating with adhesive, safety goggles when mixing and cutting and Raimondi knee pads with gel for floor work. Lift large tiles with two hands or suction cups and leave heavy tiling to a tiler in doubt.
Does a thicker layer of adhesive solve everything?
Not reliably. A layer that is too thick dries differently, slumps and gives height differences. Level the surface first and then choose the trowel.
How do I see whether coverage is enough?
Carefully lift a tile that has just been laid. The adhesive should contact the back widely without large empty stripes, especially on floors and in wet areas.
The right trowel is not a feeling but a check: lay, lift, look and only then continue.
Where can you find everything for this job?
At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.
- Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
- Create a customer account and order easily.
- Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
- Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
- Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.
In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.
Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.
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