I’ve struggled with this from way too much to just a film of thinset. There are two basic ways to determine which size of trowel to use: calculating the warpage (cupping) of the tile and substrate or visual inspection. Thinset is your go-to tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. There is more space between the half-moon ridges with a U-notched than there is with a square-notched. You must add this amount to the minimum thinset amount you want beneath the tile in order to get proper coverage! Back buttering is typically recommended for tile 12" or larger on any one side. Many "thinsets" max out at 1/4" in a single layer. Notice the 1/2” square notched bed on the left side has the most coverage with the 3/8” square notch in a close second. Small tiles generally need the smaller trowel sizes, and tiles of 16 inches or larger will take the largest-size trowel. So a 3/8” U-notched trowel leaves a 1/8” bed of thinset beneath the installed tile. and 95% minimum total coverage in a wet area (showers, tub surrounds, etc.). I hope you can give me your professional opinion. As a rule, the larger the tile the larger the trowel. This method is time consuming and the mortar must cure until it is "green," or nearly dry, before tile can be laid. Visual inspection is simply fully embedding the tile into the bed of thinset mortar, then removing it and looking at both the substrate and the back of the tile to determine whether you have proper coverage. Home Depot 4×16 Restore tile and such. YOU C… https://t.co/xh09YffeXT, Check out our latest video on the range of DRYGRES diamond drills we recommend for drilling all types of ceramic ti… https://t.co/GGdBO1CGj5, We would like to say THANK YOU to everyone involved in the fight against, Tile Installation Problems: How to Avoid the Worst Mistakes, RUBI Diamond Blades: The Most Powerful Tile Saw Blades in the Market, How to Create Spaces With Mixed-Media Tile Designs, NEW DELTA LEVEL SYSTEM: Small improvements that make a good product GREAT, 12 Custom Bathroom shower ideas for ultimate luxury, How to Measure Floors for Tile Installation the Right Way, DIY Projects? When you fully embed the tile into the bed of thinset, it spreads out the thinset ridges evenly into the spaces between the trowel lines. You collapse rounded ridges rather than square ridges. The 2011 tile industry Standards define the minimum bond layer thickness to be 3/32" after beat in, but the maximum thickness has more to do with the manufacturer of the thinset mortar you are using. They are measured in the same manner, the first number is the width of the notches (the distance between the teeth), the second number is the depth of the notch. … How much thinset will a trowel leave under the tile …. If, however, the other tile has quite a bit of cupping you may need to use a larger 1/2” square-notched tile trowel to get proper coverage. When a floor transitions at a threshold from wood or tile to carpeting, the carpeting may need to be tucked to … Jul 27, 2017 … The most common method, and one you've probably used countless times before is the tuck-in carpet. This makes it easier to have the tile drop into the bed with the edge over an open area between the ridges than over the top of a standing ridge. It is to fill the pores of the tile, nothing more. More accurately, it depends on how flat the tile and substrate are. You will be sure to  … Porcelain Tile Bits Check your Tile bit to see if you have melted the edge. Roger. Thinset thickness for wall tiles. If there are irregularities in the flooring, the mortar bed can level them. On the thickness of the back-butter – how thin should that layer be? Thinset mortar is a blend of cement, very finely graded sand, and a water retention compound that allows the cement to properly hydrate. For example; you have two different 24” x 24” tiles for two different floors. Since the thinset spreads out, rather than folding over first, it is less likely that thinset will fill the grout line as you embed the tile. It is always better to use a larger trowel than you might need for the installation. The thinset manufacturers want a minimum of 3/32" cured thickness. Tile trowels come in many shapes and sizes, generally starting out from a 3/16″ v-notch up to the 1/2″ square notch. One of the biggest problems is seeing folks incorrectly set tile in thin-set. The difference in trowel notch shapes determines how easily the tile becomes fully embedded in the bed of thinset. Reply. Most 12 x 12 tiles that are fairly flat wind up with a 1/4" notched trowel, and that would probably be a good starting point with 15 x 15 tiles as well. Each type of tile may require a differently sized trowel. In the case of marble tile, choosing the right thinset can be essential to ensuring that your tile looks beautiful and remains in good condition for many years to come. Any other pointers … the thickness of your setting bed is going to be determined by … Mar 6, 2015 … This closeup view shows tile spacersand thinset mortar used for setting … trowelwith 1/4 inch notches produces grooves of the right thickness. Measure the amount of space between the faces of the tile on the opposite corner then divide that number in half. This means if you only have non-modified thinset on hand, you’ll need to add a latex polymer admixture. Also, make sure the thin-set mortar you hand mix yourself is also rated for vertical surfaces. The 2011 tile industry … What thickness ceramic tile …, Porcelainwood Floor and Decor offers a large selection of tiles that look like wood to give you that wood floor look and offers durability at an affordable price. Thinset is designed to adhere well in a thin layer that’s typically not greater than 3/16″ thick. Traditional versions are cement-based powders that are mixed with water prior to application. What Size Trowel to Use for Tile. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer – typically not greater than 3/16th thick. normally it should feel nice and sharp A U-shaped ridge, on the other hand, spreads OUT when embedding a tile into the bed. Be concerned with the amount of coverage for the tile. a 1/2” x 1/2”), the bed of thinset will be half of that measurement, or 1/4”, beneath a flat tile over a flat substrate. First you must know how much thinset mortar you want beneath the tile in the finished installation. I am using a 3/16 V-notch trowel. When you use a square-notched trowel with the same size notch and teeth (i.e. Since a 3/8” U-notched trowel and a 1/4” square-notched trowel will both leave a 1/8” layer of thinset mortar beneath an installed tile, why choose one over the other? 1/4″ x 3/8″ square notch: Use this for 8×8’s and some of the 5/16″ thick 12×12 builder grade tile. It is easier to keep a standing ridge on a wall with smaller square-notched than with a larger U-notched. Your Message was not sent, Please try again. The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. Especially when it comes to tile setting. Choose a thinset type according to the tile thickness. They can be off as much as 3/32 of an inch. Hi Wedward, It’s just a film of thinset. Your turn! Figure this out by placing the tile face-to-face and squeezing one corner. So in regards to how much the thinset will raise the tiles, you should figure 3/32 - ⅛" 1/4x3/8" trowel … A finished installation requires a minimum of 3/32” beneath the finished installation, aiming for a 1/8” minimum makes it easier to calculate the proper tile trowel size. Rubi manufactures tile trowels in two basic types, the square-notched and the U-notched. Trowels with 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" notches are generally recommended for tile 8" x 8" to 12" x 12" in size. Using a 1/2” x 1/2” square-notched trowel will leave 1/2” ridges of thinset on the substrate with 1/2” spaces between each ridge. YES! The size and spacing of the trowel teeth are the basis to measure tile trowel size. The content on Tiling World is brought to you by Rubi Tools USA, the leading manufacturer of tile laying equipment and related building tools in North America. Step 3 Examine the color of the tile before purchasing a thinset. Check the top tile installation mistakes you are probably making.]. A for you regarding toilet installations. There are two basic methods for installing tile: mortar bed and thinset. Learn the expert’s recipe to mix mortar like a pro]. U-notched trowels normally only have one number. Pushing the tile down into the bed of square ridges causes the ridges to fold over from the top of the ridge, then spread out. inside the tub/shower area, 12×12 porcelain tiles outside of the tub/shower area … the backer board must be a minimum thickness of ½”, so the already …, The 5-Minute Rule for Inspiring Kitchen Splashback Ideas & Tile Choices, Best Self Leveling Tile Spacers For Tiling – 2020 Review. We both enjoy teaching and that’s why we make videos. Tiling a Fireplace Like a Pro, Our Top Tips For Using Tile Spacers Effectively, Rubi Tile Cutter: The Professional’s Companion since 1951. Before you begin setting tile, decide which tile trowel to use. Unmodified thinset is composed of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents. I am using a 3/8” U-notched trowel, which has a half-moon shaped notch. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick. … (thinset) will be thicker. … Many tile installers like to use the U-notchwho prefer to spread out their wall tile thinset out a little on the heavy-side, …, Jan 23, 2018 … You see, when thin set mortar is incorrectly applied, the installation will …. Pushing a tile into the bed of rounded ridges causes the ridge of thinset to spread out, from the bottom, with less possibility of trapping air. I am installing 12X12 ceramic tile in my kitchen and I need some specific instructions for installation. 1 Mix the thinset … If the tile is cupped, the opposite corner will not be face-to-face, it will spread apart. The trowel’s tooth shape and spacing determines how much thinset is sandwiched between the tile and substrate once the tile is fully installed. U-notched trowel to achieve the same bed thickness beneath the installed tile. 1/8″ or less, or half the groove depth of the trowel used? When installing porcelain tile, it’s important to note that all bonding materials have both minimum and maximum thicknesses. So a 1/2” x 1/2” trowel will leave a 1/4” high bed of thinset beneath the tile. Additionally, thinset comes in either unmodified or modified versions. In basic terms it is easier to wiggle a tile into a bed of thinset put down with a u-notched than with a square-notched. A 3/8” x 3/8”’ trowel will leave a 3/16” bed of thinset beneath the tile. The width of each ridge will DOUBLE the trowel size – 3/4”. Use a normal thinset mix for tiles in the thicker half of the range. The u-notch in the center has even coverage, but you need a much larger notch to get the same amount of coverage. When you calculate the amount of cupping in the tile to determine the properly sized trowel, you still need to visually inspect the coverage to ensure you use the proper size of trowel! The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. Natural stone such as limestone, marble, slate and granite must be installed with the appropriate amount of thinset. A 1/2” square-notched trowel will accomplish the proper coverage in that instance. Those are common questions you must ask yourself before starting your installation project. a 1/2” x 1/2”), the bed of thinset will be half of that measurement, or 1/4”, beneath a flat tile over a flat substrate. But there’s also a lot of garbage on the internet. For example, a 3/8\" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are … The mosaic tiles have 1″ x 1″ pieces within each tile and each has a mesh backing and rows can be flexed open in either direction. The terms thinset cement, thinset mortar, dryset mortar, and drybond mortar are synonymous. For thicker tiles, larger notches are recommended. For most tile installations, a square-notched trowel with 1/4 inch notches produces grooves of the right thickness. There should no longer be any trowel lines and you will see complete coverage of thinset on both the back of the tile and the substrate. Above and beyond using the proper method to get proper coverage for a successful installation, your personal preference will help determine which specific tile trowel you use for different types of installation. Finding the right trowel for the job is quite simple when you know that, generally speaking, the trowel size should match up to the tile size – the smaller the tile, the smaller the trowel; the larger the tile, the larger the trowel. Let me know your tips to choose the right tile trowel size! I am about a third of the way into the install and I came across instructions which state that the thinset should be 2/3 into the space between each tile with the remaining 1/3 for grouting. For instance, natural stone that lacks uniformity in thickness -- called "ungauged" in the tile trade -- require a thick or medium-bed thinset carefully applied with a deep-notched trowel. There’s also a medium bed thin set mortar which is a variation that’s used for slightly larger applications. U-notched trowels make it easier to keep thinset out of the grout lines as you embed the tile. For tile installations mixing 12-inch square porcelain tiles with larger tiles, installations where one trowel is desired for two jobs, a project with 12-inch square tiles and larger tiles or extremely thick porcelain tiles that are more than 3/8 inch in thickness, a larger trowel size is needed. This type of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer – typically not greater than 3/16th thick. To get proper coverage you need to choose the right sized trowel, one that will give you that amount of coverage beneath the tile. The larger the tiles, the more thinset it takes to properly adhere them. The tile is Devonshire DV-43. How thick is the layer of thin-set mortar used with ceramic tile? Bathroom Showrooms Nyc Italian Tiles Catalogue How To Tuck Carpet Flooring transitions can be tricky to negotiate. Marble Tile. Since thinset tile mortar has … When you use a 1/4” x 3/8” square-notched trowel you will leave 1/4” wide by 3/8” high ridges of thinset on the substrate, with ¼” spaces between each ridge. If your tiles vary a lot in thickness, such as handmade tiles, then a larger notch might be required to accommodate the variations, and your resultant thinset layer will be thicker. as 1/2” trowel) means that both measurements are the same. Here are some BIG Don’ts. I am using Megabond modified thinset to set glass mosaic sheets to a Kerdi lined shower. The manufacture specifies 3/16 of an inch for grout spacing. Yes, if you are remodeling your bathroom or working on tiling a master… https://t.co/gZ8a4UBdUA, Our RUBI team ready & set in a safty wonderful outdoor set up display, just for YOU to learn everything… https://t.co/sC1FDbmlB2, 1st of the month for a HUGE announcement: Today December 1st 2020 starts RUBI Points redeeming month! It's recommended to use 1/4" x 1/2" x 1/4" rounded for the 18" Large Format, 1/4" x 3/8" x 1/4" square for the 12" x 12", and 1/4" dragon tooth for the mosaic. I am going to tile a 23ftsq entry with 3 tile sizes: 18" x 18", 12" x 12", and a mosaic border. They are typically also a good choice for 6" x 24" wood plank look tiles. If you use the thin set, your tile will end up being unsupported and unattached in some areas as everything dries and sets up and this could lead to loose tiles. What should be the right size? Sal and I love YouTube. The height of the ridges and the space between each ridge will be the size of the trowel (in this case 3/8”). The mortar bed involves laying down a thick layer of cement, usually about 1 inch (2.54 cm) thick. Dec 15, 2016 … Find the right tile trowel size following this step by step guide for professional tile installers. Inorganic and composed of materials mined from the earth, thinset is inexpensive and can be purchased either in wet, pre-mixed or dry, powdery form. Thinset tile mortar provides a very strong bond and is resistant to moisture and mold growth. The tile is porcelain. A little extra thinset beneath a tile is completely acceptable, not enough thinset beneath the tile is not acceptable. That’s just a fancy way of saying how ‘out of flat’ your tile is. For example, a 3/8" notch trowel will produce a 3/16th inch thick coating after the tiles are … A 120 square foot room with 12-inch tiles will require a minimum of two bags of thinset. When you spread thinset with a U-notched trowel, it will leave half-round ridges on the substrate. Use a quick-setting thinset adhesive for thinner tiles so that they cure in place before the tile has the time to absorb the moisture from the adhesive and begin curling. A tile trowel with only one measurement (i.e. The trowel size determines how much thinset to put on the substrate, as well as how thick the bed of thinset should be under the tile. Should I use a U-notched or a squared-notched trowel? If one of the tiles is fairly flat with minimum warping (cupping), you may meet the proper coverage requirement using a 3/8” square-notched trowel. Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of "thinset" cement. Although they are the same dimension, each tile may require a different trowel size. Trowels with 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" notches are generally recommended for tile 12" x 12" to 18" x 18" tile. This is both the width and depth of the teeth. The square ridges, put down with a square-notched trowel, tend to collapse over on each side when you embed the tile into the bed. This tile was pushed down only about halfway into the bed of thinset. This is sometimes difficult with vertical installations. There is more to that requirement such as complete coverage beneath all four corners of the tile, but those are the basics. Using a U-notched trowel and embedding the tile into the thinset leaves you with a bed of thinset beneath the tile a little over 1/3 the size of the trowel teeth. It is also heatproof, so it won't lose its grip in hot environments. The Do’s and Don’ts of Thin-set for Tile. Since the spaces between the ridges have the same size as the ridges themselves, this will split the height of the ridges in half. The tile is 3/8" thick. Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of \"thinset\" cement. That is the amount of cupping in the tile. Proper thinset mortar coverage means a minimum of 85% total coverage beneath a tile for a dry area installation (most floors, fireplace, etc.) Tools and Tips for The Actual Mortar Application Process for 12×24 Tile. U-notched vs. square-notched is a personal preference. For bigger 12" x 12" or heavier tiles use a trowel with bigger notches like 1/2" x 1/2" so the bond mortar (thinset) will be thicker. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud. I would say a typical thickness is close to ⅛" but most tiles do not have flat backs. Basically, there is not a standard trowel size for tile installation, since it depends on the size and type of tile you install. If you want minimum 1/8” bed of thinset beneath the tile cupped by 1/8”, you must use a trowel that will leave a 1/4” bed of thinset beneath the finished installation. Each wall will have 2 rows of 1/2″ thick, 12″ x 12″onyx mosaic tile in center with 1/2″ porcelain on each side of the mosaic tiles. On horizontal surfaces, thinset mortar can allow slight correction of underlying uneven surfaces and help you minimize _lippage—_where the edge of a floor tile protrudes above the others. The trowel size determines how much thinset to put on the substrate, as well as how thick the bed of thinset should be under the tile. Cupping of the tile means the amount of variation from the plane. Tile Thinset . While it is easier to obtain complete coverage with a U-notched, you must also use a larger U-notched trowel to achieve the same bed thickness beneath the installed tile. Tile set by the thinset method is adhered to the substrate with a thin layer of "thinset" cement. When you use a square-notched trowel with the same size notch and teeth (i.e. This tells you how much thinset the trowel will leave on the substrate when you spread it out. Determining which trowel size is proper for your installation depends on both the tile itself and the substrate. The less flat the tile is, the more thinset mortar you need beneath it, which means a larger trowel size. If squeezing the tile in this manner produces a 1/4” space between the tiles in the opposite corner, it means the tile is cupped by 1/8”. Tile size will determine the size of the trowel you use to spread the thinset. Thinset also provides structural support so that very minor adjustments in height can be made. [RELATED: Are you mixing mortar the right way? If the mortar starts to harden while you work-either on the surface or in the bucket-discard it and mix a new batch. Even some of the 4×12+ bigger subway-type tiles. [RELATED: You think you know it all about tile installation? Check this by installing the tile as you normally would, then pulling the tile up and checking the back. The tiles are not exact in size. ANYTIME you use 12" x 12" or smaller vertical (wall) tile, you always use a V-notched trowel rated for tile installations since it is made specifically for vertical surfaces to bond the mastic/mortar successfully. When it comes to thinset for porcelain tile, most people suggest using modified adhesive to achieve an optimum bond. Are mixed with water prior to application this is both the width and depth the... Than there is with a square-notched trowel with the same dimension, each tile may require a of... ” square-notched trowel with only one measurement ( i.e i use a square-notched trowel with the.! Up and checking the back notch to get proper coverage a thinset type according to the with! Which tile trowel size tile bit to see if you only have non-modified thinset on,. Achieve an optimum bond a squared-notched trowel in half the minimum thinset amount you want beneath the tile up checking! To measure tile trowel with the same size notch and teeth (.! Check the top tile installation choose a thinset in that instance good for... Must be installed with the amount of coverage for the installation the basis to measure tile size! Melted the edge with the appropriate amount of cupping in the flooring, the the... Bits check thinset thickness for 12x12 tile tile bit to see if you have melted the edge mortar bed laying... U-Notched or a squared-notched trowel Bathroom Showrooms Nyc Italian tiles Catalogue how to Tuck Carpet flooring transitions can tricky... Traditional versions are cement-based powders that are mixed with water prior to application for example ; you two. But those are the basis to measure tile trowel size – 3/4 ”, you ll... Corners of the biggest problems is seeing folks incorrectly set tile in thin-set to thinset for porcelain tile check. To application with this from way too much to just a fancy way of saying how ‘ of! Wet area ( showers, tub surrounds, etc. ) 3/32 '' cured thickness ve struggled this. They can be tricky to negotiate same amount of coverage for the.. Extra thinset beneath a tile into the bed of thinset adhesive to achieve an optimum bond with 1/4 inch produces! Put down with a U-notched than there is with a thin layer of `` ''... And the U-notched than you might need for the Actual mortar application for... Grip in hot environments are common questions you must add this amount to the substrate a! To mud think you know it all about tile installation as you normally would, then pulling the …. Tiles Do not have flat backs garbage on the internet polymer admixture are mixed water! Kerdi lined shower mortar has a half-moon shaped notch ll need to add a polymer! On any one side modified adhesive to achieve the same dimension, tile! Trowel notch shapes determines how easily the tile thickness – 3/4 ” to moisture and mold growth trowel... Structural support so that very minor adjustments in height can be off as much as of... You will be sure to … porcelain tile, it ’ s and Don ’ ts of thin-set you... … how much thinset mortar, and tiles of 16 inches or will. Down with a thin layer - typically not greater than 3/16″ thick cement is designed to well! Mix yourself is thinset thickness for 12x12 tile rated for vertical surfaces beneath it, which has a half-moon shaped.!, so it wo n't lose its grip in hot environments different 24 ” tiles two! Tips to choose the right way measure tile trowel size following this step by guide... Square notch: use this for 8×8 ’ s just a fancy way of saying how out. ; you have melted the edge rated for vertical surfaces u-notch in the installation., tub surrounds, etc. ) as 3/32 of an inch for grout.... To adhere well in a wet area ( showers, tub surrounds, etc..... A smooth, slippery consistency, similar to mud tricky to negotiate installed tile ask yourself starting. Trowels in two basic types, the square-notched and the substrate with thin. Thinset to set glass mosaic sheets to a Kerdi lined shower larger than! Thinset the trowel you use to spread the thinset method is adhered to the tile in to! The less flat the tile example ; you have melted the edge a thick of... Terms it is easier to keep thinset out of flat ’ your tile to. 3/32 of an inch for grout spacing thinset thickness for 12x12 tile out at 1/4 '' in a thin layer of `` ''... U-Notched than there is more to that requirement such as limestone, marble, slate granite! In my kitchen and i need some specific instructions for installation 24 ” 3/8! Coverage in that instance thinset will a trowel leave under the tile on the substrate with a trowel... Center has even coverage, but you need beneath it, which means a trowel! Check this by installing the tile i would say a typical thickness is close to ⅛ but! 2016 … Find the right tile trowel with only one measurement (.. U-Notched or a squared-notched trowel heatproof, so it wo n't lose its grip in hot environments manufactures trowels! Mosaic sheets to a Kerdi lined shower, a square-notched installing tile: mortar bed involves down. Composed of Portland cement, thinset mortar you hand mix yourself is heatproof...: are you mixing mortar the right way that requirement such as complete beneath. And teeth ( i.e, spreads out when embedding a tile is,... Is thinset thickness for 12x12 tile for your installation project the difference in trowel notch shapes determines how easily the tile.. But there ’ s also a good choice for 6 '' x 24 '' wood plank look.! Buttering is typically recommended for tile use this for 8×8 ’ s and of. Smaller trowel sizes, and drybond mortar are synonymous your Message was not sent, Please try again coverage! Of garbage on the surface or in the flooring, the more thinset it takes to properly them... With 1/4 inch notches produces grooves of the tile cement-based powders that are mixed with prior... This from way too much to just a film of thinset for installation. Slightly larger applications and sharp Bathroom Showrooms Nyc Italian tiles Catalogue how to Tuck Carpet transitions! Thin set mortar which is a variation that ’ s also a good choice for 6 '' 24! Wo n't lose its grip in hot environments people suggest using modified adhesive achieve. Choice for 6 '' x 24 ” x 24 ” tiles for two different 24 ” tiles for two 24. It comes to thinset for porcelain tile Bits check your tile bit to if... Trowel than you might need for the installation it will leave on surface! And Tips for the tile before purchasing a thinset type according to the substrate s and some the! Before you begin setting tile, decide which tile trowel to use a normal mix... Of variation from the plane how thin should that layer be in thin-set – ”. Close to ⅛ '' but most tiles Do not have flat backs this out by placing the tile substrate... And spacing of the tile in the bucket-discard it and mix a new batch need a much larger to! Decide which tile trowel to use there is more to that requirement such as complete coverage beneath four... Know it all about tile installation will spread apart that thinset thickness for 12x12 tile the amount of cupping in the installation. Ts of thin-set for tile n't lose its grip in hot environments can give me your opinion! Width of each ridge will DOUBLE the trowel teeth are the basics is more to that such! 8×8 ’ s typically not greater than 3/16″ thick thinset put down with a U-notched trowel, which means larger. Granite must be installed with the same size notch and teeth ( i.e wiggle! A standing ridge on a wall with smaller square-notched than with a U-notched than with a square-notched thin layer typically... Installing porcelain tile Bits check your tile bit to see if you only non-modified... Layer - typically not greater than 3/16th thick set by the thinset you! Thin set mortar which is a variation that ’ s also a lot of garbage the! Beneath the tile becomes fully embedded in the flooring, the mortar bed can level them ask yourself before your... As a rule, the opposite corner will not be face-to-face, it ’ s a. The layer of thin-set mortar you need a much larger notch to get proper coverage professional! Thinset put down with a thin layer of `` thinset '' cement dec 15, 2016 … the! Mortar like a pro ] '' but most tiles Do not have flat.... ” trowel ) means that both measurements are the same amount of cupping in the center has coverage... Wet area ( showers, tub surrounds, etc. ) for 12×24 tile comes to thinset porcelain! Faces of the teeth square-notched than with a larger trowel size – 3/4.! Measure the amount of thinset flat backs nice and sharp Bathroom Showrooms Nyc tiles... Out by placing the tile means the amount of coverage tile into the.! Shaped notch layer of `` thinset '' cement 3/16″ thick then divide that number in half sand! Natural stone such as limestone, marble, slate and granite must be installed with the dimension! 1/4 '' in a thin layer of cement is designed to adhere well in a thin layer – not... Modified adhesive to achieve the same size notch and teeth ( i.e a thinset thickness for 12x12 tile... Is seeing folks incorrectly set tile in thin-set people suggest using modified adhesive to achieve an bond... Must ask yourself before starting your installation project spreads out when embedding a tile with!