The 1/2 x 1/2 inch square notch trowel is one of the most popular notch trowel sizes for large format tiles.
The notches are big and deep with this trowel. That’s a good thing as you need more mortar for bigger tiles. So, what’s the problem with it?
The 1/2-inch square notch trowel has a significant flaw. Let me explain.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A Very Popular Trowel
When it comes to installing large format tile, the 1/2 x 1/2 inch square notch trowel is oftentimes the go-to trowel for many people, including experienced installers.
Further, I’ve used it many times and recommended it to others.
Proper Troweling Technique
However, as we continue to test and learn there seems to be an issue with this trowel that is not present with other trowel choices.
The tile industry has come up with a technique regarding how to properly trowel mortar.
It involves combing the thinset mortar so the notches all run in the same direction. A tile is placed into the bed of mortar and pushed in the opposite direction of the notches in the mortar.
Here is a demonstration of proper troweling technique.
Collapsing the Mortar Ridges
This act of moving the tile across the mortar ridges (that are running in the same direction) will collapse the mortar into the voids.
This technique has proven to be the most efficient and reliable way of getting the most mortar coverage on the back of the tile.
Exposing the Problem with the 1/2 inch Square Notch Trowel
The issue with the 1/2×1/2 square notch trowel is how far the tile needs to be moved to fully collapse the mortar ridges.
With 1/2-inch wide notches, the tile needs to be moved at least 1/2 inch in one direction to properly collapse the ridges.
This is next to impossible with 1/16th and 1/8 inch grout joints used on many large format tile installations.
The Solution to the 1/2 Square Notch Trowel Problem
With this in mind, here are two better choices for installing 12×24 and other large format tiles than the 1/2×1/2 square notch trowel.
1/4 x 1/2 inch Square Notch Trowel (or U-notch)
The 1/4 x 1/2 inch square U-notch trowel has notches that are 1/2 inch deep but only 1/4 inch wide.
This trowel puts a similar amount of mortar down as its 1/2-inch wide sibling.
However, since the notches are only 1/4 inch wide they collapse much more easily into the voids.
My tile notch trowel size guide can give more information on why this trowel is recommended for large format tiles.
Euro or YW Notch Trowel
The Euro notch trowel is marketed as a better designed trowel than its square-notch counterparts.
The design of the trowel is said to collapse mortar notches in a more efficient manner.
I have more information on the Euro and YW notch trowels in my tile notch trowel size guide.
Proper Mortar Coverage is the Goal
Remember, the goal of any tile installation is to achieve proper mortar coverage underneath the tile.
One key to achieving this is to select the correct trowel size for the tile you are installing.
While it’s not impossible to achieve proper mortar coverage with a 1/2 x 1/2 inch square notch trowel there are better trowel choices available.
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