Trowels are one of the most important components while using tiles in the subway. Here a question arises, “ what size trowel for 3×6 subway tile.”
Choosing the appropriate size of the trowel is important for the effectiveness and durability of your tile.
So, you must be aware of this fact. Read the article to know your answer.
What Size Trowel For 3×6 Subway Tile?
For 3×6 subway tile, you will need a trowel with a ¼ inch x ¼ inch (6 x6) square notched trowel. Also, you have to find this trowel to use to put the right amount of mortar on these tiles.
Trowel size chart for 3×6 subway tile:
| Tile Height | Tile Width | Trowel Notch Size(mm) | Notch Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 8×5 | V |
| 6 | 3 | 6×6 | U |
| 8 | 4 | 8×8 | U |
| 10 | 5 | 10×10 | U |
| 12 | 6 | 12×12 | U |
| 18 | 6 | 10×18 | U |
Our recommended tile trowel for 3×6 subway tile is Goldblatt Notch Trowel Set.
Different Types of Trowels Suitable for 3×6 Subway Tile
There are four main types of trowels that you can use for subway tile installation:
Notched Trowel
A notched trowel has triangular notches on the blade. It is also called a pointed or sawtooth trowel.
It is good for applying thin-set mortar, which is a type of adhesive that is mixed with water and used for ceramic or porcelain tiles.
A notched trowel can also be used for other types of adhesives, such as mastic or acrylic.
Square-Notched Trowel
A square-notched trowel has square-shaped notches on the blade. It is also called a flat or rectangular trowel.
It is good for applying medium to thick-set mortar, which is a type of adhesive that is pre-mixed and used for large format or natural stone tiles.
A square-notched trowel can also be used for thin-set mortar, but it will leave more adhesive on the surface than a notched trowel.
U-Notched Trowel
A U-notched trowel has U-shaped notches on the blade. It is also called a rounded or curved trowel.
It is good for applying medium to thick-set mortar, especially for large format tiles that have irregular backs or edges.
A U-notched trowel can also be used for thin-set mortar, but it will leave less adhesive on the surface than a square-notched trowel.
V-Notched Trowel
A V-notched trowel has V-shaped notches on the blade. It is also called a slanted or angled trowel.
It is good for applying thin-set mortar, especially for glass tiles that have smooth backs and require less adhesive.
A V-notched trowel can also be used for other types of adhesives, such as mastic or acrylic.
>> What trowel for 2″ floor tile?
How to Choose the Right Trowel Size for Subway Tiles?
Here are some tips on how to consider these factors when choosing your trowel size:
Assessing the Tile Thickness and Surface Evenness
The thicker the tile and the more uneven the surface, the larger the trowel size you need.
This is because you need more adhesive to fill in the gaps between the tile and the surface.
For example, if you are installing natural stone subway tiles that are 1/2 inch thick on a rough concrete floor, you will need a 1/2 x 1/2 inch square-notched trowel.
On the other hand, if you are installing ceramic subway tiles that are 1/4 inch thick on a smooth drywall wall, you will need a 1/4 x 1/4 inch square-notched trowel.
Matching Trowel Size to Tile Back Design
The design of the tile back also affects the trowel size you need. Some tiles have flat backs, while others have grooves, ridges, or bumps.
The more textured the tile back, the larger the trowel size you need. This is because you need more adhesive to fill in the spaces between the tile back and the surface.
For example, if you are installing large format subway tiles that have grooves on the back, you will need a 1/4 x 3/8 inch U-notched trowel.
On the other hand, if you are installing glass subway tiles that have smooth backs, you will need a 1/8 x 1/8 inch V-notched trowel.
Considerations for Adhesive Type and Setting Material
The type of adhesive and setting material also affects the trowel size you need.
Some adhesives are thicker than others, and some setting materials are more flexible than others.
The thicker and more flexible the adhesive and setting material, the smaller the trowel size you need.
This is because you need less adhesive to bond the tile to the surface and allow for some movement.
For example, if you are using thin-set mortar as your adhesive and cement board as your setting material, you will need a larger trowel size than if you are using mastic as your adhesive and drywall as your setting material.
Factoring in Desired Grout Line and Tile Spacing
The desired grout line and tile spacing also affect the trowel size you need. The larger the grout line and tile spacing, the smaller the trowel size you need.
This is because you need less adhesive to cover the surface and leave room for the grout and spacers.
For example, if you are installing subway tiles with a 1/8 inch grout line and a 1/16 inch tile spacing, you will need a smaller trowel size than if you are installing subway tiles with a 1/4 inch grout line and a 1/8 inch tile spacing.
>> What type of trowel for 12×12 wall tile?
Factors Influencing Trowel Size Selection for 3×6 Subway Tile
There are many factors that influence your trowel size selection for 3×6 subway tile installation. Here is a list of some of them:
Proper Technique for Using a Trowel with Subway Tiles
Using a trowel properly with subway tiles is essential for a successful installation. Here are some steps on how to use a trowel correctly with subway tiles:
Preparing the Surface
Before you apply any adhesive on the surface, make sure it is clean, dry, flat, and stable. Remove any dust, dirt, grease, or loose material from the surface.
If necessary, level or repair any cracks or holes on the surface. If you are installing subway tiles on a wall, make sure it can support the weight of the tiles.
If not, install a suitable backing board or membrane on the wall.
Choosing the Right Amount of Adhesive
Once you have prepared the surface, scoop some adhesive onto your trowel and spread it evenly over a small area that is slightly larger than one tile.
Do not apply too much or too little adhesive on the surface. Too much adhesive will cause the tile to slide or sag, and create air pockets that can weaken the bond.
Too little adhesive will not cover the surface properly, and leave gaps that can cause the tile to crack or fall off.
>> What kind of trowel for 12×24 floor tile?
Angling the Trowel Correctly
After you have spread the adhesive on the surface, hold your trowel at a 45-degree angle and drag it across the adhesive to create ridges.
The ridges will help the tile adhere better and allow for some adjustment. Make sure the ridges are uniform and consistent in size and direction.
Do not leave any flat spots or gaps in the adhesive.
Setting the Tile in Place
Once you have created the ridges, place your first tile on the adhesive and press it firmly. Twist it slightly to ensure good contact with the adhesive.
Use a level or a spacer to align the tile with the edge of the surface or the adjacent tile. Make sure there is enough space for the grout line between the tiles.
Remove any excess adhesive that squeezes out from the edges of the tile with a damp sponge or cloth.
Checking for Proper Adhesion
To check if your tile is properly adhered, lift it slightly and look at the back.
You should see some adhesive on the back of the tile, covering at least 80% of the surface. If not, you may need to apply more adhesive or use a larger trowel size.
If you see too much adhesive on the back of the tile, you may need to apply less adhesive or use a smaller trowel size.
Proper Technique for Using a Trowel with Subway Tiles
Here are some steps on how to use a trowel correctly with subway tiles:
Preparing the Surface
Before you apply any adhesive on the surface, make sure it is clean, dry, flat, and stable. Remove any dust, dirt, grease, or loose material from the surface.
If necessary, level or repair any cracks or holes on the surface. If you are installing subway tiles on a wall, make sure it can support the weight of the tiles.
If not, install a suitable backing board or membrane on the wall.
Choosing the Right Amount of Adhesive
Once you have prepared the surface, scoop some adhesive onto your trowel and spread it evenly over a small area that is slightly larger than one tile.
Do not apply too much or too little adhesive on the surface. Too much adhesive will cause the tile to slide or sag, and create air pockets that can weaken the bond.
Too little adhesive will not cover the surface properly, and leave gaps that can cause the tile to crack or fall off.
Angling the Trowel Correctly
After you have spread the adhesive on the surface, hold your trowel at a 45-degree angle and drag it across the adhesive to create ridges.
The ridges will help the tile adhere better and allow for some adjustment. Make sure the ridges are uniform and consistent in size and direction.
Do not leave any flat spots or gaps in the adhesive.
Setting the Tile in Place
Once you have created the ridges, place your first tile on the adhesive and press it firmly. Twist it slightly to ensure good contact with the adhesive.
Use a level or a spacer to align the tile with the edge of the surface or the adjacent tile. Make sure there is enough space for the grout line between the tiles.
Remove any excess adhesive that squeezes out from the edges of the tile with a damp sponge or cloth.
Checking for Proper Adhesion
To check if your tile is properly adhered, lift it slightly and look at the back.
You should see some adhesive on the back of the tile, covering at least 80% of the surface. If not, you may need to apply more adhesive or use a larger trowel size.
If you see too much adhesive on the back of the tile, you may need to apply less adhesive or use a smaller trowel size.
Video: Trowel Selecting For 3×6 Subway Tile
FAQs about Trowel For 3×6 Subway Tile
What thickness of thinset should 3×6 subway tiles have?
Aim for a finished thinset bed of around 1/8 inch under 3×6 tiles. The 1/4″ x 3/8″ trowel helps build this.
How do I get proper thinset coverage with a notched trowel?
Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the wall surface and notch in straight rows initially, then go perpendicular.
Can I use premixed thinset or mastic for 3×6 subway tiles?
No, use a polymer-modified dry-set mortar that meets ANSI A118.4 specifications for best bond strength.
Should I back-butter the tiles too for a 3×6 install?
Back-buttering each tile is not necessary but can help build thickness if using a 1/4″ x 1/4″ trowel.
What size grout joints should I leave on 3×6 tiles?
Use 1/8-Inch Grout Joints With 3×6 Subway Tiles For Best Alignment. Wider Looks OK Too Based On Preference.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we are successful in giving you a proper answer to your question, “What size trowel for 3×6 subway tile”
When it comes to choosing the right tile trowel for your next project, the tile that you choose can often make the process easier.
With a large number of options available on the market, it is easy to become overwhelmed. To get rid of this confusion, follow the information we have given above.
