What Size Trowel For 12×12 Wall Tile?
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During remodeling homes, do-it-yourselfers often use 12×12 tillers to cover the bathroom or kitchen walls to make them stronger yet shinny.
But installing larger sizes like 12×12 wall tiles isn’t simple as the gravity makes it highly challenging. In this case, it’s vital to know what size trowel for 12×12 wall tile to leave the proper amount of mortar underneath the tiles and get the desired finish.
In the following, we have recommended the most preferred size trowel for installing 12×12 wall tiles along with the right thickness of mortar, which is worth learning.
What Size Trowel For 12×12 Wall Tile?
A ¼ inch x ⅜ inch square notch trowel is preferable for installing 12 x 12 wall tiles. This size trowel leaves the proper amount of mortar underneath the wall tiles, maintaining consistency and creating a strong bond to the tile with a substrate.
Does the trowel size really matter?
The notches of the trowels are very important as they leave an even amount of mortar every time. Therefore, you can set the tiles onto it uniformly.
Despite this, notches offer the mortar a space to collapse into during installing and compressing the tiles down.
But it’s better to consider the mortar coverage requirements for your certain size tiles instead of the trowel size.
The reason is that tiles come in a large variety of sizes. It’s quite difficult to set apart them as they seem slimmer but vary in size.
That’s why the answer and your tile installing job will be easier if you search for ‘’how much cover is required underneath 12×12 wall tile?’’
Let me explain,
Say you have purchased a ¼’x ¼’ square notched trowel to install the 3×6 subway tile that you have brought from Amazon. While installing the tiles, you find this trowel leaves the perfect amount of mortar underneath the tiles.
And then you are using the same trowel to install your 3×6 tile which is handmade and slightly thicker than the previous items.
But this time you’ll discover a lack of mortar underneath the tiles. That’s why it’s vital to check the mortar coverage rather than consider the trowel size.
>> What Size Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile?
The Right Amount Of Mortar Is Required Underneath The Tiles
The right amount of mortar under a tile delivers complete support, avoiding wildly oozing out of the grout joints.
According to the American National Standard Specifications for the Installation of Ceramic Tile (ANSI):
- Dry areas require at least 80% coverage.
- Wet areas require at least 95% coverage.
- Natural stone tiles require at least 95% coverage.
Thinset Selection
Along with selecting the right size trowel, it’s crucial to use the proper thin-set for certain situations.
For example, if you require an unmodified mortar, you should use Schluter products, while glass tiles demand careful mortar selection.
The consistency of the thin-set is also important. Therefore, it’s better to mix the thinset in small batches, following the same ratio.
So the bottom line is, that you have selected the tiles back up every time to get the right coverage.
>> What Size Trowel For Subway Tile?
How Thick Should Thinset Be Under 12×12 Wall Tile?
You should use a thinner layer of thinset mortar under 12×12 wall tile to create a strong bond to the substrate. It’s particularly significant for installing wall tiles that need to fight gravity.
This thinner layer will not only create a better bond to the wall but also deliver a smoother and more even finish after installation.
In general, 18-inch of thinset is ideal for smaller wall tiles. a ¼ X ¼-inch trowel is preferable for installing smaller wall tiles. But 12×12 wall tile isn’t so small, and 1/8 inch thinset can be too thin for it.
So, you should use a ¼ X ⅜-inch trowel to install 12×12 wall tiles. This size trowel will leave extra mortar underneath your 12×12 wall tile to keep it in place.
Remember, the thinset layer underneath the 12×12 tiles should be thicker than 1/8 inch but shouldn’t exceed ¼ inch.
In this case, using a ¼ X ⅜-inch square notched trowel will not only ensure smooth-backed tiles and wall installations but also create a thicker thinset layer than ⅛-inch.
>> What Size Trowel For 3×6 Subway Tile?
FAQs
Can I Install 12×12 Tile On Walls?
Of course, you can put 12×12 tile on the wall to make it extra durable. However, 12 x 12-inch tile is mostly preferred for use as floor tile due to its size.
How Many Grout Lines Are Required For 12×12 Tiles?
You’ll require 3/16 inch grout spacing to install your 12×12 tiles. If you go for a smaller grout line than this requirement, your grout line may start cracking.
What Size Trowel Is Commonly Used For Installing Wall Tiles?
4-inch wall tiles are commonly installed in-wall using a ¼” V-notched trowel. But if you don’t have this V-notched trowel, you can use ¼’’ U or square notched trowel.
Final words
Twelve-inch square tiles come in a large range of thickness, patterns, texture, and colors. Therefore 12×12 tiles are extremely suitable for versatile use on walls, floors, or countertops for numerous applications.
Due to this reason, it’s quite difficult to determine what size trowel for 12×12 wall tiles. Hence it’s vital to consider mortar coverage rather than trowel size.
Luckily you already know the right size trowel and thickness of mortar require for installing 12×12 wall tile to get strong and even finish.
