What Size Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile? (2023 Complete Guide)
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The box of 12×24 floor tiles or other sizes won’t tell you which type and size trowel to use for secure and standard installation.
Since you can’t use any trowel on certain tile installations, learning what size trowel for 12×24 floor tile can be a lifesaver.
Following the guide, we have discussed why trowel size matters, how to pick the right trowel for a certain tile, and most importantly, we have mentioned the right size trowel for 12×24 floor tile.
What Size Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile?
The size of the trowel for a certain tile depends on the tile size, the thickness of the required mortar, and the type of the working surface.
Generally, for the 12×24 inch floor tiles, you should use a square-notched trowel that has either ¼-inch by ½-inch or ½-inch by ½-inch notch.
The notch size is vital as it determines the area where the mortar will collapse after installing and pressing down the tiles.
The Trowel Size Chart For 12×24 Floor Tile
| Notch Size | Dimension | Type | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | ¼-inch by ½-inch | square-notched | M-D Building Premium Square Notch Trowel |
| Maximum | ½-inch by ½-inch | square-notched | Frosch Stainless Steel Square Notch Tile Trowel |
How to pick the right trowel for a certain tile project?
Using the right trowel is the most necessary yet overlooked piece of equipment for a successful DIY tile project.
The reason is that you can’t use any trowel on certain tile installing projects as they won’t offer the same neat and tidy performance as using the right tool.
Though a typical metal piece with a handle lets you apply adhesive to the tile but using the right trowel, you will have successful bonding and long-lasting installation.
In short, picking, the right size and type of trowel is the first step of going through success.
What is a Tile Trowel?
Let’s begin by understanding what a trowel really is. In general, the purpose of using a trowel is to spread the adhesive onto the substrate like a wall, floor, or ceiling.
Using this trowel, the user can control the amount of adhesive that he is applying.
Made of a flat metal plate and handle, this DIY tool can scoop the adhesive to allow you to lay down the same amount of mortar every time for a tile installation with a smoother finish.
Apart from spreading mortar, a trowel can create an even level of surface with an equal amount of mortar to perfectly install the tile.
This is the area where the right size trowel for a certain size of tile makes the difference.
>> What trowel size for 12×12 wall tile?
What is Mortar Coverage?
As you know, the right size trowel is vital for ensuring the required mortar coverage while laying the tile. But do you know what mortar coverage is?
According to the ANSI (American National Standards Institute), a minimum of 95% coverage for wet tile areas and a minimum of 80% for dry areas are considered proper mortar coverage.
Apart from these, 95% coverage is preferable for natural stone tiles.
Another crucial thing to remember is that the importance of coverage increases along with the growth of tile size.
It is especially true for tiles that are 15″ or longer. Apart from these, the fitness of the working surface is also essential.
If you need to install tiles on a sloping floor, you have to use thicker mortar than usual.
The quickest way to check the coverage of the mortar is to place a tile over the applied mortar and then pull it up and check the level.
Make sure the adhesive has spread out completely on both sides of the tile and the substrate.
>> What trowel size for wall tiles?
If you find a gap between the tile and the substrate, it means there is a lack of mortar bonds.
If the gap is more than 15%, you have to apply more mortar to make the bond solid to prevent chipping and cracking after installation.
Due to the diversity of tiles, ensuring complete mortar coverage has become a demanding task.
Plus, a trowel isn’t universally applicable for all types and sizes. Size and shape are the two most vital things that make it overwhelming to pick the right trowel for a certain tile.
>> What size trowel for 3×6 tiles?
Picking the right Trowel Size for the Tile Installation
Along with the notch shape, the size of the trowel can make a huge difference while applying the adhesive.
Applying less adhesive increases the risk of creaking and breaking the tiles, while applying excessive adhesive creates a mess and makes it harder to remove.
For applying the right amount of adhesive consider these three factors to pick the right side of the trowel.
- Tile size
- The thickness of the adhesive required under tile
- The type of surface
Along with these determining factors, you have to understand how to measure the trowel.
>> What size trowel for laying mosaic tile?
For the V-notch trowels, you need to understand both the depth and the width of the notch.
Likewise, for the U-notch or square trowels, you have to understand three numbers.
The first one is the width of the notch, the width of the space between the notches, and finally the depth of the notch.
Most of the trowels come with detailed specifications so you can get the required information.
In case you find the trowel has only two numbers, it means the width of the teeth and the thickness between teeth are similar.
A good method to find the right notch size is to install a couple of tiles and then pull them out to check the amount of mortar contact between the surface of the substruct and the tile.
>> What trowel size for 6×36 tile?
Best Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile Review
M-D Building Premium Square Notch Trowel
- 11-Inchx 4-1/2-Inch premium trowel
- Comfort grip handle
- Aluminum die cast shank
- Measures 11-inch x 4. 5-Inch
- Professional tile install tool
With a 1/2″ X 1/2″ premium square notch, this M-D building trowel will be the best trowel for 12×24 floor tile.
Along with ensuring standard mortar coverage, this premium trowel will offer professional-grade installation every time you use it for floor or bathroom tile projects.
Constructed with a hardened and tempered steel blade, this trowel also comes maintained, polished, and grounded for improved durability.
Apart from these, the trowel has a comfortable grip handle and an aluminum die-cast shank.
Combining these features, the DIYers will have an ergonomic and efficient operation for the tile installation project.
Last, by cleaning the trowel after every use and lightly misting it with WD-40, you can boost the trowel’s longevity and effectively prevent rust and corrosion.
Pros
- Design with an ergonomic handle with a soft grip.
- Has aluminum die-cast shank
- Ensure professional-grade tile installation.
- It has a hardened and tempered steel blade.
Cons
- The trowel can get rusty without proper maintenance.
Frosch Stainless Steel Square Notch Tile Trowel
- 1/2″ X 1/2″ square notch trowel
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Comfort grip handle
- Rust-proof
- Measures 11″ x 4.5″ overall size
This trowel from Frosch design with a 1/2″ X 1/2″ Square Notch, makes it one of the best trowels for 12×24 floor tile installation.
With heavy-duty stainless steel and rust-proof construction, this trowel will ensure all-around the best performance.
So, whether it’s applying precise adhesive to create a flat surface or cleaning a trowel at the end of the task, you’ll find these useful and simple.
Despite the trowel’s having a comfortable grip handle that makes the tile installation task more comfortable.
Finally, if you’re on a limited budget and want a long-lasting trowel without worrying about rust, pick this Frosch Square Notch Tile Trowel.
Pros
- Construct with stainless steel
- It has a handle that is easy to hold.
- It has a rust-resistant design.
- It has a high-quality square notch.
Cons
- It may not last for long.
FAQs About Right Size Trowel For 12×24 Floor Tile
How Big Of A Grout Line Is Required For A 12×24 Tile?
12×24″ is quite a large tile and it requires a 3/16″ grout line. However, it is better to check a certain brand’s manufacturer’s instructions to find out if there are any special recommendations.
Is It Ok To Use A Thin-Set For 12×24 Tiles?
Using a thin-set is common for installing tile. But when it comes to installing 12×24 tile as flooring, you should use medium bed mortar.
This medium bed mortar holds the 12×24 tile consistency better compared to the thin-set.
How To Perfectly Lay Floor Tile 12×24?
You can follow the same method of creating a brick wall where the long side of the brick runs across the ground.
It will offer a pleasant layout and give the room a wider appearance to the room.
Even if you want to install 12×24 tiles into a smaller space like a bathroom, it would be best to lay down the the12x24 tile the long way so its longer side remains vertically.
Final words
Now you have got what size trowel for 12×24 floor tile. Along with some product recommendations, we have discussed why the right size trowel is essential for pro-level tile installation.
Using the right size trowel for your specific tile, whether it is 12×24 or other, ensures the right mortar coverage for a secure and perfect tile installation. Plus, don’t forget the type of trowel, as it also matters.
