Installing a beautiful, durable kitchen backsplash brings personality and style to your cooking space. When it comes to application, having the right trowel size ensures proper coverage and adhesion. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing the ideal trowel for your next kitchen backsplash project.
Introduction
A kitchen backsplash protects your wall from splatters and stains while adding visual interest behind the stove or sink. Ceramic tile, metal, glass, and stone backsplashes are all popular options that come in endless colors, textures, and patterns. No matter what material you select, using the proper trowel during installation is key to achieving full coverage and avoiding hollow spots, cracks, or loose tiles down the road.
Choosing the right trowel size may seem confusing at first glance, but it mainly comes down to two factors: your tile size and type. Large format tiles require a trowel with bigger notches to spread a thicker layer of mortar. Small mosaic tiles need a smaller notched trowel to push the grout into tight crevices. The material you’re tiling with is important too, as natural stone and glass tile tend to be less forgiving than ceramic or porcelain.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the basics of selecting the ideal trowel size. We’ll also provide specific trowel recommendations for popular backsplash materials like subway tile, penny tile, and marble. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a seamless, long-lasting kitchen backsplash you’ll enjoy for years to come.
What to Consider When Choosing a Tile Trowel
Tile Size
The most important factor in choosing a tile trowel is the size of your tile. Large format tiles 12″ or greater on the longest side require a trowel with deep notches, usually 1⁄2″ or more. This allows you to spread a thick layer of mortar so the tile is fully supported, preventing cracks or loose tiles down the road.
Mosaic tiles, subway tiles, or anything under 4” on the longest side typically use a smaller notched trowel, around 1⁄4”. This is to compact the mortar into the tile’s crevices and achieve full coverage across the entire back of each tile.
As a general guideline, use a trowel with notches that are about half the depth of your tile’s thickness.
Tile Material
The type of tile you’re installing is the next consideration, as some materials have less wiggle room when it comes to proper trowel size and mortar coverage.
Porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles each have their own characteristics. Porcelain tiles are the most durable and can forgive imperfections in thin-set coverage. Ceramic tile is prone to cracking if the layer of mortar is too thin or uneven. Natural stone tile needs full mortar contact to prevent cracking, plus a high quality thin-set designed for stone.
Glass tiles can also crack under pressure if the coverage is inadequate. Mosaics are especially demanding, requiring a small, square-notched trowel to fully press grout into the crevices.
For all tile types, but especially natural stone and glass, it’s better to use a slightly bigger trowel than required than one that’s too small.
Trowel Notch Shape
The shape of the trowel notch matters too. Square notches are good for mosaics and achieve full coverage across the tile’s back. Rounded notches are ideal for smoothing large format tiles. Some trowels combine squares and rounds in different zones for versatility.
For most applications, a standard square notch is recommended. Rounds can be used for smoothing and final passes.
Mortar Type
Consider the type of mortar or thin-set you’ll be spreading when choosing a trowel. Latex or polymer modified thin-sets require deeper notches to properly spread the thicker material across the tile. Standard thin-set can be applied with smaller notch sizes.
Always check the mortar packaging for the recommended trowel size and follow those guidelines.
Trowel Sizes for Common Backsplash Types
Now let’s get into specifics on trowel sizes for some of the most popular kitchen backsplash tile materials.
Subway Tile Backsplash
Subway tiles are classic 3” x 6” rectangular ceramic tiles arranged in a brick pattern. The small size and grout lines require a high level of thin-set coverage for proper installation.
For subway tile backsplashes, a 1⁄4” x 3⁄8” square notch trowel is recommended. This will compact the mortar into the tile’s crevices and achieve full support across the entire back of each tile.
A slightly smaller trowel with 1⁄8” x 1⁄8” notches is also acceptable, especially when grouting with an unsanded mixture that can penetrate tight spaces.
Penny Tile Backsplash
Penny tile backsplashes use tiny square or round tiles, generally 1” or smaller. The mosaic-like arrangement means a small trowel is a must for spreading grout and mortar across the entire back surface.
For penny tiles, a 1⁄8” x 1⁄8” square notch trowel is ideal. The tiny notches press grout into the intricate crevices while maintaining full, even coverage on each tile back.
Marble Tile Backsplash
Marble tile adds timeless elegance to any kitchen but requires special care during installation. Natural stone is less forgiving than ceramic or porcelain tile, so full mortar coverage is essential.
For marble backsplashes, choose a trowel with notches slightly larger than the standard recommendation. For example, with 3⁄8” thick marble tiles, use a 1⁄4” x 1⁄4” square notch or greater. Rounded notches can help achieve smooth, consistent thin-set layers.
Also make sure to use a white polymer-modified mortar designed for natural stone. Take extra care preparing the subsurface and selecting top quality marble tiles for the best results.
Large Format Tile Backsplash
Large format tiles like 12” x 24” subway tile or marble slabs require larger trowel notches to fully support their weight and surface area.
As a general rule of thumb for tiles 12” or larger on the longest side, choose a trowel with 1⁄2” deep notches. A 1⁄2″ x 1⁄2” square or half-moon notch will create the necessary mortar bed.
Only use smaller notched trowels designed for large tiles, around 3⁄8”, if specifically recommended by the tile manufacturer. Bigger tiles need thicker layers.
Glass Tile Backsplash
Glass tile backsplashes impart brilliant color and shine, but the delicate material is prone to cracking without proper thin-set coverage.
To install glass backsplash tile while preventing damage, use a 1⁄4” x 3⁄8” square notch trowel. The square shape presses mortar into the tile edges while the size supports each piece completely.
Avoid trowels smaller than 1⁄4” x 1⁄4” notches, as these could lead to cracked or loose glass tiles over time.
How to Use a Tile Trowel
Once you’ve selected the right trowel for your backsplash tile project, proper technique is key for successful installation. Here are some tips:
- Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the wall to apply an even layer of thin-set mortar.
- Apply in small sections, no more than you can tile over in 10-15 minutes before the mortar skins over.
- Use a sweeping half-circle motion to spread the mortar evenly.
- Press tiles firmly into place, using a back-and-forth motion across the surface to collapse the mortar ridges.
- Twist the tiles slightly as you install to verify full contact and no air pockets in the thin-set.
- Use the flat side of the trowel to knock down high spots or smooth mortar.
- After laying all tiles, go back and press again or “back-butter” to ensure positive adhesion.
Proper thin-set application takes some practice, so don’t hesitate to invest in an inexpensive trowel and tile to try on a mock board before tackling your actual backsplash.
Taking the time to spread, smooth, and compress the mortar will prevent failed bond, cracking, or loose tiles down the road.
Trowel Care and Maintenance
With proper care, a quality tile trowel should provide years of reliable use:
- Knock excess mortar off the trowel frequently during use. Dried thin-set is hard to remove.
- Scrape off residual material with a trowel cleaning tool or an old screwdriver.
- Avoid hitting the edge of the trowel on hard surfaces to prevent nicks or dents.
- Rinse thoroughly in water immediately after use to remove all material.
- Dry any wood handled trowels fully to prevent rotting.
- Store trowels with a light coating of vegetable oil to prevent rust.
- Replace worn out or damaged trowels for dependable, consistent application.
Conclusion
Choosing and using the right tile trowel ensures your kitchen backsplash adheres properly for long-lasting function and beauty. Consider tile size, thickness, and material when selecting the ideal trowel notch size and shape. Invest in a quality trowel and care for it properly for flawless thin-set application. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a striking, durable backsplash you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trowel do I need for 4 inch backsplash tile?
For 4 inch backsplash tiles, a 1⁄4” x 3⁄8” square notch trowel is recommended. The 1⁄4” depth is about half the thickness of the tile.
What size trowel for mosaic tile backsplash?
Mosaic backsplash tiles require a 1⁄8” x 1⁄8” square notch trowel. This allows you to fully compact mortar into the small joints.
What happens if you use the wrong size trowel?
Using too large or too small of a trowel can lead to cracked tiles, loose tiles, and a lack of proper adhesion. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for trowel size.
How do you know what size trowel to use?
The trowel notch depth should be about half the thickness of the tile. Check packaging for the tile and mortar recommendations. Generally, larger tiles require larger notches.
Can you use a smaller trowel?
It’s better to use a slightly larger trowel than required than one that is too small. An undersized trowel risks inadequate mortar contact and adhesion.