What Is a Notched Trowel?
A notched trowel is a hand tool used to spread thinset mortar evenly and create ridges that help tile stick properly to a surface.
How It Works
Main Parts
- Flat side — spreads mortar onto the surface
- Notched side — creates ridges
- Handle — grip and control
What the notches actually do
- Spread mortar across the substrate (floor or wall)
- Create uniform ridges in the mortar
- Control mortar thickness so tiles sit flat and bond well
When you press a tile down, the ridges collapse and spread. This removes air gaps and ensures full coverage and adhesion.
Types of Notched Trowels
Square Notch
- Most common
- Good for floor tile and larger tiles
- Provides strong, even coverage
U-Notch
- Rounded ridges that collapse more easily under tile
- Often used for wall tile or membranes
V-Notch
- Smaller, shallow ridges
- Used for small tile, mosaics, or adhesives
How to Choose the Right Notch Size
Notch size determines mortar thickness. The bigger the tile, the more mortar it needs:
- Small tile (6" and under) → 1/4" x 1/4" notch
- Medium tile (6"–12") → 1/4" x 3/8" notch
- Large tile (12"+) → 1/2" notch or larger
Tips on How to Use
- Hold the trowel at roughly 45° when combing
- Comb ridges in one direction only
- Press and slightly move the tile to collapse the ridges
- Occasionally lift a tile to check for 80–95% mortar coverage on the back
Recommendations
Small Tile and Backsplash:
QEP V-Notched Flooring Trowel or Marshalltown V-Notch Ceramic Floor Trowel
Use for mosaics, backsplashes, and tile under 6". The shallow ridges apply less mortar so small tiles don't sink or squeeze grout out at the joints.
Standard Floor and Wall Tile:
QEP 1/4" x 3/8" Square-Notch Flooring Trowel
The go-to size for most jobs — 8"–12" tile, ceramic and porcelain, floors and shower walls.
Large Format Tile:
Goldblatt 1/2" Square Notch Trowel
Use for 12"x24", 24"x24", and other large porcelain or stone tile. The deeper ridges deliver enough mortar for full coverage under big tiles.
Bundle (All Three Notch Types):
Tile Tools Square Notch Trowel Set
Includes three square notch sizes covering small, medium, and large tile — plus a rubber grout float and sponge. A good all-in-one starter set for most DIY tile projects.