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These days, large format tiles are getting bigger and more popular. They used to measure 12”, but today, tile is considered large format if one side exceeds 23". If you’re sticking with the modern design trend, you might choose 3’ x 4’ tiles with grout joints measuring 1/16” or smaller. The change in tile size requires a change in tools to provide sufficient thinset coverage. Today, the traditional ½" square notched trowel is no longer the best option for getting the recommended coverage rate.
Why?
To efficiently collapse the rows produced by a 1/2" square notched trowel, the installer will need to apply side-to-side movement. The suction produced by the large area of thinset makes this difficult, and smaller grout joints contribute to this challenge.
The rows of thinset are so far apart, which makes it hard to apply enough downward pressure on a large tile to flatten the rows.
To get the correct coverage on large format tiles, the NCTA recommends a specialty notched trowel, and MARSHALLTOWN just so happens to have three: the Sawtooth, Euro, and LayFlat™ trowels.
Sawtooth Notched Trowel
- Jagged, sharp notches easily collapse rows of thinset
- Coverage rate of at least 95% with proper technique
Euro Notched Trowel
- Unique notch pattern creates a zipper effect, easily leveling out the high and low areas of thinset
- Coverage rate of at least 90% with proper technique
LayFlat™ Notched Trowel
- Wave-like notch pattern causes the thinset rows to collapse onto each other
- Coverage rate of at least 90% with proper technique
- Offered in several blade and notch sizes
WHY MARSHALLTOWN?
When tile installers pick up a MARSHALLTOWN Specialty Notched Trowel, they immediately feel the quality. There are several features that make our American-made trowels the best for the job.
Unmatched Hardness: Highest quality steel blades last three times longer than competitor blades, providing superior wear-resistance versus anything else on the market
Xtralite™ Mounting: Proprietary aluminum casting material is stronger, more durable, and 10% lighter than the competition
Supreme Comfort: Ergonomic DuraSoft® handle provides a comfortable grip, reducing fatigue on the job
With tiles increasing in size, it can be challenging to attain the correct amount of coverage. MARSHALLTOWN’s Specialty Notched Trowels achieve the best coverage rates for large format tiles. With thru-rivet mountings, highest quality steel blades, and ergonomic DuraSoft® handles, ours are the longest-lasting notched trowels on the market!
