Trowel Size for 18" x 18" Tile on the Diagonal

[dcgauger]

I only have about 22 ft^2 of 18"s to lay on a floor that has been covered with SLC after installing an in-floor heating system. Since they are going to be laid on the diagonal, only a few will be full tiles. I have a 1/4" x 1/4" x 3/8" trowel and hope not to have to buy another for this small area. I will pull a tile (which can be a chore if there is good suction) and check the thinset coverage. My question is: Should I plan on spotting the tiles in addition to the amount left by the notched trowel??


Thanks,

don

[GregO]

Hi Don,

Your current trowel will work just fine. I would recommend that you back butter the tiles to fill in any voids/waffles and then comb your mortar (in one direction) to ensure near 100% coverage; you are correct that they will fight you when trying to pry them up to check coverage. It will be worth it.

Good luck and have fun...

Greg