What factors should I consider when choosing a trowel size for tile installation?

One of the most crucial aspects of tile installation is choosing the right trowel size. Various factors such as the shapes and sizes of the trowels, the types of notches, and the tile size and placement should be considered.

What is the importance of the tile placement in selecting the trowel size?

Tile placement significantly affects the trowel size selection. For instance, if you're laying tiles on the floor, the mortar bed needs to be thicker to withstand foot traffic. Likewise, if the surface you're laying tiles on slopes a bit, you would need to back-butter or spread out your mud-bed slightly thicker.

What is the general guide to the size of trowel based on the tile size and placement?

Here is a general guide to the size of trowel to use based on the tile size and placement: 3/16″ to 1/4″ V-notch: Mosaics tiles up to 4-1/2″ glazed wall tile. 1/4″ x 1/4″ U or Square notch: 4″ to 8″ tile. 1/4″ x 3/8″ U or Square notch: 8″ to 16″ tiles. 1/2″ x 1/2″ U or Square notch: 16″ and larger.

What are the different types of notches, and how do they affect tile installation?

There are three primary types of notches - V-shape, U-shape, and square-notch. V-shape spreads less thinset than the same-sized square-notch, while the U-notch spreads out more than the v-notch but less than the square-notch. The major difference is how the thinset lies, affecting tile adhesion. Choosing the right trowel size is crucial for successful tile installation. The trowel size should match the tile size, and the type of notch you use will affect the concentration level of thinset. Also, consider the placement of the tiles and the surface you'll be laying them on to determine the appropriate trowel size.

What should I keep in mind for a successful tile installation?

To really understand which trowel type to use, and how to properly use it, watch the video provided. Keep in mind that choosing the right trowel size is crucial for a successful tile installation. The trowel size should match the tile size, and the type of notch you use will affect the concentration level of thinset. Also, consider the placement of the tiles and the surface you'll be laying them on to determine the appropriate trowel size.

Freight Delivery Details

TRUCK DELIVERIES

Requirements

Commercially zoned address with tractor trailer access
Forklift or loading dock on-site
Accurate receiver contact information
Signature release AFTER PACKAGE INSPECTION

Additional Delivery Options (Fees)

Lift gate Fee - $150 Flat Rate (Needed if no loading dock or Residential address)
Residential Delivery - $200 Flat Rate for all residential addresses

Fees WILL BE Charged if Requirements are not met
For insurance reasons, freight carrying companies will not allow drivers to back into any driveways, dirt roads or other out-of-the-ordinary lanes, paved or unpaved. Businesses receiving deliveries should have a forklift available, if possible, at the loading dock. If no fork lift is available, the driver will hand the boxes from within the truck to the receiving personnel.

FREIGHT TERMINAL PICKUP
Take a copy of the delivery acceptance instructions and the invoice with you when picking up your order from a freight terminal. You will need these documents for verifying completeness of the shipment and for handling any shortages and/or damage. NOTE: Customers must pick up orders within three days of arrival at the terminal to avoid storage fees.

Delivery Acceptance Instructions

This message contains important information regarding your order. If you have any questions, please contact our customer service department.

Be sure to have these instructions and your invoice readily available at the time of delivery. Both documents are necessary for verifying completeness of the shipment and for handling any shortages or damage. NOTE: If a third party will be accepting your order, it is important to review these instructions with that person.

SHIPPING CONFIRMATION
When your order ships, you will receive confirmation via email. The message will also include the PRO (tracking) number and the phone number of the freight carrier. The day after receiving this message, you may contact the carrier and track the shipment with the PRO number.

DELIVERY INSPECTION
Upon delivery, if any items are missing or damaged, or if the shipment is not intact (i.e. missing pallet shrink wrap; boxes opened; wood not in factory boxes; padding or accessories missing, or damaged in any manner), clearly note each item on the delivery receipt. Have the driver call the terminal for an exception number from the freight company OS&D department (Over, Short & Damage), then clearly write the number on the delivery receipt. If you are picking up the order from the freight terminal, ask the dock manager to get the exception number. This is required for approval of a claim. Refuse delivery if item is damaged beyond basic repair.

If the delivery driver says he cannot call the terminal for an exception number or that you cannot write anything on the delivery receipt, DO NOT SIGN the delivery receipt. This also applies if you are picking up the order at the freight terminal and the dock manager tells you the same. Call our customer service team immediately at 262-790-2170 and have them speak with the driver, dock manager or OS&D department. If it is after hours, ask the driver for his terminal phone number, then contact the OS&D department directly. NOTE: Signing a delivery receipt transfers liability from the freight carrier to the consignee (you, the customer). Therefore, accurately following these instructions is for your protection.

EXCLUSIONS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGES
Deliveries to residential or business locations DO NOT include inside-a-dwelling delivery, flat bed trucks, lift gate service, or a pallet jack. These are considered additional-charge services and must be authorized in advance by, and pre-paid to TileTools.com. If an order is refused for reasons not covered in these instructions, the customer will be responsible for all shipping and restocking fees, and returned freight charges.

FAQ
What is a PRO number?
A Pro number is a term used by the trucking industry to identify a freight bill and corresponds to a scannable bar code. This is also referred to as a freight bill number or tracking number.

What type of delivery truck will be making my delivery?
Most deliveries are made by a tractor trailer from larger, well-known freight carriers.

What is a Delivery Receipt?
A delivery receipt is a control document used in delivering freight to a consignee (the customer). It is signed by the consignee and the driver to indicate completion of delivery. Delivery receipts are also used for collecting monies and recording delivery exceptions.

What is a delivery exception?
A delivery exception refers to any shipment shortage, overage or damage.

What is shrink wrap?
Shrink wrap is plastic sheeting used by warehouse personnel to secure cartons to a pallet.

We look forward to speaking with you soon. Have a great day!