Flooring Tile - Applying mortar

Hi, there.

After months of preparation and waiting I finally started to tile my kitchen floor with 13" ceremic tiles.

As a DIY person, I've read (or tried to) a lot of How To books and one thing not shown is how to get the motar in even thickness which will gives an even floor. Even I used the proper towel, 1/2 inch in my case, it is not easy. I have seen people on the TV applying the mortar and was wondering why they have to move it aroung a few times before setting the tile. No explanation was given of this action. Now I know (may be it is still wrong), pushing the mortar aroung actually will even out the mortar so that you will have a even thickness and a even ridge of 1/2 inch width and height. Of course provided that you have enough mortar there to begin with. Is that right?

Thanks for any comment.

Yup!

Peter,

I know that thin set manufacturers have notch sizes listed on their packaging, but those are only general guides. In my opinion, the recommended size is often too large. I don't own a 1/2 in. notch trowel. The largest one I have is a 3/8, and most of the time I use a 1/4. Ratchet down a notch or two and give it a try. You can lift a couple pieces to make sure you're getting adequate coverage. With the right size you get the coverage you need with a minimum of thin set coming up through the joints. You'll still be raking a bit of it out of the joints, but the job will go much easier and will look much better. :)

Thank you guys.

John, I think it is too late to change my trowel size. No wonder I am getting the thin-set come out from the joint and getting quite messy. On my next project, I will try to use a smaller size trowel.

Thanks again.