7 Best Notched Trowels For Beginners That Work Well

Tiling a bathroom floor or updating a kitchen backsplash often starts with enthusiasm, but quickly hits a wall when the right tools are missing. Selecting the proper notched trowel is the secret to a professional-looking finish that prevents loose tiles and uneven surfaces. This guide breaks down the best options to ensure your next home improvement project succeeds without unnecessary frustration.

Marshalltown Square-Notch: The All-Around Best

For homeowners tackling a variety of projects, from medium-sized bathroom floors to small entryways, the square-notch trowel is the industry standard. The Marshalltown version is frequently cited for its superior balance and comfortable handle, which reduces fatigue during long sessions of spreading mortar.

It provides excellent mortar coverage, ensuring that tiles remain firmly bonded to the subfloor for years. While it carries a slightly higher price tag than economy versions, its durability makes it a smart investment for those who plan on doing more than one project.

The bottom line: Choose this if you want a reliable tool that performs consistently across most standard tiling tasks. It remains the safest bet for beginners who want professional results without needing multiple specialized tools.

QEP Margin Trowel: For Tight Spaces and Repairs

Small tiling jobs, such as repairing a corner near a toilet or filling gaps behind a sink, often require more finesse than a standard large trowel can provide. A margin trowel is specifically designed for these confined, awkward areas where a wide blade would simply be too cumbersome to maneuver.

This tool is essentially a smaller, rectangular trowel that allows for precise application of thin-set mortar. It is also highly effective for mixing small batches of mortar or scraping dried adhesive off of other tools.

The bottom line: Keep a margin trowel in the toolbox for patch jobs and tight corners. It is an inexpensive, essential companion to a larger trowel that ensures no area is left unfinished.

Husky Pro U-Notch: Your Go-To for Large Floor Tiles

Large-format tiles, which are currently very popular in modern kitchen and living room renovations, require a specific amount of mortar to prevent hollow spots. The U-notch design allows for better mortar “ribs,” which collapse more easily when a large, heavy tile is pressed into place.

The Husky Pro series offers a sturdy, ergonomic grip that provides the leverage needed when spreading mortar across larger square footage. It strikes a balance between professional-grade performance and accessibility for the weekend DIYer.

The bottom line: If the project involves tiles larger than 12 inches, a U-notch trowel is non-negotiable. Its design ensures better adhesion and fewer air pockets beneath those heavy tiles.

Anvil Economy Trowel: A Great Budget-Friendly Pick

Not every household project requires a professional-grade tool that will last for decades. For a one-time project, like a small laundry room floor or a single accent wall, the Anvil economy trowel offers exactly what is needed at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

While the handle may not be as ergonomically refined as higher-end models, it gets the job done effectively. It serves as an excellent entry point for beginners who are unsure if they will enjoy the tiling process and want to minimize their initial investment.

The bottom line: Budget does not have to mean poor performance. If the project is small and simple, this tool is perfectly capable of achieving a professional look without overspending.

Goldblatt V-Notch: Ideal for Kitchen Backsplashes

Wall tiles, particularly smaller subway tiles or intricate mosaics used in kitchen backsplashes, require less mortar than heavy floor tiles. A V-notch trowel prevents the mortar from oozing out between the tiles, which saves a significant amount of cleaning time during the installation process.

The Goldblatt V-notch is lightweight and designed for the specific nuances of wall work, where gravity can make heavy tools difficult to manage. Its size is manageable for those working over a countertop or reaching up toward cabinets.

The bottom line: For wall projects, the V-notch is the superior choice. It reduces mess and simplifies the tiling process for vertical surfaces.

RUBI Steel Trowel: A Durable, Long-Lasting Tool

Those who know they will be tiling multiple rooms or performing regular maintenance will appreciate the build quality of the RUBI steel trowel. This tool is constructed with high-quality steel that resists bending and maintains its notch shape even after extensive use.

A common issue with cheaper trowels is the metal warping or the notches wearing down over time, which ruins the consistency of mortar application. The durability of a high-quality steel blade ensures that every single tile receives the exact same amount of coverage.

The bottom line: Invest in this tool if you are planning a whole-house renovation. Its longevity makes the upfront cost well worth the performance consistency provided over time.

M-D Building V-Notch: For Peel-and-Stick Tile

Peel-and-stick tiles have evolved significantly, but some versions still require the application of a thin layer of specialized adhesive. The M-D Building V-notch trowel is perfectly sized for applying this adhesive evenly across a smooth subfloor.

This trowel is small, easy to store in a crowded apartment or a cramped utility closet, and highly effective for non-heavy-duty tasks. It offers a simple, no-fuss solution for homeowners who prefer the speed and ease of adhesive-backed materials.

The bottom line: This is a niche tool that serves a specific purpose for quick, light-duty home updates. If the project involves modern adhesives or thin-set, this trowel keeps the application clean and efficient.

What Notch Shape Is Right for Your First Project?

Choosing the wrong notch shape is the most common error for beginners. The goal is to provide enough mortar to create a vacuum seal between the tile and the substrate without causing an overflow that ruins your grout lines.

• Square-Notch: Best for standard floor tiles and general wall applications.
• V-Notch: Best for small, light, or glass tiles on walls.
• U-Notch: Best for large-format floor tiles to ensure proper mortar collapse.

If the manufacturer of the tile provides a recommendation on the packaging, always follow it. Manufacturers have tested their tiles with specific notch sizes to ensure the best possible adhesion for their specific weight and thickness.

How to Hold and Angle Your Trowel Correctly

How you hold the trowel dictates the amount of mortar left on the surface. The handle should be gripped firmly but comfortably, with the trowel held at a consistent 45-degree angle against the floor or wall.

Maintaining that 45-degree angle is crucial; if the trowel is too upright, you remove too much mortar. If it is too flat, you leave too much mortar, which leads to a messy installation and tiles that sit unevenly.

Consistency is key throughout the entire space. Once the angle is set, use long, smooth strokes to comb the mortar, creating uniform “ridges” that will flatten perfectly when the tile is pushed into place.

Cleaning Your Trowel So It Lasts for Years

Cleaning is the most important part of tool maintenance, yet it is frequently ignored by beginners. If mortar is allowed to dry on the trowel, the surface becomes rough and the notches may eventually clog, leading to uneven adhesive application on the next project.

Always wipe the trowel clean with a damp sponge or cloth immediately after finishing the last tile of the day. If mortar has started to harden, use a stiff-bristled wire brush to scrub the notches thoroughly before storing it away.

Before putting the trowel back on the shelf, ensure it is completely dry to prevent rust. A light coat of household oil on the steel blade can provide extra protection for those living in humid climates or storing tools in non-climate-controlled spaces like a garage or basement.

Taking a few extra minutes to clean your tools after a project ensures that your investment remains ready for the next update. With the right trowel properly maintained, you are fully equipped to handle minor repairs and major renovations with confidence.