The plastering Trowel has to be the most important tool for plastering. I mean your finish solely rely’s on the quality of your tools and the plastering Trowel is one tool you can’t cheat. So let’s talk trowels with this Nela Trowel Review.
We always hear about a Marshalltown and the other German brand, Refina, but where is Nela’s shoutout? Has it been missed our for a reason is it just through ignorance that Nela is never seen? Has it had the credit it deserves or are we right with sticking to what we know?
That’s the big subject today. This is the NELA Premium Trowel 14″ x 4.75″ and we’re going to strip this down to its bare bones. We’re going to see if this Trowel has space in a plasterers toolbox and more importantly, yours.
Should we let the big boys down and try something different? Let’s find out:
Straight out the box
Before we get into the full review I have to say one thing: this is solid! The handles are ergonomically designed and made from their signature material, cork. The mounting is die-cast with aluminium attached with steel bolts giving the Nela Trowel a really rigid frame and the stainless chrome blade is bevelled which makes it ready for plastering, straight out the box!
Now, this might not mean much and seem a little boring! However, you can’t knock it for its design. It is an impressive piece and kit.
Not only that but it looks really good. It has to be one of the best looking trowels on the market and judging by the spec, maybe the sturdiest. However, looks aren’t everything.
Is this Trowel any good?
Pro’s Of The Nela Trowel
Let’s start with the most important part of the Trowel: the way it feels. This is a really well designed Plastering Trowel and I love the cork handle. It sits nicely in the hand and provides a hell of a grip.
The cork just works! If your hands are wet, you’ll still get the essential grip that is needed for every part of plastering, (especially the finish). Your fingers don’t rub against the frame and there’s lots of room between the handle and blade making skimming easy.
The bevelled blade works similar to the Marshalltown Permashape in the sense that it’s broken in and ready to be used. The steel looks great in quality and isn’t too heavy to work with, especially the stainless chrome trowels.
You can actually get the carbon steel Trowel which is preferred by some so there are options for both. However, there is one thing that makes this Trowel:
It’s s really well balanced. Without sounding too much like a hippie, it just felt right using the Nela Trowel. It had a nice weight to it and had an effective balance that provided natural endurance during skimming. It’s just well made and shows when used.
Cons
This does come with a drawback in the form of a price tag. They definitely aren’t the cheapest trowels on the market. I found the Nela premium plastering Trowel ranging from £40 – £47. It is a little dearer than other brands but do you pay for quality?
For example, the Marshalltown Permashape have a similar price range and they are the best selling trowels on the market.
I must admit, I sometimes miss your typical rubber handles but to be fair, functionally, cork wins. I’m just trying to pick at it with an open mind but I honestly struggle to find any real faults. It’s just hard too o pick on.
Now we’ve been through the trowels spec but how’s the time for the final verdict:
The Full Nela Trowel Review
I have to say I really enjoyed using the 14″ Nela Premium Trowel. It’s just a well-made Trowel with many perks. It’s comfortable to use, made with quality and feels well balanced when Plastering. It is a solid Trowel!
It just works. Simple as that.
The other thing I really like about Nela is their innovation. For example, cork handles – what a brilliant idea. It’s refreshing to see a company step out of the box and change the way plastering trowels are made.
This creates a space for change and encourages company’s to create amazing Trowels like this one. It really is a joy to use and I must say, I’m heavily converted. If my trusty Marshalltown even gives in, (god forbid), then I would seriously consider buying a Nela Trowel for myself.
I recommend anyone to anyone – give them a go and think a little differently. It’s so easy to buy a Marshalltown Trowel because everyone else has one but using this, made me think that maybe there is a better alternative. Maybe it’s time to put my typical plastering Trowel down and try something else.
Are you ready to try something different?
Thank you for reading and stay tuned. Sign up to our newsletter and stay in touch for future reviews. Looking for plastic trowels? Read our review on the Refina Plaziflex here!