What is one consequence of using a notched trowel that is too small?

Using a notched trowel that is too small can lead to a poor bond and insufficient coverage when installing tiles. The purpose of a notched trowel is to create ridges of adhesive that enable better adhesion between the tile and the substrate. If the trowel is too small, the ridges may not be deep enough or spaced adequately, which means that there won't be enough adhesive to thoroughly bond the tile to the surface.

This lack of adequate adhesive can result in air pockets forming under the tile, leading to weak spots in the installation. Over time, this can cause the tiles to lift, crack, or become dislodged. Moreover, insufficient adhesive coverage can compromise the integrity and longevity of the tile installation, making this option particularly critical to understand.

The other options might arise as a result of issues related to adhesive application, but the foremost consequence linked directly to the size of the notched trowel is the potential for a poor bond and insufficient coverage.