Ceramic Tile Installation Tools
- Installing ceramic tile as a do-it-yourself project can be a cost-effective way to beautify your home, but you need the right tools. Having the proper tools will ensure the project goes smoothly and without costly mistakes. Tile installation tools can be bought a hardware store, home improvement store or tile dealer. Tools such as a snap cutter or wet saw can be rented from the tile dealer or a tool-rental shop.
- Layout tools are the tools you need to install ceramic tile evenly and in straight lines on a wall or floor. A steel tape measure is used to measure the area to determine the amount of tile you need. It's also used to measure the length of the cut for tiles installed on corners, and along the edge of tubs and other areas where a whole tile can't be installed. Use the straight edge of a two-foot carpenter's square to mark tile for cutting and to ensure that grout joints between tile remain evenly spaced as you're setting the tiles into the adhesive. To be sure the tiles are level and flush with one another during installation, use a level.
- Ceramic tile cutting tools are used for making straight cuts in the tile. The size and thickness of the tile determines the cutting tool needed to cut it. A glass cutter is a good tool when you have a small amount of tile to cut. A snap cutter, commonly called a tile cutter, is used for cutting a large number of ceramic tiles, such as the number needed for a kitchen floor or large bathroom. Wet saws or hacksaws equipped with a carbide-grit blade are typically used to cut large tile. Tile nippers are for cutting curves or irregular shapes in the edges of the tiles. It may be needed to install ceramic tile around pipes under a sink or around the curved edge of a free-standing tub.
- Spacers are set between tiles for even spacing between the ceramic tiles for grout joints. Wall tiles usually have built-in spacers, which are the nubs sticking out from the side of the ceramic tile. They are cross-shaped pieces of plastic that come in various sizes. A notched trowel is used to apply adhesive to the floor. The flat side used to spread the adhesive evenly and the notched side and end are used to comb ridges into the adhesive that are the correct depth for the type of adhesive being used for tile installation. After setting the tiles on the adhesive, tap small tiles lightly with a rubber mallet to set the ceramic tiles into the adhesive. For large tiles, a piece of 2 x 4 lumber wrapped with a piece of scrap carpet or fabric, called a bedding block, is used to set the tiles. A grout float is used to spread grout over the tile and into the tile grout joints. Use the edge to remove excess grout from the surface of the ceramic tile and wipe with a damp rag or sponge. The type of grout needed, sanded or unsanded, depends on the grout joint size. Sanded grout is for grout joints that are wider than 1/8 inch. Unsanded grout is for joints less than 1/8 inch.
