These tools will help you complete your tiling project at professional standards. Tools can be purchased or rented and are all widely available at your local home improvement retail stores.
Adhesive Spreader : The notched edge of this tool ensures an even spread of adhesive.
Drawing (China-graph) Pencil : Use this for marking tiles that need cutting work. A "china-graph pencil" will not stain the tiles and will resist being washed away when using a water-fed cutting machine. Never use a felt tip pen as they may permanently mark your tiles.
Drill : Use a masonry or tile drill bit.
Electric Water-Fed Diamond Wheel Cutter : A diamond wheel cutter is the best way of cutting difficult/complicated tile shapes. These are available local home improvement stores, tile shops, or DIY stores. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding protective goggles, masks and gloves.
WARNING: Electric water-fed diamond wheel cutters should not be used to cut metal mosaics.
Epoxy Squeegee : A rigid squeegee specifically designed for the application of Epoxy grouts.
Eye Protection, Gloves and Dust : Mask It is vital that you use all possible protection when using any cutting tools/machinery. Always use personal protective equipment as advised.
Gauging Trowel : For removing the grout from its container, or the vessel used for mixing the grout. Use it to place adhesive onto a trowel.
Glasscutter : This is specifically for cutting glass. Simply mark the outline of your cut, score it with the glasscutter, lay a thin wire under the score and apply even but firm pressure on either side.
Grout Finishing Tool : This tool is run along the grout lines before they set completely to give a consistent, neat finish. This tool is a must to ensure professionally finished grout lines. WARNING: NOT to be used on Epoxy grout.
Light Mallet : Not an essential tool, but useful for tapping tiles into the adhesive, and leveling up.
Notched Trowel or Adhesive Spreader : The notched edge of these tools ensure an even spread of adhesive.
Spacers : These small pieces of plastic are inserted between the corners of the tiles or mosaic sheets to provide consistent spacing. Push them in side-on so they are at right angles to the surface, and place them at regular intervals to maintain the spaces, and remove them before the grout is applied. For mosaics, ensure that the spacers you use are the same width as the spaces between the individual tiles on the sheet.
Spirit Level / Laser Level / Plumb Line : One or more of these tools will be necessary to ensure that your tile installation is completed evenly with straight joints/ seams. A plumb line can be made with a small weight/ object, attached on a piece of string.
Sponge : This can be used to remove the grout residue and to smooth the joints. It is always best to use new sponges and grouting tools as old tools may have adhesive residue on them which could scratch / damage your tiles.
Squeegee (Rubber Trowel) : Used for spreading grouting compound into the spaces between the tiles.
Steel Ruler : A steel ruler is an essential toolbox item, as all successful installations depend on accurate measuring. WARNING: DO NOT use a steel ruler on stainless steel mosaics.
Tape Measure : For accurately measuring floors, walls and tiles.
Tile Cutter : A must-have machine for making straight cuts.
Tile Gauge : A device for accurately positioning your tiles.
Tile Nippers : A specialist tool for cutting away unwanted sections of tiles.
Wedges : These are wooden or plastic for perfect tile adjustments.
