Get Your Basic Tiling Tools
Do-it-yourself tile projects have many benefits including greater monetary savings and higher quality control
. Before embarking on your first DIY tile project, however, be sure that you have all the essential tools for the job. These tools are a great investment because of their usefulness in making tile projects a breeze to accomplish.
Take note that this list is by no means a comprehensive one. Still, you will find it to be sufficient for DIY project purposes - add more tools, supplies and equipment as your tiling skills and projects grow in scope and ambition.
Bubble or Box Level:
This is a ruler with two inset bubbles placed within green fluid; the bubbles are for horizontal and vertical measurements. It is used to measure levelness of the wall before and after the tile installation.
Chalk Line or Laser Level/Line:
Keep in mind that tiling is all about getting the lines straight. The chalk line may be old-fashioned but it is as accurate as the laser line - the choice is a matter of personal preference. Either line is used to define the tiling area before the actual tile installation starts.
Grout Float:
Don't be misled by the name - the grout float does not float despite its name. As soon as the tiles are placed on the floor, the mortar should be firmly pressed into the seams using the grout float. This is a must-have tiling tool mainly because no amount of improvisation can effectively do the job.
Grout Sponge:
No, the sponges used for scrubbing the body and the kitchen counter, among other surfaces, will not do the job in an effective manner. Grout sponges are big, thick and dense sponges that efficiently slough off the excess tile mortar.
Plastic Buckets:
These buckets are inexpensive so there's no reason why you will not buy plenty of these containers for tiling. No, the buckets used for other purposes like washing cars and mopping floors should not be used for tiling substances. Take note, too, that you will require different buckets for thin-set mortar and pre-mixed thin-set.
Notched Trowels:
Trowels are also must-have tiling tools. These tools are used for evenly spreading the mastic on the walls and the thin-set mortar on the floor. Although notched trowels look like any other trowel, their primary usefulness lies on the notches. These notches allow for controlled delivery of the adhesive, thus, ensuring that the right amount is applied on the backer-board surface.
Rubber Mallet:
You may have the seemingly brilliant idea of just wrapping a hammer in fabric or foam to mimic the effect of a rubber mallet. Unfortunately, such an idea will soon prove foolish because the tiles will crack under the pressure. A rubber mallet will do the job better, which means you save on the cost of the cracked tiles. This is also one of the most affordable tiling tools so there's no reason why you cannot buy these items.
Tile Nibbler and Wet Tile Saw:
These two tools complement each other. The tile nipper makes irregular cuts possible that the wet tile saw cannot. The wet tiles saw effectively cuts through porcelain, ceramic and natural stone tiles, thus, making the job easier and faster.
When you have all of these essential tiling tools, you can start planning your remodelling of the bathroom, patio and living room areas with the most beautiful tiles on the walls and floors.
by: Lawrence White
Htc Sensation Deals : Some Great Offers Must Not Be Missed In The Winter Snow Safe Tyres Can Help You Cope With The Big Freeze Causes Of Attention To Keep Warm In Winter I Need To Lose Weight, Can Pilates Help The Means Of Mole Removal Guidelines On How To Protect Your Residence From Thieves Are You Over Insured For Retirement? Why You Need To Buy Isagenix Cleanse! Brisbane, How To Lose Weight & Feel Great This Summer Why Go For Smart Metering? Community Gardening Smokeless Cigarettes : With A Glance! How To Get The Perfect Arrangements For Christmas