What tools do you need for tile laying?

Tools for cutting and adjusting tiles

Tiles always need to be trimmed before they can be laid on the floor or wall. It is possible to remove an extra centimeter or a whole corner only by special means. the tile is a one-piece product with high hardness.

It is used for this purpose:

To create the desired geometry of an individual tile, you need the following tool.

• Manual or mechanized tile cutter. in one or another design, it can perform a straight or curved cut. Are made in professional and amateur (primary) version. Professional ones are more expensive, but their capabilities will ensure the same cut at all times. Amateur ones can not cut through thick tiles, do not have the strongest power design, and the cutting element can have a strong backlash.
• Glass cutter. a small device, designed in this case for thin tile. Not much strength in the material ensures a reliable cut. The glass cutter is only suitable for straight cuts.
• angle grinder. the basic tool of both amateur and professional. Too large model is not required. the diameter of the circle to cut through 2-4 cm tiles is enough. The design of the angle grinder must be protected from dust. Motor. designed for frequent regular power-ups and high heat (coating with contaminants reduces the heat output of the housing).
• Pliers are more of an auxiliary device. Comes in handy if you can’t get an even scrap after using a tile cutter. The cutters remove the remains of unsuccessfully broken material without excessive effort.

Pliers are available in several varieties, the main ones among them:

• The so-called “parrots”: for rounded cutting lines for pipes and sockets (also helpful when the first hole is not made correctly);
• powerful models with cutting parts of high hardness. from titanium, for example.

It is important to remember that the cutting wheel of a tile cutter has a limited service life. After 800-1000 square meters the glue is spread on the substrate. The meters of the surface (up to 1 year of work) it should be replaced.

For an angle grinder uses a special replaceable wheels (circles) with a diamond coating. They are characterized by an almost total absence of porosity on the work surface. Smooth surface provides minimum cracking and chipping when cutting. Some sellers believe that tiles are similar to concrete in their properties, and offer circles for stone. this is unacceptable.

If you need tools for laying paving tiles, they will be the same. The exception. cutting power tools: angle grinder for this coating will have high power. You need to cut cast concrete up to 10 cm thick. the dimensions of the wheel and the electromechanical part will be appropriate.

Paving stone, paving stone types. any hard street surface can be modified with this tool.

The application of such a tool will require more than just padding. It is desirable to equip the workplace (including protective shields or partitions). You need to get rid of the dust right away, because it gets mixed in well. A broom or vacuum cleaner will be required.

Tools for laying tiles. types and application

The more diverse the choice of auxiliary devices, the easier it becomes to achieve the desired result. The time required and the quality of tiling depends directly on the selected tool. That’s why you need to be careful in selecting the right tool. In this case, do not overdo it, because unnecessary devices are also unnecessary, as they will duplicate their functions, take up a lot of space and confuse.

��Tile basics, tools you need.��

The cord-prick and pins

The strange name should not mislead you, as a parrot cord is just a twisted cord or rope, with a thickness of 3 mm or more. It is stretched to create even rows, it is used as a reference point. The pins are used for pulling the pull cord and are initially hammered into the substrate when work begins.

The tile cutter

Cutting tiles with this tool. If you are not planning to become a professional tiler, you can buy a hand-held tile cutter, but pay attention to its size and the size of the tiles you have purchased for laying. It’s important for the tool to cut the material in both length and width. The tile cutting tool is one of the most expensive tools in the tiling business.

A handheld tile cutter is probably the most budget-friendly option. But on sale you can buy and electric for a bargain price

Glass cutter

It is used for cutting thin tiles (shards). Durability is limited by the sharpness of the blade.

angle grinder

Where you can not cut tiles with a glass cutter or tile cutter, help angle grinder with dry cutter. Circle or rectangle is the easiest to make with this tool.

Saws

Masters quite often use a hacksaw with a diamond string, or tungsten. Using a hacksaw takes a lot of time, but at the same time in critical areas of the cut, it is rarely necessary to do without it. Even plumbers use a hacksaw to carefully approach pipes for inspection. After such sawing, it is easiest to glue the tile in the same place.

Tile ballerina

Ballerina is a special device for cutting round holes in tile or porcelain tile.

Pliers/cutters

It helps a lot when working with ceramic tiles, but not with porcelain tiles

They can be used to bite off large pieces or irregularities that remain after the laying of tiles. True, an uneven edge can be treated and angle grinder with a diamond wheel, or you can use sandpaper and a sharpening stone to clean up the mowing line of the cut.

Level

With the level to check the flatness of the surface and the correctness of the laying. In the work you will need levels of different lengths, up to two 2 meters, and from 20 cm. And here you can check the work of the master with a cell phone and a special application. the level.

Drill with attachments

The mixer nozzle is a special device for mixing glue.

In hot weather it is very convenient to mix glue with this tool. After all, you need to mix in small batches due to the fact that the glue dries quickly. It takes a long time to do this by hand, but with a mixer it’s easy, take a mix, lay down a small area, and repeat the operation.

Plumb

A plumb line is a tool that represents a cone on a string or cord. Use it to determine the accuracy of vertical paving. Nowadays this tool is more often replaced by a laser level.

Bucket

A bucket is a container for mixing the adhesive. It should be deep and wide, for easy mixing of the glue and scooping it up with a trowel. Nowadays, specialized containers for laying tiles are sold.

In the photo a special container for mixing glue, as well as other tools needed for finishing installation

Brushes

Painting brushes are used to apply primer or to sweep dust from the surface, or to clean or moisten the back of the tile.

Trowels

Trowels are the main tool for applying glue. Trowels, as tools for laying tiles on the floor and wall, allow you to apply the adhesive very accurately, to the right thickness, thus increasing the adhesion of the adhesive between the tile and the base.

Trowels made of rubber, this shape, help in grouting, especially where it is difficult to reach with large tools

• Smooth trowel is used for initial application of adhesive or leveling;
• Toothed, for grooving glue. The thicker the tile, the larger the teeth;
• Rubber, for grouting. Grouting tools come in different configurations depending on where they are used. By the way, no one knows how it was invented and when it was first used. But this tool is really important in a master installer’s business.

Trowel, trowel and special trowel will help the tiler

Trowel

A trowel is a tile tool used to apply and distribute grout, especially helpful for applying grout in corners and other hard-to-reach places.

Trowels

A special plastic grinder, which is inserted between the tiles, creates a uniform distance between them. Today recommend special systems for laying, which are the same thickness of the seam and the strength of the laying when the glue dries.

A mallet or hammer with a rubber mallet head

To better secure the tiles, they should be deposited in the adhesive. These are the right tile tools to help you do it.

The purpose of the measuring tool is to ensure that the tile placement is even, horizontally and vertically aligned. These are used for:

long construction level (water level). It is used for surface marking for tile revetment and control of the horizontality of tile rows. Should be at least a meter long, or better, 2 meters. A laser level is a more than adequate substitute, but for those who know how to use it;

How to choose the right plate? Expert advices are waiting for you on our website

What tiles to choose for bathroom and toilet tiling? Read about it here: http://remontspravka.com/select-kafel-bathroom-toilet/

The article “Choosing a tile design” will tell you how to choose a tile so that the tile covering was not only comfortable, but also aesthetic

A short construction level (water level) of 40-60 cm in length. Used to check the accuracy of adjacent tiles;

flexible level. It is a hose with two graduated flasks at the end. the principle of operation is the same as that of the water level gauge: the hose is pulled between the two control points and the level of water in the flasks is judged by how far the points are from each other in height. Choose a flexible spirit level that is 1.5 times the length of the surface to be tiled;

A 2 m long, 25 x 70 mm square wooden ruler is not only used for measuring, but also for aligning tiles;

steel angle. to control the perpendicularity of rows of tiles in the corners of the room; cords for marking lines; thick fishing line as a cord for the ropes; plumb line; pencil or marker.

Tools for laying tile on the floor 20.04.2017 Located in: TILING

In some ways, installing tile is an art. Because it takes years of practice and the ability to create a good design to plan a layout and combine tiles of different textures and thicknesses into an attractive pattern.

It is worth noting that tile tools are designed for specific purposes in the installation process. Therefore, trying to find an alternative will, at best, significantly increase the time it takes to complete the project. At worst, it can damage the tile or you could hurt yourself.

This doesn’t mean that you should buy all the tile laying tools available. Instead, you need to make sure that the equipment you have can help you accomplish the task at hand with ease and efficiency.

Here is a list of the eight most important tools for installing tile. In addition, every professional installer should have them in his arsenal.

Hand held tile cutters

One of the most important tools you’ll need is a good handheld tile cutter. Versatile, lightweight and easy to use, it can turn the toughest job into a breeze. Not only does a handheld tile cutter provide great cutting speed, you can also use it with one hand. It’s worth noting that the cut is clean and precise, it doesn’t affect the quality of the surface material, whether you’re working with ceramic or glass.

Also, if you plan to cut large format tiles, look for a tool with different cutting sizes. For example, 26 inches, 36 inches or even 60 inches.

Tile Saw

Most tile work requires notches in the tile to fit perfectly. Therefore, a professional tile saw is indispensable if you want to make thin cuts in various materials such as ceramic, glass, faor or natural stone.

Diamond drills

often than not, you may find that you need to drill a hole in tile to solve trim problems with pipes, gutters or faucets. It’s worth mentioning that tile drilling requires mathematical precision and high-quality tools to ensure that you’ll penetrate the surface without cracking it. So, a drill set is a vital tool, especially if you are working with different tile materials. Therefore, you need to find drill bits of different diameters that will allow you to cut holes of different sizes in granite, faora, glass or marble tile.

You can find a set of diamond drill bits with wet cutting function to reduce dust and noise on the construction site. Also, make sure that the tool has side holes, which can improve the cooling of the drill. These holes will make it easy to remove the residue after each drilling, making the installation process quick and smooth.

Tile mortar mixer

One of the most important aspects of a successful tile installation is getting the right consistency of mortar. However, it doesn’t matter if you know how to mix mortar properly if you don’t have the right tools. A quality mixer for tile mortar will not only simplify the whole process. Also helps you get a strong bond and, as a result, a long-lasting masonry.

Tile mortar mixers are available in a variety of modifications. Therefore, ideal for mixing cement, adhesives, paints, resins and other materials. As a rule of thumb, always make sure you are using a trowel that is appropriate for the amount of mortar you are using.

Rubber buckets

One of the most important tools for laying tile that is forgotten is the rubber bucket. Not only can you use it to mix or transport mortar. What’s more, thanks to the rubber material, rubber buckets are easier to clean than plastic buckets. Therefore, even if the mortar is completely dry, it is much easier to clean a rubber bucket than a hard plastic bucket.

Sturdy and versatile rubber buckets make a great addition to your indispensable tile installation tools. Not to mention, they are stackable and don’t take up much space. Therefore, be sure to buy them in different sizes.

Tile trowel

Regardless of the type of tile you’re installing, whether it’s ceramic tile or natural stone, you need to attach it to the surface with a cement-based mortar. Therefore, the mortar needs to be leveled so that the tiles adhere to the wall or floor as evenly as possible.

A tile spatula is one of the most important tools for laying tile if you want the end result to look flawless and professional.

When choosing a trowel, make sure you choose the right size to get proper coverage every time. Also, look for a lightweight but sturdy trowel to make applying mortar easier. Since every tile installation project has its own specific requirements, we recommend you buy a trowel with U-shaped and square notches.

Tile leveling system

Tools needed to install a tile alignment system

On our website you will find tile leveling systems that include everything you need to prevent tile irregularities: clamps, wedges and tongs.

Tile clamps ensure quick alignment. So, use them in conjunction with quick-release tile wedges to ensure that the pressure is evenly distributed on the tiles and therefore aligns the entire surface. Also, pliers can help you align the tiles, ensuring that the entire surface is uniformly flat.

Knee pads

Being a professional installer has many advantages. For starters, unlike regular office work, tile installation requires a lot of physical exertion. You squat, lift weights, and apply solution with your hands. Not to mention the joy and surprise on homeowners’ faces when they see that the end result is priceless. But constantly squatting and kneeling will eventually lead to pain, no matter how young or old you are. So, kneepads will not only protect your knees, but also make your work safer and more comfortable.

A good tile installer needs good tools for installing tiles

No matter how skilled or motivated you are. Your work is only as good as your tools. So, arm yourself with the best tile laying tools to make your projects as stunning as possible.

Basic tools for tiling work

Of course, you will need a mixer.

Some may say that it is better to use a drill, having a whisk, for mixing.

Some of the most important tools in tiling

When the mixer, the rotation is transmitted through the gearbox, due to this on the motor is created a minimum load, so it works at a low number of revolutions, and this is better for most mixtures. The attachment in the mixer faucet is very secure, and the faucet itself is heavy and large. Drill, even a high quality and good quality manufacturer, can not withstand the heavy loads that can withstand the mixer. We advise to buy a domestic mixer, as they are not inferior in quality to foreign, and cost 2, and even 3 times cheaper.

The next positive quality of the mixer is the ability to drill holes, using a clamping chuck. A tile drill, “ballerina”, or small glue mixer is attached to the chuck itself. When making screeds and plasters in small quantities, the mixer can compete with a concrete mixer in terms of ease of use. As a rule, it is more convenient to mix the mortar in two 20-liter rubberized buckets or in a metal box. So, the mixer is the most important tool of a bricklayer!

About the tile cutter

Today on the market you can find a large variety of such tools, conditionally by tilers, they are divided into two types. The most budget-friendly option is a small tile cutter. It is used for a single job with small volumes.

• The maximum tile cut is 40 centimeters.
• When you cut a thick tile with it, the weak tubes will bend, and you may not be able to break the tile on the contour. Over time, the tubes corrode and the torch will not move as fast.
• The backlash of the lower cutting wheel is four millimeters. You can’t cut two identical tiles exactly.

Tile cutter for professionals is much more expensive, some instances reach the cost of 400. If you’re a professional installer, this tool will pay for itself in a year. As a rule, it is made by Italians and Austrians. The main and most important part of the tile cutter. the wheel. A brand cutting wheel has an approximate life of 800 meters square of tiles. That is, laying 100 square meters of tiles every month, you will have enough for about a year. By the way, even after the expiration of the operating period, the wall tile lends itself to him easily, worse cut only floor tiles and porcelain tiles. A similar tile cutter from China will last 1-3 weeks.

The third most important tool are cutters.

The necessary tools also include

The cutters are auxiliary tools for cutting tiles. Tiles can not always be broken on the cut. There is a chance you may buy overpowdered ceramics, or the cutting wheel may wear out. The ideal tool in these situations are pliers. If you have powerful cutters that have beaten teeth, you can break any tile over a mowing line of cuts.

You can also use narrow cutters. Often, builders call them “parrots”. They are best for creating holes for outlets, pipes, and other electrical and plumbing fixtures. It happens that the hole is cut, but the marking is not accurate. In that case, you can either take a new tile, or try to fix the “parrot” the old one.

To fill the joints you need to have the following tools:

It would not be bad to have such a set of trowels in your arsenal

The sixth place is taken by rubber gloves.

They should only be used when performing grouting of joints. Chemical additives and cement included in the grout corrode and dry the skin on the hands. If the amount of work is very small, then without the gloves, in principle, can do.

The final tool is a glove made of felt, used when laying tiles. When the grout dries, the tile will have a patina on it in a day. The easiest way to remove it is with such a glove. From experience, good felt gloves are made by MAPEY. It is very handy, but it is not easy to wipe hard to reach places, because it is flat.

The next tool is a sponge. It’s great for removing grout that hasn’t set too hard. This tool is very useful in the summer, when the grout hardens especially quickly.

It is used for sanding, thanks to it, in the final finishing, the seams are perfectly beautiful.

Also important tools are:

A flat-shaped plastic trowel.

It is used to remove irregularities between tiles, as well as for a better adhesion of the mortar with glue. Some finishers doubt its usefulness, and perhaps for good reason. Spending it on the tile, the second corner can lift a little. For tips on how to avoid this, see below.

A 1 kilogram rubber mallet.

It is very convenient for tapping tiles during the laying process, its use eliminates the voids under the tiles.

angle grinder. In its importance in tiling is not inferior to any mixer or tile cutter. These three tools are 90 percent of the costs associated with laying tile. Circle nozzles for cutting tiles from China is more or less, which can not be said about the angle grinder. We advise you to tie the key to replace the discs to the electric cable angle grinder, because you will have to look for it more than once.

Tools for laying tiles. What else you need

Of measuring tools you will need a tape measure and a good bubble level.

Also for facing works you need to have two angles. A small, chrome one, you will need to mark holes on the tiles, it should have numbers stamped on it. Angles that have paint on them have a small life in a humid environment. To build an even corner, in the absence of an angle, you can use a tile. Using a large angle, you can mark the tiles on the floor. If it is not available, the Pythagoras theorem and an ordinary tape measure will help you.

A chalk line or paint cord.

Designed for marking the first row, if you have a laser level, there is no need for this tool. For people whose budget for repairs is limited, we recommend using a water level instead of a laser level. You will not notice a big difference in time, but the laser level costs almost as much as a professional tile cutter.

Thanks to him you can prepare and level the surface for laying and check the entire masonry in the end.

One of the most commonly used tools is, oddly enough, a broom. It is used quite often in the process of work, for cleaning purposes, and some of them even primed the floor, which is very convenient. In this case, the substance is made more liquid (15-20 percent more water is added) than if you used an ordinary concentrate. Advantages of the method: fast, no need to wash the brush.

Carrier, preferably with a long cable and two bulbs. Such abundant lighting helps to see all the “joints”, making the laying process more convenient.

You will also need an electric tee, a construction knife, felt-tip pens and pencils, a priming roller, a fly brush, a respirator, safety glasses.

After learning all these tools it would not be bad to learn how to put a tile!

How to lay tiles on the floor review of layouts, making a project, preparing the base

Ceramic tile is considered one of the main finishing materials used in the kitchen or bathroom. These products are highly durable and long-lasting, have a huge range of. Next we will learn how to lay tiles on the floor, and what tools are needed for this.

The basics of tile work: the technology of laying tiles on the floor and walls with their own hands (with photos)

Before starting work, you should find the middle of the room. It is necessary to measure the parameters of the room. It will be convenient to align the ceramic tiles. It is also necessary to calculate the number of tiles that will fit in one row.

After all the necessary measurements, you can spread the adhesive evenly on the floor with a trowel or a caulk. As in the case with the wall tiling, it is necessary to apply a moderate amount of glue. The adhesive is combed through with a toothed trowel.

As the correct laying technique suggests, the first tile on the floor is placed near the wall or along the axis of the room. Align the first row with the first tile. Tiles must be pressed into the adhesive and tapped with a rubber mallet. To ensure that the rows are even, first lay the first row of tiles from left to right. On these tiles is fixed the guiding cord, on which the next row is laid.

After the surface is prepared, you can begin mixing the adhesive. Usually use the following mixing proportions: to one part of water add three parts of dry adhesive mixture. The resulting mixture should be allowed to stand for 10 minutes and stir again.

If the resulting consistency is not satisfactory in some way, you can always add a little water or adhesive mixture.

After preparation the mortar is applied to the primed substrate with a toothed spatula. Its smooth side is used. Then the adhesive mixture is evenly distributed over the surface to obtain a smooth and even layer.

According to the correct technique for laying tiles on a wall, the glue should be applied in such an amount that it can be worked on before it begins to dry, i.e.е. for 15 minutes.

After that the layer of mortar is combed through with the toothed side of the trowel. Where the top row of tiles will go, make a horizontal pull through to the height of one tile.

The tile is laid on the adhesive layer and pressed with a slight shift. The position of the glued tiles can be adjusted within 10 minutes.

Mass to fill the seams is applied with a trowel or rubber trowel and rub against the treated joints diagonally. As soon as the joint mortar begins to harden and become dull, it should be scraped.

To do this, a damp sponge is taken, with which the mortar is wiped from the tile itself and aligned on the edges. After that, it is necessary to wait for the seams to dry, clean them with a soft sponge and polish.

Seams on the floor also need to be filled. To do this, the joint mass is poured on the surface of the floor and distributed diagonally with respect to the treated joints. The remains of the material must be removed with a rubber grater.

Watch the video “Technology for laying tiles on floors and walls” to get a better idea of how the job is done:

How to lay tiles in the bathroom: the entire process from “A” to “Z

The technology of laying tiles in each master may be different, some make the seams, for this purpose in the work use crosses. There is also a seamless ceramic installation, the technology is a little more complicated. In the review, we will consider a simple way, how to put tiles in the bathroom with seams with your own hands, and also share some professional secrets.

What tools and materials will be needed for the work

The following tools are required for the work:

• spatula and toothed trowel;
• Brush or roller for priming;
• level;
• masking tape;
• tape measure;
• construction marker;
• Construction angle grinder;
• The rules of the length of 1.5 and 2.5 m;
• Tile cutter;
• angle grinder;
• primer;
• adhesive composition and tile.

How to prepare a proper solution for laying tiles in the bathroom

The easiest part of the work is mixing the mortar. For this you need to buy a special mixture, the instructions for dilution are specified by the manufacturer on the package. The mixture should be mixed with water using a special nozzle on the drill.

This is important! You can not mix the entire volume of the package at once, because the prepared composition has a certain curing time. It is better to prepare the composition for 1-2 m².

The solution should be mixed in a plastic container with a special attachment

How to lay tiles in the bathroom on the wall correctly: all the features of the process

Tile laying does not like fuss, each stage should be approached thoughtfully and do not break the sequence of the technological process. Consider all the features of the cladding work with step-by-step instructions.

Tiles for the bathroom: photo, design, criteria for proper selection, advantages and disadvantages, proper tile layout, subtleties of installation work, expert recommendations. read in our publication.

The main stage. the marking of the wall

After the primer dries, the walls are marked with a marking of future rows of ceramics. You need to know exactly how many whole tiles will turn out in width and height of the surface. According to the location of the pattern will be clear where you should apply trimming, but, as a rule, the level of the bathtub is in sight, so it should be planned in the upper row. If the tile installation begins from the floor, unequivocally, trimming is necessary from the bottom.

It’s worth knowing! Manufacturers offer tiles of different sizes, you can pick up ceramics and without trimming at all. This will significantly reduce waste and, therefore, save money. If trimming is unavoidable, it is necessary to observe the symmetry of the layout.

Layout options for large and small bathrooms

The step by step process of laying glazed tiles in the bathroom with your hands

Before laying tiles in the room, you need to protect the edges of the bathroom with masking tape.

A more detailed master class on laying tiles on the walls and floor in the bathroom can be seen in the video.

Photos of small bathroom renovations. The choice of interior style, design tips, piping layout, floor waterproofing, space zoning, lighting design, finishing materials. in our publication.

With what you can drill technological holes

No ceramic tile installation can not do without pre-drilling technological holes. For such work, the following attachments will be needed:

• A diamond-powdered drill bit;
• a crown with pobeditovye teeth;
• ballerina. it is a drill, which has a bracket on its tail.

Ballerina. a special device for cutting tiles

How to properly lay tiles in the bathroom on the floor: what you need to pay attention to

The technological process of laying tiles in the bathroom on the floor is practically the same as on the walls, but some peculiarities should be mentioned:

• The surface of the floor must be thoroughly cleaned;
• Manufacturers’ collections for the floor offer tile in large sizes. For it should choose the smallest crosses;
• for cutting ceramics will do angle grinder, the disk must be made of metal with a diamond coating;
• The installation of the bathtub can be both before laying tiles and after. In the second option, you must wait until the adhesive dries completely, otherwise it can cause deformation or damage to the products.

Before laying tiles on the floor to waterproof the floor

How to correctly grout joints

At the final stage, grouting of joints is performed. To this procedure begin not earlier than a day, after laying ceramics. The procedure is as follows:

• Clean off the surplus mortar from the tile.
• Dilute the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The mixture is applied between the ceramics deep into the joints at an angle of 45° with a rubber trowel. Form a beautiful joint will help grouting trowel.
• After curing the solution after about half an hour, gently remove the excess with a soft cloth or sponge soaked in water. Actions must be careful, you can not rinse the mixture from inside the joints.

For grouting the joints, you should use a rubber trowel

Bathroom design: modern ideas, photo 2017-2018. In the publication you will find design styles, layout options, nuances of color selection, lighting, fashionable tiles, furniture, designer plumbing fixtures, design tips.