If you need to cut tiles, a wet saw is one of the best tools you can use. It can easily cut tiles made out of ceramic, porcelain, glass, and stone. This tool features a blade without any teeth, as it is made out of carbide grit or diamond. It is called a wet saw because it flushes water during the cutting process, which is meant to cool down both the blade and tile. A wet saw can be bought for sums starting at $100 or can be rented for as little as $50.
A more affordable option is the tile cutter, which allows you to cut tiles manually. This tool can be installed on a tabletop and cuts tiles by snapping them along a line that was previously marked. If you want to use this tool, it is worth knowing that it works best with ceramic, glass, or porcelain tiles.
You will need a grout sponge after you're done applying the grouting material along the joints of the tiles. This sponge is special because it's denser and larger than regular sponges. Also, it features round corners and edges. The purpose of this accessory is to help you clean the excess grout from the tiles and joints, at the end of the grouting process. Why can't you use a regular household sponge instead? Sponges made for household cleaning are rougher and, therefore, can take out grouting material from the joints as you try to clean up the tiles. Their small size, as well, is an impediment, making you work hard for longer. So, if you want to be effective and save your work, choose a grout sponge.
There are situations when you need to perform round cuts in the tiles, like when you need to go round drainage or vent in the floor. A wet saw won't be able to perform an irregular cut, but a tile nipper can. Its functioning principle resembles a nail trimmer, as it features a strong jaw and handles like pliers. When you press on the handles, the jaw will press on the tiles and break small parts. It is not mandatory to have such a tool, as you can complete a tiling job without it. However, it is useful to have one in case you need to perform irregular cuts.
Also known as a carpenter level or spirit level, a bubble level is a useful tool in every house. So, if you're used to doing things around the house, most probably you already own a bubble level. With its help, you can check the level of a tile, whether it is laid horizontally or vertically, and can also draw straight lines on the desired surface.
When looking to get involved in a tiling project, you need to know that laying tiles is all about respecting straight lines. Thus, you need something that will help you determine and define straight lines. A chalk line is old-school, but it works just as fine when you need to make a straight line visible. It is very easy to use and will determine tiling lines before you start laying the tiles.
A rubber mallet is needed to set tiles in place, by gently tapping them into the layer of set adhesive. So, after laying a tile, take a rubber mallet and apply taps onto its surface, making sure it presses well onto the adhesive. Do not improvise by trying to cover a regular mallet with pieces of cloth or foam, as it won't work and you risk cracking the tiles. Investing in a rubber mallet, with is an inexpensive tool, will save you from trouble.
