Are you planning to DIY the installation of your floor tiles? Do you have the right tools for the job? If not, then we’ll provide you with a list of the top tools you need to ensure your DIY installation goes smoothly.
It is worth noting that floor tile installation requires specific tools to ensure that the job gets done. Of course, the DIY approach will save you money on the cost of labor, but you need to make sure that you know the right way to do it.
Keep reading to learn more about the tools you need for your DIY floor tile installation project:
Wooden Handle Slicker
This tool is fairly similar to the putty knife but is increased in length. It’s also used for scraping and spreading materials before putting on the tiles. There’s another version of this tool that has some sort of teeth by its edges.
This one is more attuned to the task of spreading and setting materials evenly. When used to spread and set materials, the teeth create strips of it that will spread evenly when a tile is laid on it. This tool makes it easier for you to create even spreads of adhesive over large areas which are perfect for floor tile installations.
Tile Spacer
When it comes to tile installations, precision is very important. Even just a millimeter out of your intended spacing can cause a domino effect, completely ruining your whole flooring. With tile spacers, however, you can always be sure that you have the right amount of distance between tiles.
5mm tile spacers are almost always used for floor installations, though you can also find 3mm and 4mm ones. These tile spacers are perfect for installations that involve laying of natural stone tiles, porcelain tiles, and ceramic tiles. Source: Floor Center
Rubber Mallets
Smacking tile with a normal hammer is a surefire way to break the tile itself. This situation is where a rubber mallet comes into play. While you still can’t swing it around like a sledgehammer, lightly tapping the tile with a rubber mallet helps knock it into place.
Rubber mallets will cost around $5 to $20. The cost fluctuates based on the material of the mallet itself.
Manual Tile Cutter
Sometimes, a small tiling job doesn’t require you to get all the power equipment out. Instead, you might want to use a manual tile cutter. There’s no worrying about equipment overheating because the machine can only work as fast as you do.
Manual tile cutters will cost anywhere from $50 to $100, depending on the size of the unit, and can be a great tool when you’re thinking about different shower tile ideas. You may not need a power tool for the job, especially if it’s a smaller shower. Source: Angi
Tile Leveling System
Using a tile leveling system will help prevent lippage and prevent the creation of tripping hazards from unevenly laid tile.
Trowel
A tile trowel is essential for laying the mortar base on the subfloor before laying the tile. Tile trowels also help you measure the accurate amount of mortar. Grout floats spread the grout in all of the gaps of the already laid tile. Because grout floats are made of rubber, they will not scratch the tile flooring. Source: Rubi
Hopefully, this will help you get started on your project as soon as possible!
Keep in mind that a professional’s work is always the best way to go. If ever you need one, you can always get in touch with us, and we’ll provide you with a quote on your floor tile project. Just give us a call!
