Floor Tiling Essentials

Are you thinking about taking on a tiling project in your home? Adding tile, whether it is on the floor or on the wall in your kitchen or bathroom, can really help add more style to your home and improve it’s value. Once you learn how to tile, you’ll probably find it is actually a relatively simple process. Before you get started, however, you will need to gather the proper tools for the job.

Tiles

Obviously, you will need to purchase the tiles themselves before you can start a tiling project. You may be surprised to discover that there are so many different styles, colors and textures available when it comes to tiles. Make sure you take some time to explore all of your options and then order enough for your entire project before you get started. The last thing you want is to run out of tiles right when you are in the middle of doing the job. Or worse, you make a frantic late night trip to the tile supplier only to find your particular style and color has been discontinued!

Spacers

In order to help you get a consistent gap between all of your tiles, you will need to purchase tile spacers. Tile spacers go between the tiles as you lay them so the tiles are spaced evenly throughout the entire area. The spacers also ensure that the right amount of space is left for the grout which you will ultimately apply between the tiles.

Trowel

You will also need to get a trowel to help you spread the tile adhesive. You may actually want to buy a few different types of trowels to help you with different parts of the project. If you are just learning how to tile, trying trowels with different designs will also help you find the style that you are the most comfortable with using.

Tile Cutter

A tile cutter is basically an electric saw used for cutting tile and will likely be another necessary tool for your project. You’ll use it when you need to cut tiles for certain odd areas or to fill the entire space you are tiling.

Adhesive

Tile adhesive is a tacky mud-like compound (depending on the type you purchase) that sticks the tile to the application area. Most adhesive is applied with a trowel but some applications require a roller or brush. Refer to your product instructions for details.

Grout

Grout is that gritty concrete-like material that fills the spaces between the tiles. It comes in a variety of different colors so make sure it compliments your tiles and surrounding decor.