Before Starting a Tile Flooring Project - Tool Checklist
Are you prepared to start your tile flooring project? Before beginning, you might want to check your garage for the tile flooring tools on this list to ensure an easy and stress free DIY experience.
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Missing some critical tool? Before running to the hardware store to purchase any/all of these tile flooring tools, consider if it is something you will be using again for more projects down the road.
Larger tools such as a wet saw can be very price and not worth the investment for only 1 or 2 uses. These larger power tools can usually be rented for much cheaper. For smaller tools, consider borrowing them from a friend if you don’t see long term use of the tool.
This is a list of all the critical tools you will need while installing your dream tile flooring. Although you can successfully complete a beautiful tile floor with just these tools, this list is not exhaustive.
There may be particular tools that experienced DIYers or professionals use to make certain parts of the job easier. We recommend starting by reading our assortment of tile installation articles, Layout for Tile Floors, Tile Levelling System, How to Install Tiles, etc.
Once you have a good grasp of the basic steps and procedures, you can check out some content from online professionals for further tips and tricks on how to install tile flooring. Through this process you might find another tool or two to add to this list that will help you.
We recommend checking out videos and content by: Home RenoVision DIY and by That Tile Chick.
Without further ado, let’s get to the list of tile flooring tools!
Wet Saw
Used to cut tiles, particularly ceramic or porcelain, with water to reduce dust and keep the blade cool to reduce cracking.
Tile Cutter
Used for making straight cuts on ceramic or porcelain tiles without the need for a wet saw.
Power Grinder
Used along with a diamond blade to make easy work of more complex cuts, curves, or notches in tiles.
Diamond Grinder Blade
Used along with a power grinder to make easy work of more complex cuts, curves, or notches in tiles.
Tile Snips
Used for cutting small, irregular shapes in tiles by snipping away small crunches of tile.
Level
Used to ensure tiles are laid flat and even.
Square Notch Edge Trowel
Used to spread adhesive evenly on the floor.
Grout Float
Used to apply and spread grout into the joints between tiles.
Eye Protection
Protect your eyes from tiles chips and dust. Never start without your PPE. Safety first!
Ear Plugs
Protect your ears from excessive noise while cutting tiles. Never start without your PPE. Safety first!
Dust Mask
Protect yourself from inhaling excessive dust. Never start without your PPE. Safety first!
Work Gloves
Protect your hands from sharp tile edges and blades. Never start without your PPE. Safety first!
Knee Pads
Protect your knees from unnecessary bruising and soreness. Never start without your PPE. Safety first!
Shop Vacuum
Used to clean up dust and debris from cutting tiles.
Tape Measure
Used for taking accurate measurements of tiles and floor layout.
Utility Knife
Used for cutting underlayment, backer board, or simple opening boxes.
Chalk Line
Used to create straight lines for tile layout.
Speed Square
Used for marking straight and square lines on tiles and checking angles.
6' Level
Used for checking level over a larger area, mainly used for checking the subfloor.
Crowbar, Pry Bar
Used for removing old tiles, baseboards, or lifting tiles while leveling.
Laser Level
Used to provide precise horizontal and vertical lines for layout and alignment.
Framing Square
Used to make accurate right-angle cuts and measurements on tiles larger than 8 inches.
Mallet
Used with tile spacers or for gently tapping tiles into place.
Tile Sponge
Used for removing grout from tile surface after grouting is complete.
5-Gallon Bucket
Useful for keeping water handy for mixing grout/mortar or cleaning tools.
Straight Edge Trowel
Used for scraping grout of motor out of bucket on too spreading trowel.
Conclusion
Each of these tools plays a crucial role in different stages of a floor tiling project, from preparation and layout to cutting and installation to final clean up. Having the right tools and safety equipment ensures the job is done efficiently and safely.
Sure Reno will be here every step of the way so you can start you next DIY tile project with confidence.
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