Tile Tools

Using the proper tools is critical to the success of your tiling project. Tools for tile installation are designed and engineered to protect the structural integrity of your tile floors & walls, and to maximize your tile’s longevity.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Get the right trowel with the right notches. Trowels for tiling come in different sizes and with different notches. A trowel with the appropriate notches for your specific project ensures mortar is applied at the correct depth and with the ridges according to the size of your tile. Depth and ridges in the right combination, is what makes your tile collapse, creating a full bond without trapped air pockets.

Use a tile leveling system. Tile leveling systems are a great way to ensure tile surfaces are perfectly flat (or "level"), and to prevent lippage, which is when one tile edge sits higher than the adjacent one. 

Choose the right tile cutter for your tile project. If you need to make straight cuts in ceramic or porcelain tiles, a manual tile cutter is ideal. Choose a cutter that can handle your thickest and longest tiles, ideally one with a cutting length greater than the diagonal measurement of your largest tile.

Get that flawless grouting. Tiling tools like rubber grout floats firmly pack grout into joints without scratching the tile surface, while the right sponges help you wipe out excess grout, preventing digging out or marring grout, and making clean-up smooth and easy.

Specialized tools can make a big difference. Specialized tools for tiling projects, like a TileTrim Square to cut tile trims and jolly's, nippers to make precise, small, and irregular cuts on tile, mallets to tap tile into thinset, polishing pads and diamond sanding blocks to smooth, polish, or finish a surface, are some of the specialized tools that can make a big difference in the success of your tiling project.

Large format tile installation requires specialized tools. When installing large-format porcelain tile, it is essential to use tools specially designed to handle, cut, move, and install them. These tools include a rail cutting system that allows you to cut porcelain panels up to 10' long and 3/8" thick, a transport cart to safely move the tile panels, a carrying system with an adjustable suction cup configuration and 440 lb. lifting capacity that give you the muscle to carry tile up to 10' x 5', and suction cups, to lift and position the tile.

Professional tile installers know that, while there's no substitute for skills, know-how, and experience, the right tile tools make a big difference in the final look and longevity of the installation.