Being a professional part time ceramic tile installer for several years, I have learned that there are 5 top tools every professional needs for laying tile. If you're thinking of laying tile for yourself here's a list of the top 5 tools you should use to do the job like a pro;
1. You need a Tile Saw. A tile saw is a special tool that is made to cut tile. Without a tile saw you can't do the job right. Borrow one from a friend or rent one from your local hardware store.
Cordless Saw
2. A knotched Trowel. A knotched trowel is a tool that is used to lay down the setting material for flooring. It looks a little like a rake. My personal favorite for the beginners and do it yourselfer is the super easy to use and do it right the first time trowel the UltraSpreader. You can find out more about the UltraSpreader online.
3. Tape Measure, just a regular construction tape measure from your local hardware store will do.
4. 2 Sponges. These are large, orange tile sponges that can be purchased at your local hardware store. Just ask for tile sponges. You will need one to wipe off extra grout. The second sponge is for a final clean up of the tile and grout after it is all grouted.
If you don't use two sponges, in two seperate buckets of water, then the grout area will never look clean.
5. An Angle Buster. The anglebuster tile and flooring tool is an easy to use tool that makes cutting angles as simple as laying the tool against the angle, setting it in place, then laying the tool right onto the tile for a perfect cut the first time.
This tool is excellent for do it yourselfers and novices because it makes cutting tough angles very simple and saves you from wasting tile by cutting it wrong again and again. Even professionals use this tool to save time and tile. The anglebuster tool can be found at HomeDepot or online.
With these five tools you can pretty much handle the job.
I can list a lot of other small items you need, like a pencil, level, rags, hammer, buckets, etc. But the top 5 tile laying tools listed above are an absolute must for a job done right. If you want a professional looking job, even if you're a novice, put these tile laying tools on the top of your list of things to buy. Two of my favorite places to go for easy to understand tile laying instructions is;
[http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=770030566&channel=769302578]. This shows a
small Video on what tools you need and how to lay the tile.
Series: How to Use a Tile Saw
Expertise: He has owned and operated several finish construction businesses, and has installed ceramic tile professionally for ten years. http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/tile-saw-tools.htm. This video will show you how to use a tile saw, for those that think they can't use one or are scared to try.
The goal is to make this as easy as possible on how to install tile. Just remember that Having the right tools when you start the job or project will make it go a lot smoother and result in a more professional looking tile job.