Best Tiler’s Tools Guide
Best Tiler's Tools
Are you a professional tiler looking for the best tile cutter for floor tiles? Perhaps you’re a homeowner looking to give the bathroom a much-needed makeover. Whatever the case, whether you’re a novice or a fully qualified tiler, having the right equipment is paramount for a well-executed job.
At Wonkee Donkee Tools we have worked together with a range of professional tilers to make this complete guide of the best tiling tools in the UK! So, whether you’re self-taught or professionally trained, our exhaustive collection of absolute must-have tools for tiling will ensure you can complete every job efficiently and to an exceptional standard.
How important are the right tiling tools?
Like so many trades, a huge part of what makes these jobs so specialist is the qualifications involved. However, with that said – tiling CAN be carried out professionally, even by those who have never done it before if the correct tools are used. Now, we’re not suggesting that anyone could tile a bathroom as long as they have the tools necessary, but with some careful research and thorough planning, our list of tools can be utilised to tile a space, just as well as a professional.
We must stress here, if you don’t feel confident enough to tackle the tiling by yourself, always seek the help of a skilled professional who will be more than happy to take on the task for you.
There are a huge range of tiling tools out there, but if you’re looking for the most reliable brands, look no further than our guide. From finding the perfect tile measuring tool to getting your hands on that all-important tile cutter, we have thought of absolutely everything so that you don’t have to!
Everything you need for professional tiling
As with any DIY job, you will need to have the equipment necessary not only for the job itself, but also to prepare the area and to effectively clean it up afterwards. But like we said – we’ve thought of everything. From dust sheets that can be used to keep your space clean and tidy whilst working, through to work benches for precision and accuracy – we’re so much more than just power tools!
So, whatever you need, whether it be big or small, make sure you are always prepared by taking a look through our guide of the most commonly used tiler’s tools in the UK. And, if you see something you need – simply click through to find the latest and most affordable prices on the market.
Tile Cutter
The Tile Cutter has a dual rail push action guillotine and a tungsten carbide cutting wheel which is ideal for cutting most types of tile. This type of tile cutter is great for cutting straight cuts on thin tiles, such as wall tiles, quickly. Some floor tiles can be cut, although not easily.
Tile Trowel
The tile trowel is a lightweight hand tool with notched edges used with bonding and floor adhesives. The trowel’s blade allows you to spread adhesive quickly and evenly and the notches help air to escape when you set the tiles and press them down.
Tile Saw
A tile saw is like a coping saw which cuts intricate shapes but for tiles. The tile saw’s deep frame gives it great cutting access and its tungsten carbide, cylindrical blade will cut in all directions.
Grout Float
Grout float are ideal for use by professionals and DIYers. The grout float is the easiest and quickest way to apply grout.
Buckets
Buckets have all kinds of uses and you will need at least a couple to get by. They can be used for everything from mixing to measuring and from filling up to lugging tools about. Purchase a good quality hard-plastic bucket if you want some longevity.
Sponges
A good quality tilers sponge should be durable and able to tackle heavy-duty cleaning. They are used to remove excess grout from tiles and for all aspects of cleaning up work.
Powered Tile Saw
Mains Powered Tile Saws have a constant cutting speed for extra smooth cuts and a large water reservoir to keep the diamond cutting blade cool when in use.
Dust Sheets
Using dust sheets to keep a clean and tidy working environment will fill your customers with confidence and reflects your diligence and level of professionalism.
Cordless Combi-Drill
The cordless combi-drill can drill as well as drive. It has multiple attachments and because it is battery powered you have the flexibility of use anywhere.
Hand Saw
You will need a hand saw to cut your supporting batons prior to wall tiling. This is essential if you want perfectly horizontal lines.
Workbench
Many workbenches are tools in their own right. They have adjustable surfaces and clamps which you can use to hold your tiles between whilst using your tile saw. They also have standard square edges for measuring and many other attributes. They have multiple applications, from providing somewhere to saw timber and tiles to a place to rest your mug of tea. A pair of trestles or saw horses may also come in handy – place an off-cut of ply on top of a pair of trestles and you have somewhere to keep your adhesive and grout within easy reach.
Mixer Drill
A robust mixer drill with high levels of torque for use with a mixing paddle will save you lots of time and a consistent mix when mixing your own grout and adhesives. These are available as purpose built mixers or combined drill / mixer.
Mixing Paddle
A mixing paddle is used in combination with your cordless combi drill to mix all sorts of powder grouts and adhesives. A must-have tool for any tiler.
Tile File
Tile files are typically coated in a tungsten carbide grit which, although tough, creates a smooth finish on the rough edges of your tiles. A good quality tile file will be durable and should have both a curved and flat face for filing flat or curved contours.
Screwdriver Set
Having a good quality screwdriver set will be particularly useful if you need to remove any shelving or wall fixtures.
Retractable Trimming Knife
Retractable trimming knife (generally known as a Stanley knife although many other brands are available) is useful for cutting wallpaper, string, wire insulation, plasterboard and a host of other materials. Will fit in a pocket for easy access. Blades of different designs are ready available, and retract into the body when not in use. Fixed blade trimming knives are also available.
Extension Cable
Extension cable are super useful tools that will extend the reach of your mains powered equipment. You should purchase an extension cable that has at least four sockets as this will provide you with the ability to use multiple tools at once whilst still having room to plug in your radio.
Spirit Levels
Spirit levels are essential tools for a tiler to keep all your tiles horizontal and vertical.
Tape Measure
A simple pocket tape measure with metric and imperial markings for measuring anything from wallpaper lengths to floor and wall dimensions for working out surface area for ordering the correct quantity of paint. A 5 metre (16 feet) tape will be long enough for most jobs although larger sizes are available. Can be clipped to a tool belt for ease of access. Available in 2m (6ft),3m (10ft),5m (16ft),8m (26ft), and 10m (33ft).
Knee Pads
Save your knees some grief with these knee pads. You may spend a lot of time kneeling especially when laying flooring tiles.
Pencil
A carpenters pencil for marking out. The shape helps guide it against an object and helps it to fit comfortably behind most ears. If nothing else you can use it to fill in the crossword on your lunch break. Sharpeners are available for use with carpenter pencils, or use a sharp knife.
Stud Detector
A stud detector will locate metal pipes behind walls, beneath floors and inside concrete. They will also find metal studs and live cables. As a tiler you will need to locate studs so that you can fix your batons to the wall prior to tiling.
Tile Spacers
Tile spacers are the easiest way to ensure that your tiles are given a professional finish; that they are evenly spaced and an even grout line is maintained throughout.
Tile Nippers
Tile Nippers are heavy-duty pliers with a sharp cutting edge which is used to nibble away at a tile so that you can trim it down to the size you need. They don’t so much cut the tile, but break away small pieces bit by bit. Always score the tile where you want the cut first.
