What Tools Do You Need For Tiling?

When it comes to DIY projects, you need to make sure you have the right tools for the job. Although most jobs at home can be completed without any specialist tools, tiling isn’t one of them. If you want to ensure that your tiles are straight and securely in place, you need to invest in the right tools.

But what tools are needed for tiling, and are there any tools you might have lying around you can use? Read on to see what tile tools you need so you can complete your next DIY project!

Does Tiling Require Special Tools?

If you plan to complete your tiling yourself, you may need to invest in a decent set of specialist tools. From a tile cutter to a reliable set of tile nippers, the right tiling tools will help ensure your floor or wall tiles are securely in place and that they look good, too.

We offer a fantastic range of essential tools that you will need if you plan on tiling your home yourself, so be sure to check those out here!

Essential Tiling Tools

Tile cutter

You are almost certain to need tile cutters at some point in your tiling project – unless you’re blessed with a perfectly symmetrical floor or wall.

A manual tile cutter is used to trim your tiles down so that they are the right size and shape for a specific location.

Tile nippers

Where cutters focus on slicing straight lines from your tile, a tile nipper is designed to help you out if you need an uneven tile shape.

Whether that’s for a corner or a unique little nook in your kitchen, a tile nipper is perfect for nipping away parts of your wall or floor tiles.

Ceramic Nipper

Tile spacers

Maintaining an equal distance when laying tiles can be a pain, especially if you are doing it by eye. Thankfully, tile spacers are a fantastic way to help make sure you keep the same distance when fixing tiles to the floor or a wall.

Simply mark the distance between your tiles and use spacers to help you easily figure out where your next tiles need to be placed.

Grout float

If you want your tiles to look neat after the grouting process, then you will need to invest in a float. These extremely useful paddles are used to help push the grout into any gaps you have between your ceramic and porcelain tiles.

They are built specifically to prevent any damage to your tile surfaces whilst still offering a great way to smooth out your tile grout.

Notched trowel

Getting your adhesive to stick to your substrate can be a pain, as anyone who has completed any floor or wall tiling can attest to. Thankfully, a notched trowel is just the tool you need to make sure your large format tiles stay stuck to the right surface.

There are two main types of notched trowels for tiling, each with a unique purpose. A curved trowel is best used for tiling walls, whereas a square notched trowel is best for floor tiling.

Miscellaneous

Tape measure

Figuring out tile measurements by eye is the first step to uneven and wonky tiles. A tape measure is a vital tool to almost any construction or decoration job and is a tool that any DIY lover should have in their toolbox.

Pencil

If you want to ensure that your tiles are correctly aligned and in the correct place, then a pencil is an extremely handy tool. A pencil can be used to help you mark the size of your project and guide you to make sure the tiles are straight and in the correct spot.

Bucket

Mixing grout and adhesive can quickly become a messy job, which is why a bucket can be a lifesaver.

You’re still almost certain to make a bit of a mess, but mixing water, adhesive and grout in a bucket can truly save your kitchen or bathroom from a sticky disaster.

Mixing paddle

A mixing paddle is perhaps the best tool on this list when it comes to convenience. Although you can mix your grout and adhesive without one, a mixing paddle will make the job 10 times easier.

Mixing paddles are the best way to ensure your grout is evenly mixed, which can be a great help when sticking your tiles to any surface.

Old clothes & gloves

Any job that features excess grout or an adhesive of some kind will get messy quickly. Before you start smoothing your tiles onto your bathroom wall, make sure you are wearing old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Gloves can also be handy if you don’t want to get your hands covered in grout, or if you have sensitive skin.

Do Different Tile Types Require Different Tools?

Almost all tiles will require the same tiling tools if you want to get the job done right. However, tougher tiles such as natural stone tiles and terracotta tiles will require a powerful cutter if you plan on removing any wonky edges.

If you don’t have the tools needed for your specific tile, then you may need to invest in a more premium set or even hire a tiler to come and take care of it for you!

FAQs

What tools do I need for tiling a wall?

Ensuring you have the right tile tools for the job is essential when it comes to completing a DIY tiling job.

You will want to ensure you have nippers, a cutter and spacers. A grout float and a notched trowel are also extremely useful and can help ensure you get the job done correctly!

Are tile cutters expensive?

There are a range of different cutters on the market, some far more expensive than others.

However, you won’t need to splash out on a premium cutting tool for a DIY tiling job. You can easily find a reliable cutter for anywhere between £30 to £100!

Should I wear a mask whilst tiling?

When cutting your tiles, you will need to wear a mask and goggles to prevent splinters from causing harm. When it comes to placing your tiles and mixing the grout or tile adhesive, a mask is also highly recommended.