So you’ve decided to do some tiling!

Before you get started, it’s important to make sure you have all the equipment you’ll need to hand.

We’ve put together this tool & safety checklist to get you started!

Tools Checklist

Manual Tile Cutter:

A very useful tool that can cut most tiles. On average they are around 300mm long.

Electric Tile Cutter:

Has the ability to cut up to 25mm thick tiles with a choice of blades which varies depending on your tiles, make sure you have the correct one though!

Notched Trowel:

This tool is used to spread and comb the adhesive you will be using to affix the tiles to a surface.

Tape Measure:

A basic, no frills tape measure will do the trick here! No need to get fancy, they all measure the same.

Bucket Trowel:

A wide-bladed tool you’ll need for scooping adhesive from a mixing bucket.

Spirit Level:

An instrument designed to indicate whether a surface is horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb). It is essential that you have a good quality spirit level.

Set Square:

Used for setting out and laying tiles on the square.

Tile Scribe:

A sharp blade for cutting through the glaze of a tile.

Caulking Gun:

A tool that holds a tube or cartridge filled with silicone or latex, used for sealing gaps and bonding tiles.

Tile Nippers:

Special pliers that cut away little sections of ceramic tile to create small, irregular or curved cuts

Sponge:

For cleaning away excess grout.

Grout Float:

For spreading grout into the joints between the tiles.

Grout Profiler:

Used to smooth and finish cement based grout joints after washing off.

Length of timber:

Used to make a tile staff. This will help to set out and position tiles when affixing to walls and floors.

Tile spacers:

Plastic pieces used to evenly space tiles.

Mixing bucket:

Standard bucket for mixing adhesive.

Tile file/ Rubbing stone:

For smoothing down edges after cutting a tile.

Hammer:

For tapping nails into the wall to support the timber baton.

Safety Equipment

Now you’ve got your tools in order, you’ll want to gather the correct protective gear.

These four items are essential to have before starting any tiling project:

1. Eye protection

Always wear impact goggles, even a tiny fragment of tile can cause an injury or serious discomfort. A pair of goggles will prevent anything from being deflected into your eyes, they’re much cheaper than eye patches and contrary to popular belief, nobody suits the pirate look!

2. Hand Protection

Gloves are essential. Tile fragments can be really sharp, even a small one can cause an injury. At a push even a pair of household rubber gloves will help to prevent this, although we would recommend investing in a good pair.

3. Ear Protection

When using an electric tile cutter things can get especially loud. Make sure you wear ear defenders, it might not seem it at the time, but prolonged exposure to this level of noise can cause lasting damage to your hearing.

4. Voltage Tester ‘Life Saver’

They’re called a life saver for a reason, do not under any circumstances start work around electrical outlets or sockets without one. Firstly, test it on a wire that you know is live, and then one you presume is dead. Simply press the button and it will beep if it’s close to a live wire, otherwise you should be safe. They only cost a few pounds, every household should have one.