Would you like to increase the value of your Albuquerque home without spending a fortune? Tiling is one of the best DIY projects. It may seem like tiling is difficult, but it isn’t. By doing it yourself, you will save a great deal of money.
Some special equipment will be needed. Ensure that your project looks professional with these tools.
- Rubber Buckets
Rubber buckets are easier to clean than plastic ones, even if the mortar dries.
- Mortar Mixer
To properly mix the mortar you need a mortar mixer. This will make sure no air is trapped in the mortar, which could make it weaker. Make sure you use the correct paddle size for the amount of mortar mix you use.
- Trowels
You will need trowels to apply the mortar to the surface where you place the tiles. Make sure to get both u-notched and square-notched trowels, and get the right size to get the right coverage.
- Manual Tile Cutter
A manual tile cutter allows you to cut with just one hand and makes precise and clean cuts. Manual cutters are light and easy to carry and are what you want when you are working with glass mosaic tile in particular, as it won’t affect the quality of the glass surface.
Look for a cutter that has different cutting measurements and you should also consider a double guide cutter.
- Tile Saw
A tile saw is needed if you want to make precise cuts in your tiles so they fit together perfectly.
- Tile Spacers
If you want to make perfect spaces between your tiles, you’ll need a tile spacer. 2mm tile spacers are the most commonly recommended, but the size you need will depend on your tile and what you are tiling. Make sure your spacing is precise and don’t rely on a quarter or other things lying around your home like many DIYers use.
- Tile Leveling Kit
To keep all of your tile level and at the same height, a tile leveling kit will be invaluable. These kits include tile nippers, which help you distribute the weight of the tile and make sure that it is level when it adheres to the mortar.
- Grout Floats
The last tool you need is a grout float. Grout gives your tile project a finished look, as it fills in the spaces between the tiles and locks them in place.
The grout float is the tool used to apply the grout to your tiles. Some are meant to get to hard to reach areas (like corners) and others are better for spreading grout on a larger area. It’s worth it to have multiple floats for different purposes.
Once you have all these tools ready, you’ll be set to lay tile like a pro. You can find plenty of YouTube videos that will show you in detail how to make your tile project successful and add value to your home in Albuquerque.
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