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Lay Tile Like a Pro

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.

  1. Rubber Buckets

Rubber buckets are easier to clean than plastic ones, even if the mortar dries.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Tile Saw

A tile saw is needed if you want to make precise cuts in your tiles so they fit together perfectly.

  1. 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.

  1. 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. 

  1. 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.

Make sure to join us twice a week on our blog for more real estate advice and great reasons to buy a home in Albuquerque and the surrounding area. Follow us on Facebook for the latest Albuquerque real estate updates. Looking for the perfect home for sale in Albuquerque? Our easy-to-use home search tool can help you start the process. Contact us today to help you buy or sell your next home in Albuquerque.

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Sandi Pressley

Albuquerque New Mexico Real Estate YOUR SOURCE FOR ALBUQUERQUE REAL ESTATE! Sandi Pressley offers unparalleled service to ALL clients in Albuquerque and surrounding communities in the New Mexico real estate market. Sandi's motto is "Putting You First." Your complete satisfaction with our service and representation is our number one priority. As a native of Albuquerque, Sandi Pressley has been dedicated to serving her client's real estate needs for over 45 years. Sandi has achieved a goal unprecedented by any other Realtor of being the #1 Top Producing Realtor for 38 consecutive years in all of Albuquerque as well as the entire state of New Mexico. She is also the #1 Top Producing Realtor for the entire Western Region and 8th in the Nation with Coldwell Banker National. Sandi Pressley serves the entire Albuquerque New Mexico real estate market including the surrounding communities such as Rio Rancho, Placitas, Corrales, Bernalillo, Northeast Heights, North Albuquerque Acres, Sandia Heights, High Desert, Foothills, Four Hills, UNM, Nob Hill, Ridgecrest area, Uptown area, North Valley, Northwest Heights, Paradise Hills, South Valley, Southwest Heights, Bosque Farms, Los Lunas, Cedar Crest, Tijeras, and all East Mountain areas. Whether you are considering buying a home, selling a home or both, we know these areas inside and out.

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