Finishing surfaces in the premises of your home can take a lot of time and energy if you do not use the available devices. In this case, we are talking about laying tiles. Before carrying out such work, sometimes there is no need to purchase expensive tools. Experts say that a number of specific elements can be dispensed with altogether.
Core tools
Tools for laying tiles today are prepared in almost the same way as several years ago. However, some modern devices were added to the generally accepted list. If you want to prepare for the installation of tiles thoroughly, then you should stock up:
- level;
- crosses for seams;
- a mixer;
- spatula;
- a mallet;
- tile cutting tools.
The process is recommended to be divided into several stages, this will allow you to structure the work and decide which tools to purchase, and which ones should be abandoned. Surface preparation may involve dismantling the old coating and leveling the base surfaces. You can remove old tiles using a punch or a manual chisel. The first is complemented by a chisel. You can get rid of the solution layer using an angle grinder, after the concrete is covered with a primer, and then the master should begin to putty. In this case, tools for preparing the plaster mixture are used, spatulas and the level for laying the tiles should be included here.
Before the concrete screed is installed, a needle roller should be prepared, with which it will be possible to get rid of the solution layer from air bubbles. Tiles are laid with glue, but if you decide to use the finished mixture, you can dial it with a spatula. Dry powders are pre-diluted with water and mixed with a construction mixer.
When carrying out works on laying tiles, there is no way to do without a tool with which it would be possible to cut the material, while a manual tile cutter is usually used, prices for which start from 225 rubles. Sometimes on sale you can find tile cutters for 900 rubles, such a tool is suitable for cutting tiles in everyday life, and it will last much longer compared to a cheap analogue. Installation of tiles is also carried out with the help of a comb spatula, with which it will be possible to level the solution, providing its better adhesion to the surface. But when forming seams, you must use crosses.
Leveling tools
Laying tiles usually involves leveling work. If you neglect this step, then you will spend too much glue. For this stage, you will need a spatula for laying tiles, with which the master will apply plaster on the walls, leveling the surface.
It will be possible to check the evenness of the floor and walls using the level, but a plumb line will allow you to identify and eliminate vertical deviations. It is possible to level concrete when laying concrete mortar using the rule.
How to choose a comb
It would seem that a comb for laying tiles is a simple tool, however, it can have teeth of different shapes, which confuses some consumers. For example, to obtain ridges, the size of which can vary from 6 to 12 mm, you should use a tool with square teeth. But if you want to get ridges no more than 12 mm on the mounting cement mixture, then you should choose a device with semicircular teeth. At such an impressive thickness, the track will be smoother, it will not fall if there is a semicircle in the section, and not a square. Such a comb is used for applying synthetic adhesives with high spreadability, in this case, the layer thickness does not matter.
The described tool for laying tiles can also have semicircular teeth. Such a device is recommended to be used for applying elastic adhesives, the layer thickness of which will not exceed 4 mm. Such a comb is suitable for PVC tiles.
Spatula selection
When preparing a tool for laying tiles, you must take care of the availability of a set of spatulas. The master should have several of them, namely:
The first variety has compact dimensions and is designed to take glue from a container. A straight trowel allows you to apply the composition to the edge of the tile, floor or wall. A notched trowel will be needed to form furrows on the surface of the tile, this will improve the quality of the masonry and even out the layer of the mixture. At the final stage of applying the grout to the joints, you will need a rubber spatula, which is soft and compact in size.
Tile Cutting Tool
Manual tile cutter, the prices of which were mentioned above, will be needed for cutting tiles. In addition, you can prepare the grinder and glass cutter, which are in the arsenal of almost every home master. Using manual models of tile cutters, you will cut the material with a diamond cutter on a bearing or rollers.
Electric models have more advanced capabilities, because they cut tiles with a diamond disk. To form holes, you can use a conventional drill, which is supplemented with nozzles suitable for working with concrete, glass and ceramics. Among them, it is necessary to highlight a crown, which will make it possible to make recesses for switches and sockets. Glazed ceramics succumb to the so-called ballerina, which is designed to work with glass.
Tile Fit
When collecting a tool for laying tiles, you must prepare a rubber mallet, as well as an alignment system. It will be possible to adjust the position of the products with the help of a rubber mallet, which is complemented by a wooden block. With their help, elements are tapped on the sides and top. The solution is distributed over the entire area of the product. At the stage of leveling the surface can not do without a level, as well as leveling systems, the last of which is designed for large elements. The system consists of a set of wedges and spacers, and is used for horizontal planes.
Grouting tools
A sponge for grouting tiles is not the only thing that will be needed at the final stage of work. It is important to prepare:
- rubber spatula;
- paint roller;
- bucket;
- clean rags;
- alignment;
- plywood.
The work can be divided into several stages. To begin with, the grout is mixed, the solution is left to saturate, re-mixed and applied. In conclusion, you can remove the excess. When mixing the solution, it is best to act manually, because when using a mixer there is a chance of oxygen bubbles entering the solution. As a result, the mixture will weaken.
If the scope of work is large enough, then it is recommended to install the drill at 300 rpm, leaving the solution after mixing for 9 minutes. Grouting is carried out using a special grater, which the master should rub the composition into the seams. Repeat this procedure several times to achieve application density.
What a curiosity: a grout bag
If the hammer for laying tiles is a completely traditional tool, like all the others described above, then only a few heard about the grout bag. This device is a bag resembling a pastry bag. A tip is attached to it, the diameter of which should be equal to the width of the seam. You can use this approach to grouting when the cladding is difficult to handle manually and requires tremendous effort. First you need to process the horizontal, and after the vertical joints, leaving the solution for 30 minutes, so that the grout is set. Only then can we begin to remove the excess. For cleaning in this case, use a stiff brush, because any other will not be so effective. With some jewelry work you can not do without such a bag, which saves a huge amount of time.
Removing excess grout
Now you know what you need to lay the tiles, but it is important to take care of the availability of tools that are useful for removing excess. For this, a wet sponge and a container of water are usually used. The excess should be disposed of in a circular motion, while it is important to monitor the cleanliness of the sponge, often washing it in water. The dry method involves the use of a special embroidery or a small stick with a sharpened end. The cleaned seam should not be convex, it should be made straight.
Conclusion
The modern market offers the consumer a variety of finishing materials for every taste and budget, however, ceramic tiles are still one of the most popular among alternative solutions. Over time, it does not lose its appearance and lends itself to updating by grouting.
If you want to do the installation work yourself, then you need to prepare all the tools and materials. Indeed, only in this case you will not encounter difficulties if, for example, you need to drill a hole in the tile for a socket or switch.