I’m renovating an older house and have gutted two bathrooms and added a powder room. I have always paid others to do my tiling, but this time going to try it myself. I have the time and I think the right mindset for tile work, but what I don’t have are the tools.
I’ve seen everything from big wet saws to simpler tile saws to grinders with special attachments. I’m sure I can rent what I need, but what constitutes a “basic” toolbox for tile work? I’m talking larger tools, not items like trowels. All tile will be ceramic. I would also welcome a recommendation on comfortable knee pads since I’m not getting any younger and neither are my knees.
Thanks.
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The tile saw you rent needs to be able to cut tile you select in one pass. So bigger tile need a larger tile saw. Wet saw is better than dry. Make sure the blade is parallel to the guide and 90 degree to the base the tile rests against. If the saw is not square you can use it just get 3M blue tape and a good combo square and pencil draw your cut line and hand feed it to the saw blade. You need a ceramic stone to deburr the sawn edges. A good mixing paddle to mix thinset. The right type of thinset for your tile and underlayment. Appropriate notched trowel for the tile and underlayment.
I tiled for 30 years and never found great kneepads that didn't cut off circulation to my legs. The only kneepads that worked were dancers kneepads that have an elastic backing. They usually lasted one job.
I'm sure others will chime in because I didn't mention everything. Oh yeah, a carpenters folding rule is best for measuring.
For a basic toolbox, you'll definitely need a tile cutter, preferably a manual one for ceramic tiles. A notched trowel for spreading adhesive and a grout float for grouting are must-haves. A tile nipper could come in handy for small cuts. Since you're tiling multiple rooms, a wet saw might be worth renting for cleaner cuts. As for knee pads, look for ones with gel or foam padding for comfort.