The absolute must have essentials for every Tiler & Landscaper
A well-equipped toolbox can transform a tedious project into a smooth and satisfying experience. But with so many tiling and landscaping tools on the market, where do you even begin? Luckily for you, we have compiled a list of the must-have tools essentials for every tiler and landscaper!
So, whether you’re a seasoned vet wanting to upgrade or replace your arsenal- or making your debut in the industry, this guide will help navigate what you ideally need to be the best-of-the-best and some basic steps to help navigate your tool game. So, grab your trowel, buckle up, and get ready to dive into the must have tools for every tiling & landscaping toolkit!
Levelling Systems
Achieving a perfectly level surface is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. After all, what would be the point of creating a wonky job? Incomes Levelling systems, absolute game-changers for ensuring a smooth and professional tiling job and helps with the design process of a flooring surface. Levelling System’s usually consist of 2 components:
Bases: These are small, flat clips that attach to the underside of the tiles along the edges. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate different grout joint sizes.
Wedges or Spacers: These are inserted between the clips on adjacent tiles to create a slight gap for the grout and apply pressure to achieve a level surface. Depending on the system, wedges might be tapped in with a mallet or tightened with a special plier.
Levelling Kits have many uses for your project due to several key reasons:
Assists with drainage: Levelling kits help ensure your paved surface is properly graded to facilitate drainage. Without a level surface, water can pool on the surface leading to erosion, water damage and potential safety hazards.
Improves the finish of your job: A well-levelled surface enhances the aesthetics of your tiled or paved area. Whether it’s a patio or bathroom floor, a level surface provides a clean and polished appearance, ensuring your work is always on point.
Prevents lippage and trip hazards: Uneven tiles can create trip hazards and pose risk to the foot traffic the area will experience. Levelling kits help create a smooth and even finish ensuring that there is no lippage on your job. Make sure ground conditions are good before proceeding.
As well as improving the alignment on your job, Levelling Systems help reduce lippage, gives a faster installation time and reduces physical strain and effort on the installer. Tilers Tools has its own Levelling Kit which consists of a sturdy bucket to store your VITE in one place; it has 100 no VITE caps (which are reusable), 300 no 1mm VITE clips and 200 no 5mm & spacers.
Trowels
Without a doubt, trowels might seem like simple tools, but any professional knows the correct trowel for the job is a must have tool. The right trowel is the secret behind a job well done, making a big difference in your laying.
Consider the trowel as the artist’s brush in the world of tiling. Each job requires its own unique touch. The size and shape of the notches on a trowel play a crucial role in determining the amount of adhesive applied to the substrate, directly influencing the outcome of your job. Just like an artist selects the right brush for a specific canvas, choosing the appropriate trowel is essential for achieving professional results.
For instance, the Square Notched Trowel stands as the go-to choice for most projects with its ability to hold more adhesive, making it perfect for larger surface areas like floor tiles. On the other hand, the V Notched Trowel shines in precision work, such as installing wall tiles or tackling smaller projects, thanks to its precise ‘V’ design and preference for thinner adhesive layers helps with more careful processes.
To get the most out of your trowels, here are a few things to consider:
Maintain a consistent angle: Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to the substrate and apply the adhesive with a smooth, pushing motion.
Full coverage: Ensure the entire back of the tile is covered with adhesive, avoiding ridges or voids.
Notch transfer: The ridges of the trowel should transfer completely onto the adhesive to create the ideal surface for tile placement.
Our Raimondi Square Point, Long Round Point and Long Square Point Trowels are the ideal set of trowels for any job, and just so you know, they’re also anti-corrosive!
Levelling Kit
Achieving a perfectly level surface is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. After all, what would be the point of creating a wonky job? Incomes Levelling systems, absolute game-changers for ensuring a smooth and professional tiling job. Levelling System’s usually consist of 2 components:
Bases: These are small, flat clips that attach to the underside of the tiles along the edges. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate different grout joint sizes.
Wedges or Spacers: These are inserted between the clips on adjacent tiles to create a slight gap for the grout and apply pressure to achieve a level surface. Depending on the system, wedges might be tapped in with a mallet or tightened with a special plier.
As well as improving the alignment on your job, Levelling Systems help reduce lippage, gives a faster installation time and reduces physical strain and effort on the installer. Tilers Tools has its own Levelling Kit which consists of a sturdy bucket to store your VITE in one place; it has 100 no VITE caps (which are reusable), 300 no 1mm VITE clips and 200 no 5mm & spacers.
Levelling Kits have many uses for your project due to several key reasons:
Assists with drainage: Levelling kits help ensure your paved surface is properly graded to facilitate drainage. Without a level surface, water can pool on the surface leading to erosion, water damage and potential safety hazards.
Improves the finish of your job: A well-levelled surface enhances the aesthetics of your tiled or paved area. Whether it’s a patio or bathroom floor, a level surface provides a clean and polished appearance, ensuring your work is always on point.
Prevents lippage and trip hazards: Uneven tiles can create trip hazards and pose risk to the foot traffic the area will experience. Levelling kits help create a smooth and even finish ensuring that there is no lippage on your job.
- Bases: These are small, flat clips that attach to the underside of the tiles along the edges. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate different grout joint sizes.
- Wedges or Spacers: These are inserted between the clips on adjacent tiles to create a slight gap for the grout and apply pressure to achieve a level surface. Depending on the system, wedges might be tapped in with a mallet or tightened with a special plier.
As well as improving the alignment on your job, Levelling Systems help reduce lippage, gives a faster installation time and reduces physical strain and effort on the installer. Tilers Tools has its own Levelling Kit which consists of a sturdy bucket to store your VITE in one place; it has 100 no VITE caps (which are reusable), 300 no 1mm VITE clips and 200 no 5mm & spacers.
Levelling Kits have many uses for your project due to several key reasons:
- Assists with drainage: Levelling kits help ensure your paved surface is properly graded to facilitate drainage. Without a level surface, water can pool on the surface leading to erosion, water damage and potential safety hazards.
- Improves the finish of your job: A well-levelled surface enhances the aesthetics of your tiled or paved area. Whether it’s a patio or bathroom floor, a level surface provides a clean and polished appearance, ensuring your work is always on point.
- Prevents lippage and trip hazards: Uneven tiles can create trip hazards and pose risk to the foot traffic the area will experience. Levelling kits help create a smooth and even finish ensuring that there is no lippage on your job.
Spirit Levels
Everyone knows the indispensable value of a spirit level. This must have tool serves as the trusted companion for ensuring surfaces are perfectly level horizontally or plumb vertically.
Spirit levels are invaluable for assessing the surface flatness, especially when levelling individual tiles for flooring surfaces or wall designs to create an even flawless finish. Their presence enhances accuracy, longevity and overall job quality. They are a must have piece of equipment for any professional!
Here are a few reasons why spirit levels are a key tool for landscapers and tilers:
Precision measurement: Spirit levels provide accurate readings, ensuring surface are perfectly level or plumb, resulting in professional-quality work.
Consistency: By using spirit levels consistently throughout the project, you can maintain uniformity resulting in professional work.
Quality assurance: Checking surfaces with a spirit level helps ensure the highest standard of quality and craftsmanship, leading to satisfied clients.
Safety: Level surfaces reduce the risk of tripping hazards.
Having Spirit Levels on hand can help with the accuracy, longevity, and quality of any design process. They should be used in every stage of the process, from preparation to the finishing touches! Ensuring you shouldn’t go back and do any extra step!
We offer Stabila Spirit Levels in different measurements for whatever the job, the best measuring tools in the industry!
Vacuum Cups
Vacuum Cups are widely used within the tiling and landscaping industry for a variety of purposes. Vacuum cups, also known as Suction cups, are mostly used for lifting and handling large tiles and slabs. These cups utilise the power of vacuum pressure to create a strong grip allowing the user to lift tiles with ease and for a safer handle!
As well as safety for the user and leading to less risk of damage, Vacuum Cups are extremely handy when it comes to efficiently placing tiles down with a more precise placement and alignment.
Vacuum cups can come in either manual use or electronical, click here to see our range. The Bull-E-Grip is an electronic suction cup that is rechargeable, has a 16-hour non-stop running time (when fully charged) a digital pressure gauge, and an impressive max load of 120KG (horizontal).
Tile Cutter
The Tile Cutter is a piece of kit that shouldn’t be dismissed. It is used to make straight, clean cuts in ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles.
There are several types of Tile Cutters to consider for your job:
Manual Tile Cutters: The most common type of Cutter and most affordable in the industry. It features a base with a scoring wheel and a breaking mechanism.
Electric Tile Cutter (Wet Saw): This is a more powerful option ideal for thicker or harder tiles like porcelain. It utilizes a diamond-tipped blade like a circular saw, but with a water feed system.
Which tile cutter is best for you? The answer to this question lies within the amount of tile that you are cutting. Here are things to consider:
Frequency of Use: For occasional DIY projects, a manual tile cutter might suffice. However, if you have no time for a careful process, Tilers and Landscapers who work frequently with cutting tiles may benefit from the speed and efficiency of an electric tile cutter.
Tile Material and Thickness: Manual cutters are good for ceramic tiles up to inch thick. Electric saws can handle thicker and harder materials like porcelain.
Budget: Manual cutters are a more budget-friendly option compared to electric tile saws.
We offer a range of Tile Cutters, and we also offer a rental service for some of our Wet Saws. We have a “Try Before You Buy” scheme where you can rent one of our Wet Saws or other machines and decide if you want to commit in purchasing one for your own with your hire cost deducted from the purchase.
Grout Floats
The finishing touch to any project! Grout floats come in to play during the final stages of a project, ensuring smooth grout application and a professional look.
Typically, the Grout Float is made from rubber, with a flat, rectangular working surface. The rubber provides flexibility to conform to the contours of the tiles while ensuring even grout distribution. Some grout floats have a moulded plastic handle, while others might have a more basic C-shaped handle. They come in various sizes, with the most common being around 9-1/2 inches long and 4 inches wide. Groat floats are usually used to apply grout, smoothing out a finish or removing excess grout.
There are different grout float variations:
- Standard Rubber Float: This is the most common type, suitable for most grouting jobs with standard grout.
- Hard Rubber Float: These are ideal for working with epoxy grout, which requires a firmer application pressure.
- Pointed Grout Float: These have a pointed tip designed for reaching corners and tight spaces for more precise grouting.
- Margin Float: These smaller floats are perfect for working around fixtures or edges where a standard float might be too bulky.
- Sponge Float: These combine a sponge with a hard float surface. The sponge helps with cleaning excess grout and wiping down the tiles after application.
Our best seller, the Raimondi Dual Profile Soft Rubber Grout Float is dual profile and anti-abrasive, perfect for walls and floors!
Washboys
“Washboys” is an informal term used in the Tiling and Landscaping community to describe a cleaning kit consisting usually of a bucket, sponges and/or floats. It may not seem a lot, but it is a must have tool.
A WashBoy, would be implemented after grouting has taken place. There are a range of washboys on the market all boasting different attachments and usability. Kits such as the Pedalo Washboy host a pole and sponge attachment to allow you to clean your grout in an upright position. Standard washboys offer floats for a more close up clean and those intricate sections of the paving. A Washboy is an imperative piece of kit for your tool arsenal. The Pedalo washboy is incredibly sought after from Landscapers and Tilers due to its usability and ability to work in an upright position. This not only saves time but also helps reduce strain on your back and knees, which can be highly beneficial during long working hours. The ergonomic design of these washboys allows for a more streamlined cleaning process, making them a favorite among professionals who focus on both efficiency and comfort.
Different washboys come equipped with various attachments. For example, some feature angled sponges that can easily access hard-to-reach corners, while others might come with a specialized scrubber for tough stains or residue. The versatility of these tools means that they can be used for multiple tasks beyond tiling, such as cleaning tools or washing down surfaces after landscaping work, making them a sound investment.
Key Features of a Good Washboy:
- Ergonomics: A good washboy should have a comfortable handle that facilitates an easy grip, reducing hand fatigue during use.
- Multi-Functionality: Look for models that come with interchangeable sponge attachments or built-in scrubbing brushes, allowing you to tackle various cleaning tasks with just one tool.
- Durability: The material should be robust enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, especially when working with harsh chemicals or rough surfaces.
Conclusion
As we gear up for the bustling season ahead, having the right tools at hand can make a big difference in your quality of work. Now that you know what must have ’essentials you need to create the perfect job, you’re equipped to tackle any tiling or landscaping project with confidence. So, grab your tools and embrace the challenge. Here’s to a season of seamless installations and satisfied clients, good luck!
If you have any questions about any of the products mentioned in this blog post, please contact us on 01565 344860 and we will be happy to help. All products mentioned in this blog post are available on our website for next day delivery if you order before 2pm
