| Many say that just choosing your tile is the most | | | | should lay and what pieces of them will need to be |
| difficult and time-consuming part of laying new tile. | | | | cut. |
| That will certainly be the case when you begin your | | | | You'll need to rent a tile saw. Be sure to follow |
| tiling project armed with this list of tools-as long as | | | | the instructions for its use-it can be dangerous. You |
| you have the right equipment, tiling is a piece of | | | | should get tile nippers too. |
| cake. | | | | Depending on how wide you plan to make the |
| So, you'll begin with your tile and whatever | | | | spaces between tiles, you'll need to get either |
| adhesive (typically Thinset) is recommended for use | | | | sanded or non-sanded grout. Sanded binds grout |
| with it. Talk to the people at the store where you | | | | better and is used for wider spaces. Use a tile spacer |
| got it-they will know better than anyone how to | | | | to make sure that you are making your spaces |
| make sure your work lasts as long as the house | | | | consistent. |
| stands. | | | | To mix your adhesive and your grout you'll need |
| For spreading the Thinset (or whatever adhesive | | | | a drill with a mixing attachment. |
| is recommended) you'll need a notched trowel. After | | | | A rubber grout float is necessary to smooth the |
| you spread the adhesive on the surface you are | | | | grout between the tiles and make sure it is evenly |
| tiling, you will run the notched side of the trowel over | | | | spread out. |
| it to ensure that it is an even coat. | | | | Additionally, you should have a tape measure, |
| Make sure that the surface you are planning to | | | | level and a carpenter's square on hand to ensure that |
| tile lies completely flat-any bumps will translate into | | | | the spacing and placement of the tiles is even and |
| uneven tile. It may be best to lay cement board or | | | | straight. |
| another kind of backer board over the surface to | | | | You need a rubber mallet to tap the tiles once |
| ensure that this doesn't happen. You'll need to secure | | | | they are laid in the adhesive. The mallet needs to be |
| the cement board with special screws for that | | | | rubber so some light tapping won't break the tiles. |
| purpose. You'll also need some kind of alkali-resistant | | | | Have a bucket and some sponges to clean up |
| backer board tape to smooth over the spaces | | | | errant adhesive before it hardens, and to wet the |
| between the boards. | | | | backer board before putting on the adhesive. |
| You should have a pencil, so when you lay out | | | | As always, you should have gloves and goggles |
| the tile (or "dry run" it) you can mark where the tiles | | | | to keep you safe while you work. |