Tools

There is an old saying, "a workman is only as good as his tools". That may or may not be so, but if you have attempted any handyman job, you know just how essential the right tools are.

You will need - ideally:

• A notched trowel or "handyman" spreader, 6mm notch for wall tiles, 10mm notch for floor tiles
• A tile cutter for normal straight line cutting. Quality tile cutters are available for hire from Beaumonts, if you choose not to buy one
• A carborundum file or block is useful (but not absolutely essential) for smoothing down your cuts
• Tile nippers or a grit saw blade are essential to cut out corners, round pieces, or to cut very small pieces
• A home made plumb bob (a piece of string with a heavy washer on the bottom will do) for wall tiling
• Some pieces of straight timber suitable for battens to provide a base for tiling (plus hammer and nails, of course)
• A spirit level
• A fine felt tip pen and ruler for marking
• A length of straight timber to use as a measuring rod
• A string and straight edge (for floor tiling)
• A rubber grouter (large for large jobs - small for small jobs)
• A wooden block for tapping down floor tiles
• A sponge, bucket, plenty of water and lots of clean rags
• Masking tape
• Some plastic cross tile spacers are very handy. These must be removed prior to grouting.
• Finally, you will of course need the correct adhesive and grouting