While the tiles themselves are obviously the decorative heart of any new tile installation, investing in and utilizing clever specialty tile accessories plays an equally critical supportive role in ultimately achieving high quality long-lasting results. Keeping the right preparatory, installation, and finishing tile products readily stocked allows both novice DIYers and pros to execute even large-scale tile projects with greater ease, efficiency, precision and durability. Here is an overview of the most essential tile specialty accessories to have on hand before tackling installations of any size.
Spacers – Create Consistently Straight, Even Grout Lines
Spacers are small plastic crossed-shaped tiles placed between each full tile during the installation process to create uniform grout line widths and prevent uneven messy grout lines from forming once tiles have been fully set. The inherent thickness of the spacers creates a tiny consistent gap between the tile edges for clean professional results. Spacers also maintain proper tile spacing and alignment over the entire surface to prevent tiles from shifting out of position during mortar curing. And they protect fragile tile corners and edges from chipping when grout is applied into the spaces later on. Forgetting spacers often leads to headaches dealing with crooked uneven tiles and correcting poorly defined grout lines.
Click here for the best tile accessories.
Adhesives and Mortars – Bond and Build Out the Installation Base
High quality tile adhesives and mortar products form the literal foundation of every successful tile installation by providing the strong permanent structural bond holding the tiles firmly in place over the long-term. Different specialty adhesives suit the specific installation challenges of natural stone tiles, ceramic, porcelain, glass, and fragile mosaic tiles. Mortar beds are used in some cases to level and smooth uneven subfloor surfaces prior to setting tile. Insufficient adhesives risk tiles eventually becoming loose, hollow sounding or completely unstuck, also known as “drummy.” Never cut corners on adhesives and mortars, the backbone of any durable trouble-free tile job.
Grout and Caulk – Complete the Installation Aesthetic
Grout serves the important dual purpose of completely filling the joints between installed tiles to seamlessly seal the installation and unify the overall aesthetic look of the new tiled surface. Both sanded and unsanded grout formulas work best for different sized joints and tile types. Caulking is also used to seal especially narrow corner joints and gaps where tile meets dissimilar materials like the tub. Contrasting grout colors can add detail and create ornate designs. But skipping grout and caulk altogether leaves risks cracks, chips, and wide unfinished gaps appearing over time. Be sure to select mold and mildew resistant grout for wet areas.
Sealers – Safeguard Tile Surfaces and Grout Lines
Applying a quality sealer to newly installed tiles and grout lines before and after grouting is strongly advised to protect tile and grout surfaces. Sealers form a protective barrier that prevents staining, aids future cleaning efforts, limits moisture absorption into the grout, and dramatically extends the longevity of the installation. Both penetrating and topical sealers exist for different scenarios. Penetrating sealers soak into porous materials while topical sealers leave a surface film on the tile face. Taking the quick extra step to seal finishes the job properly.
Wet Saws and Tile Cutters – Cut Pieces Precisely
Actually shaping and cutting fired ceramic, porcelain or natural stone tiles to fit perfectly around outlets, pipes, and odd room dimensions demands specialized cutting tools. Wet saws use water to continuously cool tiles while making the accurate curved and angled cuts that prevent damaging chips and cracks. Manual snap tile cutters quickly make straight cuts for simpler applications. And holesaws neatly drill openings for plumbing fixtures and faucets. Don’t ruin good tiles with crude unsupported cuts. Investing in proper tile saws prevents sloppy uneven tile edges.
Mixing Buckets and Paddle – Properly Mix Thinsets and Grouts
Correct mixing technique when preparing tile adhesives, thinsets and grouts prevents irreversible results like lumpy or dried out materials. Buckets marked with measuring guides allow accurately following product mixing instructions. A dedicated paddle mixer attachment on a power drill thoroughly combines water and dry products into a perfectly smooth and consistent final mixture. Don’t take shortcuts by rush mixing or using make-do containers. Ensure all setting materials activate fully before applying.
Grout Float and Finishing Sponge – Smoothing the Final Polish
A quality rubber grout float is vital for forcefully pressing grout deep into the joints between tiles and achieving a cohesive look. The rubber edge squeezes grout into all gaps without scratching tile faces. For smoothing out bumps and cleaning excess grout off the surface once dry, a grout finishing sponge shapes and polishes the final joint lines. Don’t skip these simple finishing steps that prevent amateur results.
Knee Pads and Gloves – Save Your Joints and Hands
Installing tile on your hands and knees for hours on end leads to significant joint pain and discomfort without adequate padding. Thick foam kneepads provide essential cushioning for extended periods on hard surfaces. Waterproof grouting gloves prevent tile adhesives and caustic cement grout from drying out your hands after prolonged exposure to the elements during mixing and cleanup. Save your knees and hands by wearing these supportive accessories.
Safety Gear – Critical Protection From Hazards
To prevent safety mishaps, investing in tile installation safety gear like particle masks, protective goggles, ear protection, knee pads, and long sleeves should not be optional. Masks prevent inhaling the dangerous silica dust created when cutting and grinding tiles. Goggles and ear protection shield eyes and eardrums from debris and loud saw noise. Non-slip shoes provide stability on slick wet floors. Shield skin and lungs for mistake-free cutting.
Cleaning Supplies – Maintain a Tidy Workflow
Having extra sponges, rags, and multiple empty buckets on hand facilitates essential installation cleanup tasks. Microfiber cloths gently buff away thinset residue, grout stain film, and adhesive chalkiness before materials fully cure and harden permanently on tile faces. Keeping the workspace consistently neat improves efficiency and makes each step easier. A tidy site prevents avoidable setbacks.
In summary, truly professional and lasting tile installation results rely heavily on utilizing the range of tile specialty accessories specifically designed to simplify each phase of the process. Rather than attempting to cut corners to save money, spending modestly on the right supportive products guarantees far greater success completing quality tile projects that stand the test of time and add value to any home or business.