10 Essential Must-Have Tools for Tiling in 2025

In this article Sydney Tiling Specialists looks at the 10 most common tools required for tiling work. 

Reliable levels

Reliable levels are used to ensure surfaces are level and tiles are laid evenly.

These come in 3 types as below:

• 4-foot level: This is a long rectangular tool, often yellow or red, with a bubble vial in the centre for measuring levelness. This tool is used to ensure walls and floors are plumb and flat.
• 2-foot level: This is a shorter version of the 4-foot level, with similar design. It is used to check pitches and ensure correct sloping in showers, shower curbs, first row of tiles, and flatness of splashbacks.
• Torpedo level: These are small, compact levels, usually about 9 inches long, with multiple bubble vials for different angles. They are used to check plumbness of small areas like splashback caps and niches.

Cordless drill and impact driver

Cordless drills and impact drivers are essential for various stages of tile installation, from preparation to finishing touches. A cordless drill is a handheld tool with a chuck for holding drill bits. It is used to mix thinset, grout, and self-levelling compounds. Cordless tools, whilst convenient, depend on battery life, which can be limiting if batteries are not properly maintained. Once a brand is chosen, a user is committed to its battery system. Corded drills and drivers on the other hand offer constant power but lack the portability of cordless models.

An impact driver is similar in appearance to the drill, but typically has a shorter, stubbier body, designed for driving screws and bolts. It is used to quickly install backer boards and securing materials.

The benefits of these tools are summarised below:

• Versatility: These tools are used for multiple tasks, such as installing backer boards, mixing thinset mortar, grout, and self-levelling compounds.
• Portability: Being cordless, they offer greater flexibility and mobility on the job site. You are not limited by the availability of power outlets or the length of cords.
• Efficiency: The impact driver allows for quick installation of backer boards and other materials, speeding up the preparation phase of the tiling project.
• Durability: High-quality brands like Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ridgid are known for their durability. For instance, the drill can mix over 1,000 buckets of thinset mortar without any issues.
• Battery compatibility: Once you choose a brand, the batteries are interchangeable with other tools from the same brand, providing a consistent and reliable power source across your toolkit.
• Power and performance: These tools provide sufficient power for drilling and driving tasks, ensuring that materials are securely fastened and mixed to the right consistency.

Manual tile cutter

Manual tile cutters are used to cut tiles to size manually without needing electricity or water. They are used to make straight cuts and simple notches, and complements tabletop tile saws for complete installations. A manual tile cutter is approximately the size of a small bench, with a flat surface for placing tiles. It typically has a sliding handle with a cutting wheel, rails for guiding the tile, and a breaking

mechanism to snap the tiles along the scored line. Although it does not require a full-size wet tile saw, it may not be as precise as wet saws for intricate cuts.

As an alternative, full-size wet tile saws offer more precision and are better for larger projects but are more expensive and less portable. Handheld tile cutters are less expensive but require more manual effort and precision.

Diamond hand pad

A diamond hand pad is used to smooth and finish rough edges after cutting tiles. It is a rectangular pad coated with

diamond grit, and has a gritty, sandpaper-like surface.

As an alternative, rubbing stones can be used also but are less effective at creating smooth, factory-like edges. Electric tile polishers provide a more consistent finish but are more expensive. Diamond hand pads can create factory-like edges on cut tiles for a professional finish, and is superior to rubbing stones, in that they last a very long time.

Tabletop tile saw

A tabletop tile saw is a durable and inexpensive tool used to cut tiles for splashbacks, floors, and showers, often complementing a manual tile cutter for complete installations. It can also make precise cuts for notches and glass mosaics. It typically has a small circular

saw blade, a water reservoir to cool the blade, and a guide for making precise cuts. There is often a protective guard over the blade.

As an alternative, full-size wet tile saws provide better performance for large projects but are more costly and less portable. Handheld tile saws offer portability but may not be as stable or precise. Tabletop file saws are compact, and designed to sit on a table or workbench, but may not handle very large tiles or heavy-duty cutting tasks as well as full-size wet saws.

Tile levelling system

A tile levelling system includes small plastic wedges, clips and pliers, that ensure flat, lippage-free tile installations. It is essential when installing large format tiles (e.g. 12 x 24 inches), to prevent shifting and creating uneven surfaces. The wedges and clips are designed to fit together to hold tiles in place, while the pliers are used to tighten and secure the system. These components are often brightly coloured

(red, yellow, or orange) for easy visibility.

Tile levelling systems can be time-consuming to set up and use, especially for beginners. As an alternative, traditional spacers can be used for smaller tiles but may not prevent lippage as effectively. Professional tile levelling systems are more expensive than traditional spacers.

The benefits of tile levelling systems are summarised below:

• Prevents lippage: A tile levelling system ensures that all tiles are level with each other, preventing uneven edges or "lippage." This results in a smoother, more aesthetically pleasing surface.
• Components: The components work together to hold tiles in place and maintain a consistent height across the entire tiled area.
• Ease of use: The system is user-friendly, making it ideal for both beginners and DIYers. It simplifies the process of keeping tiles flat and level during installation.
• Cost-Effective: It is an affordable investment that significantly enhances the quality of the installation, resulting in a professional and flawless outcome.
• Versatility: While particularly useful for large format tiles, the system can be used for various tile sizes and types, ensuring a flat installation across different projects.

Grout float

A grout float is an essential tool used to apply and smooth grout, allowing it to be spread evenly into tile joints. This ensures smooth and even grout lines. It is also used to clean excess grout from tile surfaces. A grout float has a rectangular flat surface with a plastic or wooden handle on top that often has a contrasting bright colour. It tends to have dense rubber or foam pad on the bottom.

As an alternative, grout bags can be used for more precise application but require more skill and time.