Contractor Grade Tile Tools: All About Tile and Grout Cleaning

One thing to look for in an online supplier of contractor grade tile tools is whether or not they provide tile and grout cleaning supplies.

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Contractor Grade Tile Tools and Tile Cleaning

According to the site Houzz.com: "Tile — whether it's used as flooring, in the kitchen as a backsplash or for counters, or in the bathroom — has one great downfall: grout. Since grout is porous in nature, unsealed grout absorbs all kinds of stains, from mildew to coffee and everything in between. To say it's a headache to keep grout clean is an understatement. Note: Be wary of using too much lemon juice with marble, since it can etch or damage the stone if left on too long. Hydrogen peroxide can be a safe alternative. by Meg Padgett Meg Padgett We inherited marble tile counters when we purchased our home. It's pretty clear that the grout was never properly sealed, so it soaks up stains like crazy. It makes our kitchen feel gross and grimy, even if it was just cleaned. While I'd love to replace the counters with a solid surface like quartz, it's just not in our budget — plus, we just can't justify getting rid of something that's perfectly fine otherwise. by Meg Padgett Meg Padgett Luckily, I have a foolproof method that will lift most household stains from that pesky grout. What you'll need: • Oxygenated bleach (like OxiClean) • Warm water • Coarse scrubbing brush (like an old toothbrush) • Towel • Lemon • Grout sealer Tip: Cleaning colored grout should be done with special care. Bleaching agents (like chlorine bleach) can discolor and harm the colored grout. Fortunately, oxygenated bleach does not contain corrosive chemicals and is safe to use on all grout. by Meg Padgett Meg Padgett 1. Clean the surface thoroughly, removing any surface residue or debris. Let the grout dry fully. 2. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach in 2 cups of warm water. Wet the brush in the mixture and apply it to the grout. Let it soak in, then scrub the grout in a circular motion, which will loosen the stain more effectively than a front-and-back motion. If needed, dip the wet brush into the oxygenated bleach to make a paste. Wipe clean, then let dry. Tip: To lift extra-dark stains, squeeze lemon juice onto the stain, let it soak in, then scrub, wipe clean and let the grout dry. Use lemon juice sparingly, since it can damage some tile finishes." [READ SOURCE]

Professional Grade Tile Tools and More Thoughts About Them

If you want to buy contractor grade tile tools, make sure that you find a good source.

Look online if you can. Once you have a good supplier, that offers everything from tile cutters to grout cleaning supplies, then keep buying from them.

Another thing to look for is applicators. After all, you don't want to have your cleaner and no way to apply it.

Ultimately, you want a supplier you can trust for all of your contractor grade tile tools

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Tile Projects: Start with The Grout (Conclusion)

Contractor grade tile tools are important for the success of a tiling project. However, you mustn't neglect the basics, such as the grout you use. As we covered previously, in addition to tile tools, your grout is also of a great deal of importance.  

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Epoxy Grout and Tile Projects

Epoxy grout is a popular form of grout. According to the site The Floor Elf: "Epoxy Grout Epoxy grout is the top of the line and best choice for any tile application. It can be substituted for sanded or unsanded grout. It is more sturdy than both as well as being waterproof and stain resistant. Epoxy is a two or three part chemical consisting of the base and the activator. With some brands the color is an additional part that must be added. Once the parts are mixed a chemical reaction begins. From that point, depending on the brand of epoxy, you have only a limited amount of time to get everything grouted before the grout becomes stiff enough to be unworkable. When it reaches that point, if you do not have everything grouted you are SOL. To help slow the cure time you can mix your epoxy then put half of it in the freezer. The cold air will slow the chemical reaction and lengthen the working time. You can then work with the other half until it is all used. Clean it up, wipe everything down, then grab the second half out of the freezer and finish up. When you first pull it out of the freezer it will be, well, frozen. It thaws quickly, though, so should be workable within a few minutes. This essentially doubles the working time of your grout and ensures you don’t have to rush through it. Since most epoxy grouts do not contain sand (or at least not in the classic sense of sand) it will normally not scratch your tile. If you have highly polished granite or marble that’s important. Be sure to test first anyway! Different brands of epoxy have different working times as well as some being more difficult to work with than others. The brand with which I have had the most luck and the only brand I ever use is SpectraLOCK from Laticrete. It has a longer working time than any other epoxy grout (at least any I’ve ever used) and is virtually stain proof. Please don’t take that to mean the you can grout a jacuzzi with it, fill it with cherry kool-aid, and expect it not to be pink (Don’t do that). It just means that for all intents and purposes it will not stain without concerted effort. In my opinion it is the best on the market. The only drawback of epoxy grout would be the price. It is fairly expensive. When weighed against the upside, however, it is well worth it. Low maintenance demands and high durability of epoxy grout make it well worth the money. Picking the correct grout for your application is a key part of a proper tile installation. If you choose incorrectly you could end up with a multitude of problems and headaches. Grout, chosen and installed correctly, will complete your tile installation and push it from a good tile job to a great one. Do not underestimate the power of the grout." [READ SOURCE ARTICLE]

Where Do I Buy Epoxy Grout

There are several different places to buy epoxy grout including at a big box home improvement center, several hardware stores, and of course online. Before you buy anything however, make sure you know the scope of your tiling project and what sort of contractor grade tile tools you are going to need.

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Tile Projects: Start with The Grout

Before selecting contractor grade tile tools, have you chosen the grout you're going to need first?

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Tile Tools and Grout

In addition to contractor grade tile tools, you're going to need grout as well.

According to the site The Floor Elf: "There are three basic types of grout available for your tile installation. They are: Non-Sanded (also known as Unsanded) Sanded Epoxy Choosing the correct grout for your particular installation will not only complete the job correctly, it will also cut down on maintenance. Properly installed and sealed grout will last for the life of your tile. So which to use and when? Non-Sanded (or Unsanded) Grout Unsanded grout is made specifically for grout lines smaller than 1/8 inch wide. This is a general rule. I use unsanded grout only in tile with grout lines smaller than 1/16″. Unsanded grout (all grout to different degrees) will shrink as it cures. The reason for only using it in smaller grout lines is the wider the grout lines, the more grout must be used to fill them. The more grout you have, the more it will shrink. If you try to fill grout lines that are too large the grout will shrink enough to pull away from the sides of the tile. Unsanded grout is easier to work with, especially on vertical surfaces such as a shower wall, because it is “stickier” than the sanded variety. You can spread it onto the wall and it will stick there while you force it into the grout lines. It is also much easier on the hands than sanded. Although it is easier to work with, you need to make sure that the application for which you are using it is correct. Sanded Grout Sanded Grout is used for any size grout lines 1/8″ and wider. Although the specifications state unsanded grout be used in grout lines that are exactly 1/8″, you really should use sanded for them. It will ensure proper adhesion to your tile and guard against too much shrinkage. No, not Seinfeld shrinkage, grout shrinkage. Sanded grout has fine sand added to it. This prevents the grout from shrinking too much as it cures. That’s why it is used for larger grout lines and should be used for the majority of tile installations.

If you have a polished stone such as granite, marble, limestone, and some polished travertine, you should be careful about using sanded grout. While sanded may be the correct choice for the size of grout lines, it may not be the best choice. Depending upon the polish of the stone the sand in the grout may actually scratch it. If you decide to use sanded make sure you test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it will not scratch your finish. Or use epoxy which would be a better choice anyway. [READ SOURCE]

Tile Tools and Your Tiling Projects

Make sure you're using the right type and amount of grout for your tiling projects.

Above all else, get only the best tools.  Go for professional grade tile tools only.

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Tiling Project Ideas: Bathroom Remodeling Made Easy

One of the better ideas for a tiling projects is to remodel your bathroom. Doing the project right is important, however, and one way to start is to pick the right tools.

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How Can the Right Tile Tools Help?

Can the right tile tools truly make a difference in the success or failure of a remodeling project, or any other tile project? In a word, yes. If you have contractor grade tile tools, it will give you the flexibility to make other decisions considering your remodeling project. Bathroom tiles come in a delightfully wide array of options that are almost limitless. With a very extensive range of colors, sizes, and designs they can make up the best-fitting patterns to match your taste. For your bathroom remodeling project, tiles are made from various materials you can choose from including ceramic, linoleum, natural stone, glass and porcelain. But whichever material you choose for your bathroom tiles, consider the pros and cons carefully.

Natural stone is beautiful, but you want to make sure that it is sealed and textured to avoid being slippery, particularly in a bathroom. You also don't want to use any u- glazed tiles such as terracotta in a bathroom as these tiles will need to be cleaned frequently to avoid stains. All you need to install them? A bit of know-how and the right tile tools for the job. First off you're probably going to need a tile saw or a tile cutter.

With bathroom remodeling, it is important to already have a pattern in mind before selecting and buying bathroom tiles. It is the pattern of your choice that will bring out your own individuality in your finished project. When it comes to tile ideas, you will never be at a loss as there are more than enough resources in the internet alone. To help you out in this home improvement, here are several general tips and ideas to create a stunning new look for your bathroom.

Tile Tips and Designing Your Dream Bathroom With Contractor Grade Tile Tools

One good idea is to install contrasting colors for your walls and floor. Make the bottom layer the same color as the floor, or a complementary color. Then to add some variety, maybe put a dividing line of a darker or lighter color with maybe a vibrant tile thrown in here or there to draw the eye. And don't forget the borders. Adding borders are great for trimming your project and giving it a sharp clean look. However, it's not just the tools you want to think about. We live in an age with grout color seal that can bring out the color in your tile.

Plain white grout lines are classic, however, why not get some in a mocha color to go with the earth tones of your master bathroom, or maybe a nice spruce color grout to go with the blues and greens of your tile color scheme?

It all depends on you and your imagination.  Start with professional grade tile tools.

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Tile Installation Tips: Install your Tile Flat

Here is an important tile installation tip. Make sure that your tile is flat. Why? Trip hazards for one, as well as tile that is too high or too low will look dilapidated.

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Tile Installation Tips

Here is a supporting tile installation tip from the Floor Elf: "I constantly reiterate the need for a tile installation to be flat. Not necessarily level, but always flat. This is the mark of a true professional and the thing that turns an ‘okay’ installation into a spectacular installation. (Did I just type ‘spectacular? Jesus…) Anyway, the method I use on floor tile to get it flat is fairly simple and ensures that each tile is the exact same height as the tiles surrounding it. Before I show you that you need to understand, as always, that the substrate preparation is the most important aspect of this. If your tile substrate looks like a skate park you’re never going to get a flat tile installation over the top of it. Your substrate needs to be as flat as you can possibly get it. Take time with your preparation – it makes the rest of the installation run smoothly and gives you a solid foundation. Start by getting a few tiles set and make sure they are all flat with your straight-edge, just place the straight-edge on top of the set tiles and ensure that there are no open spaces beneath it and that every tile is the same height. You can push down on tiles that may be a bit high or take a tile up and place a little more thinset beneath it to raise it some. Once you have that correct the rest is cake, baby! (You ever seen a cake baby? They’re messy…) All these photos are of a travertine tile bathroom floor. I used travertine photos because it happens to be one of the least dense stones and usually have quite a few pits and open spaces in the stone itself. If the tile is ‘filled’ travertine, as this is, it is normally only filled from the front so that, once installed, it has no open areas or pits on the face of the tile. [READ SOURCE ARTICLE]

The next thing you want to realize is that while the tile type you're working with is important, so are your tile tools.  Only buy contractor tile tools.  But where can you get such things?

Where Can I Buy Contractor Grade Tile Tools?

Where can you buy contractor grade tile tools? While you may be able to find a tool supplier in your town, unless you live in a major metropolitan area, you might run into some difficulties. A great place to buy tile tools is online.

A good online supplier will have both tile tools as well as grout.  So remember, start with your tiles.  Only get professional grade tile tools.

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Tile Restoration: What You Need to Know and What You Need to Get

Tile restoration is a great idea and much better than the normal idea of what to do with older tile.

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Why Tile Restoration Matters

For one thing, tile restoration is a lot more eco-friendly.  We live in a society that when something gets older or worn we are ready to throw it out and go out to get the latest style to replace it.

All the tile, grout and what not that you take out doesn't get recycled.  It ends up in a landfill somewhere.  Start with tile restoration tools and go from there.

If environmental concerns weren't enough, the next reason you should consider tile restoration is the simple matter of cost.  Tile restoration is about 70% cheaper than replacing your tile.  One thing to keep in mind is that new does not always mean better, and if very rarely means cheaper. It is important to know the difference between something that is new and if the product is of the best quality. Many products that are older are actually made with much better quality.

It used to be that companies would build products that would last, but eventually they realized the longer their products lasted the less likely the customer would be to return to purchase more. Eventually businesses realized that it was better for their business to make a quality product that had a specified lifespan. These items also tended to be more cost effective to create. This means that keeping certain items in your household and repairing, cleaning, or restoring them will be much more cost effective in the long run that it would be to replace them with a new product. There are many reasons for why restoration is a better option than replacement.

Reasons to Do Tile Restoration

Here are a few reasons why: Just like clothing the style of home décor can change over the years and with the seasons. Take a look at homes from a few decades ago. It was extremely popular to have pastel colored tiles throughout your bathroom. That is no longer the style; it is larger neutral colored tile. This means that should you want to replace the tiles, but remain with the same style it could pose quite a challenge to do that. Many people like the classic look of the home, and want to keep it true to the style.

You want to make sure you also use the right tools.  You want professional grade tile tools.

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Tiling and Tile Tools: An In-depth Look at Professional Tile Tools (Conclusion)

When you're selecting tile tools for a project, there is a lot of information you need to have before you buy them.

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Things to Know Before you Buy Professional Tile Tools

For example, when you are debating which power tile saw to purchase, you need to consider how many watts it operates at. A power saw with a high wattage will generally cut tougher tiles more efficiently, with little to no wasted material. The table size also should be considered.

If you need to work with larger tile sizes, you will need a tile saw that has a larger table. You need to make sure the table can support both cutting edges of the tile.

It should also feature things such as a diamond blade, a hydro cooling tank for the blade, a waterproof mode, a blade guard, and an adjustable guide fence. Every tool for the job, even the simplest things such as knee-pads, need to be objectively examined with a critical eye for detail.

Cheap knee pads can prove to be uncomfortable over time, or fray over time, whereas professional quality knee pads will keep your knees from aching during the long process of laying down tiles.

Avoid Bad Tile Tools, Only Buy Professional Quality Tile Tools

If you visit any forum board for contractors in the tiling business, you will see many complaints about specific brands. We won’t list any of the specific brands complained about, but complaints range from things such as tiles breaking while cutting, messy edges, or the blades actually breaking. Even if you aren’t a professional tiler, and you are embarking on a “do it yourself” project in your own home, it is still vastly important that you choose high quality tools.

If you use cheap tools, you will get an amateur looking finish. You will likely want to hire a professional contractor to come in later and repair any damages, which will cost you probably the same amount of just buying professional tile tools in the first place.

Ultimately, you want to make sure that you not only get the best results for your tiling project, your process is sound as well.  So remember, Benjamin Franklin once said: "Failing to plan is planning to fail."  Write down a list of things you're going to need for your tiling project.

Tile? Check.  Grout?  Check.  Measuring tape?  Check.  Measurements of the area?  Check.  And most of all?  Only buy contractor grade tile tools.

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