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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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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Let's Talk About Tile Tools For Professionals

Let's talk about tile tools for professionals. We know what you're thinking. A tile tool is a tile tool, right? Wrong.

There is a big difference between contractor grade tile tools and tools that you buy at a hardware store. And if you're going to do any tile projects, you want to make sure you have the best tools to work with.

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Why You Need Contractor Grade Tile Tools

Here's why you need contractor grade tile tools.  Tiling is a complex, labor-intensive and sometimes intimidating undertaking, but there's no need to run away before you've even dipped your toe in the water! With the right level of care, you'll be confidently laying pristine tiles in no time at all. However, there's one extremely important rule that you need to internalize from the very beginning. It is ESSENTIAL that you have the best possible tools at your disposal.

We've all been there. Money is tight and you need to buy a heap of other stuff for around the house. The last thing you want to do is pay top dollar for a piece of hardware, especially as there's that perfectly snazzy-looking set of tools on sale in the store across the street for a quarter of the price! With tile tools (and all building tools, for that matter), you get what you pay for. Here are some compelling reasons to do yourself a favor and only buy contractor grade tile tools.

Buy Contractor Grade Tile Tools: Time is of the Essence

Speed is one reason to buy tile tools online.  Whether you're a professional tiler or just an everyday Joe embarking on some DIY in the house, time is of the essence. If you're a pro, you likely get paid by the job and will want to work on as many projects as you can without being held back by, for example, a cutter lacking in accuracy and power. If tiling is not your day job then you're no doubt giving up your precious weekends and evenings to get this tiling job done. Wouldn't you rather finish the floor in the morning and get to hang out with your family in the afternoon? Results Even more important than speed, how about the quality of the finished work? Tile tools designed for professionals are the only way to go if you want to avoid that unnecessarily chipped tile or overlapped mess on the wall.

Contractor grade tiling tools put their garden-variety counterparts in the shade when it comes down to the most important features such as durability and strength. Because of their precision, they also allow you to work with decorative tiles, without fear of damaging them. Messing up while tiling is no small matter. The slightest error could lead to you not getting paid for the job or, worse, encountering a very angry spouse. It's simply not worth putting your trust in anything less than the best quality tools you can find. Don't say we didn't warn you.

So remember, you are paying for quality.  Buy contractor grade tile tools today.

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Contractor Grade Tile Tools 101 (Contd.)

Contractor grade tile tools are more than durable, they are also fairly easy to use.

A Grouting Float is Just One Example
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What is the Difference Between Regular and Contractor Grade Tile Tools?  

First off, the amount of time that you can use them successfully.  They are also a lot easier to use.  For example if you buy contractor grade tile tools they will be easy to grip without the handle sliding around in your hands or being too wide to fit easily in the palm of your hand.

You might laugh because your hands aren't exactly petite, but you'd be surprised by how many times somebody injured themselves because they couldn't keep a good grip on the tools that they were using. That sort of thing tends to negate the positive benefits of doing the work yourself. It's a safety issue so, whenever you get a chance while shopping for tile tools, pick one up to make sure it's not going to slide out of your hands or become a hazard when you get sweaty palms.

Grout Tools and Grout Lines

One example that you should consider is grout. Now, granted, grout might not be what you think of as a tool as such, but this is basically what holds the tile together when you're handling jobs like redoing the tile in your shower. You're probably not buying the totally cheap stuff because you want it to actually do the job of holding the tiles together.   You will also want a professional grade grouting tool as well.

Some contractors prefer un-sanded grout because it's less likely to scratch polished tiles, easier to work with and stickier than the sanded variety, making it a better option for handling vertical tiles when the grout line is less than 1/8” wide. Basically, it's efficient when you're working with it and strong enough to hold tiles together when the lines aren't very wide. For grout lines wider than 1/8”, though, the grout should be sanded to avoid damage caused by grout shrinkage. When the lines are too wide for the un-sanded version, you want to go for the durability of sanded grout so the tiled panels don't start falling apart because the grout shrank. Choosing tile tools should be a lot like choosing the grout you use. You choose the best for the job and, in cases where you want to make sure you're handling a large job well, that will mean contractor grade.

Ultimately, if you're doing a tiling project, the right tools can make all of the difference in how well your project goes off.  If you go cheap and buy lower grade tools, you'll likely end up with a lower grade tiling project.  However, if you buy contractor grade tile tools, you can expect professional results.

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Contractor Grade Tile Tools 101

When you are starting a tiling project, the right tools make all the difference.

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Why Buy Contractor Grade Tile Tools?

Are you the one who handles most of the maintenance and home improvement projects around the house? I bet this saves you a lot of money on contractors. It's pretty sweet to know that you can rely on your own skills and create good-looking projects without shelling out a ton of money for the job. However, if this sounds like you, you should never skimp on the tile tools you use if you want your projects to come out looking like something that was professionally done. Contractor grade tile tools can really save you a lot of aggravation when you're in the middle of a project that involves your tiling.

Four Things To Look For When Choosing Contractor Grade Tile Tools

Sturdiness: Most tile is made out of very hard substances such as stone, ceramic, metal or glass. You'll have to cut your own tile at some point in the project, which means that you'll want tools that are sharp and sturdy enough to avoid not only messy and uneven cuts, but also a dangerous situation where a sharp tool might break in your hands because it wasn't sturdy enough.Durability: When you're dealing with materials like tile, you'll also have to deal with the fact that tools can wear out over time. You may have even been through that before when you were in the middle of a DIY project, a cheap power tool stopped functioning, and you had to go buy another one before you could finish. You should keep contractor grade tile tools on hand that are durable enough to finish the job and keep around for the next time you want to handle a job that involves tile without giving you a problem.

Efficiency: You want tile tools that can help you get the job done in a reasonable amount of time. This means tools that have a good efficiency rating so you won't face the embarrassment of explaining what took you so long to cut or lay the tile.Strength: Many tools for handling projects that involve tile are basically machines that are designed to enhance human effort. Tools can actually break because the person using them was trying to use them for a job that they weren't strong enough for. That means choosing tools that can keep up with the job regardless of how much tile needs to be used in that particular job.

We will continue this list in a future article, but for now, know that you want to get contractor grade tile tools.

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Why Contractor Grade Tile Tools Are Worth It

Why are contractor grade tile tools so important? Well, it's all in the sort of job that you want done regarding your tiling project, even if you are doing it on your own.

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Tile Projects and Professional Grade Tile Tools

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from taking care of a home renovation project on your own. It’s not just about saving money by circumventing the need to hire a contractor: it’s also about the independence of being able to take control of your own home. If you’ve got the know-how and the tile tools at your disposal, you can turn a home repair or renovation into a fulfilling and rewarding personal project. If you’ve ever taken on one of the projects, you know you know how important the tools that you use for the project are.

If you’re re-tiling your bathroom or kitchen, you can save a little money by getting low level consumer-grade tools, but you’re actually better off spending some of the money you save doing it yourself on professional, contractor-grade tile tools. This will ensure that the work is done precisely and effectively, and you won’t need to redo the work earlier than necessary. If you think about the kinds of tile tools you’ll be using to re-tile your bathroom or kitchen, in each case it becomes obvious why going for contractor-grade is the right choice for the job. Not only will the finished work look better and last longer, contractor-grade tile tools also tend to resist wear and tear much better than their low end counterparts, allowing you to use them for many years.

Tile Cutters and Tiling Projects: A Beginner's Guide

The foundation of any tiling job is the tile cutter. The quality of tile cutter that you have will determine the quality of the lines you cut, and the speed at which you can get through the work. A contractor-grade tile cutter will make accurate and straight cuts, ensuring that your tiles fit well into the scheme. The high-quality blades that professional tile cutters sport will also break far fewer tiles—some consumer-grade cutters will break as many 90% of tiles of certain materials!

That means you’ll be able to work through the tiling project more quickly, finishing the project sooner and saving money on materials. So remember, even if you're doing it yourself, you want your tiling project to look like it was done by a professional contractor. The best way to accomplish this? Buy contractor grade tile tools.

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Tile Contractors and Tile Installation Projects

Professional tile contractors know what tile tools to use for a tile installation project.

Glass tiles are just one tiling project that benefits from
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Contractor Grade Tile Tools

Tile tools are fairly diverse, even among contractor grade tile tools. There are dozens if not hundreds of tile tools out there. These tools can be classified into a few main groups, however. The first tool to consider is a trowel. What a lot of people don't know about trowels is that they only really have a few sizes. How do you find the proper trowel size? To select the right right size trowel, it is merely a matter of corresponding the size of the trowel to the size of the tile. A small trowel must be used for small tiles.

Larger tiles require the use of a larger trowel. You may need a different trowel size than what you're thinking about based on exactly where you're going to fit your tile, however. Floors, particularly high traffic locations, require thicker grout than other areas such as ceilings, backsplashes, or walls. In addition, any surface that is angled needs thicker grout as well. If you're a tiling contractor you will need a bigger trowel for these sort of projects. In some cases, however, you may need to use a grout float

A grout float is a hard rubber pad with a handle on one side. Grout is the mortar that goes between the tiles, locking them together. You use the float to spread the grout out and force it into the cracks and channels between tiles. Because it's made of rubber, the float won't scratch or chip the face of the tiles. While it is important to pick the right trowel or other tool for applying grout, you want to make sure that you also get tools for the tile itself, such as a tile saw.

Info on Tile Saws

Like a trowel, a tile saw should be chosen based on the type of tile that is to be used in the project. Stone tile obviously needs a tougher saw than ceramic or porcelain tile. Glass tiles, like the ones pictured above require a bit of finesse whichever tool you're using or you can chip or crack the tiles.   When using any type of tile saw, safety goggles must be worn at all times. Most tile saws are power saws and using water, are designed especially for cutting tile. Wet tile saws are the most efficient way to cut tile. A wet tile saw uses a water source, usually something like a hose, and there must be another outlet for waste water also. Use a bucket to capture the water. It's important to know that the bucket should be under the saw, or the water will not drain properly. Before you use a tile saw, measure the area twice and make certain that you have the tile, grout, and mortar necessary for your job. Ultimately, whether your tile project is a success or failure depends on the tools that you select. The best tools to pick are contractor grade tiling tools

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Tiling Projects: The Importance Of Buying Professional Grade Tools (Contd.)

Most people often avoid buying contractor grade tools for their tiling projects so as to try and save some cash. However, in the end most end up losing more money than what they saved when buying low-quality tools.

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Financial Tip: Buy Contractor Grade Tile Tools

When using cheap tools, you will probably end up damaging more tiles than you would have when using professional grade tiling tools. Also, you will not install your tiles correctly, and you may be forced to redo the tiling in the near future. To avoid this, you should do it well the first time by buying contractor grade tools. · Ease of use You do not have to be a professional tiling contractor to be able to use tile tools effectively as they are extremely easy to use. Provided you know how to install tiles you will have little to no trouble using these tools. For example, to use a contractor grade diamond tile cutter, all you need to do is to power it up and position the tiles correctly. This shows that the only skill that you will require to this tools is basic tile flooring skills. · Faster and smarter project completion Time is of great importance when doing any projects and so the faster you can complete the job the better. When using a professional grade tool like, for example, a tile power saw you will be able to cut and shape a large number of tiles at a go. This will directly increase the speed with which you finish the project.

Contractor Grade Tile Tools are Durable

Some companies will often give you a lifetime guarantee for the tiling tools you buy, especially with tools such as tile saws. This not only shows that the company is confident with the quality of the tools but also that they are sure that the tools will last for a very long time.

When you buy a professional grade tiling tool like a tile cutter, you will not need to buy another one for very many years to come. These tools are so durable that in most cases the only reason that you may need to replace them is the need to upgrade to newer or modern tools.

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Why You Should Buy Professional Grade Tile Tools

Why should you buy professional grade tile tools? In addition to the quality of materials you use, the key to successful completion of a tiling project solely depends on usage of the right tools...

A Professional Tile Project
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Professional Grade Tile Tools and Your Tiling Project

Whether you are installing new tiles in your house, remodeling the floor, or working on a big commercial tiling project, it’s vital that you have with you the right tile tools that can help you complete different type of jobs successfully. The right tile tools in this case are professional grade tile tools. You must be wondering why professional grade tile tools are different from the tools that you normally buy at your local hardware store. Well, they have been tested and proven strong, efficient, and reliable.

The Tile Tools That Contractors Use

All tiling contractors use these types of tile tools because they know what makes them different from other materials. To understand why these professional grade tile tools are the most effective in terms of quality and performance, this article will highlight a few of the best tile tools that are highly recommended by the pros in the tiling business.

Tile saws allow you to cut through large tiles and big format stones. The saw stone makes cutting easier with their heavy power electric motors, thus allowing you to easily cut through granite, large stone slabs, or other types of tile materials. The Handheld saws are used effectively for cutting stones, tiles, brick, fiber cement siding, concrete, tile backer board, and stucco & pavers. These saws will ease your work and get your job done with quality workmanship. Based on the type of tiling work you intend to do with the saws, it’s important that you choose the right tile saws and stone saws. Buy the right type of these tools and get your job done effectively. Tile & Stone Diamond Blades Tile and Stone Diamond Blades are essential for giving your tiles a crisp and cosmetic look. The diamond tools will help you achieve any type of look you want for your tiles. The diamond blades help you getting all your tile cutting tasks done quickly and efficiently.

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Tile Projects and Contractor Grade Tile Tools

Contractor grade tile tools are something you should definitely have before you begin any tile project.

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Tiling Projects and the Right Tile Tools

Tiles are manufactured pieces of hardened materials such as ceramic, metal, stone or glass that are used for covering roofs, floors, showers or walls. While square or rectangular tiles are the most common, tiles come in several different shapes and sizes. Therefore, they need to be trimmed and reduced into their respective sizes in order to fit a certain space. A tile cutter is the device that is used for tile trimming and re-sizing.

A tile cutter is invaluable for all tiling projects, but especially for do it yourself projects.  The first thing that you should do before you begin to put down any tile is to carefully measure the area that you wish to tile.  You always want to measure twice to make sure you have the right amount of tile, grout, thin-set and thick-set wherever applicable.  However, there are other things that you need to have as well, and it is fairly obvious if you think about it.  You need the right tile tools.

What are the Right Tile Tools?

What are the right tile tools? Tile projects vary. Some projects require more materials, tools and tiles than others. Tiling a guest bathroom is a different project than installing a tile back splash in the kitchen.  But a safe list of tools that you will likely need include a way of cutting the tiles, a trowel to spread any grout or thin/thick-set, and some cleaning materials as well.

Ultimately, you want to make sure you're prepared to do your tile project.  So take your  time, and make your list of everything you're going to need from tiles and grout all the way up to contractor grade tile tools.

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Tiling Projects and Professional Tile Tools

Any tiling project that you should do at home should only be attempted with the right combination of factors.  You should have the knowledge and experience to try it, the ability to follow specific instructions, and most importantly, the right tools for the job.  But what are the right tools?

Make Sure You Buy Only Professional Grade Tile Tools

Professional Grade Tile Tools: There is a Difference

One of the biggest pitfalls that people fall into when they attempt a tiling project is to go cheap.  They already spent a lot of money on the book they got from their home improvement center,  or maybe the DVD of tiling projects cost a fair amount of money as well.  So what do they do?  They decide to save money on the tile, the grout, and worst of all the tile tools that they're going to be using for the project in question.  

Why does scrimping on the tile tools and other materials cause such a problem?  Well, let's look at the tile and grout first.  If you buy cheap tile and grout, there is a good chance that it isn't heavy duty and it can be easily damaged or cracked.  As for tile tools themselves, some of the materials used in tiling projects are 'time-sensitive.'  Thin set is an excellent example.  What would happen if your mixture started to solidify before you were ready because your trowel broke during mid application, and yes that can really happen.  Some tile trowels are flimsy, just as other tile tools are concerned

Tiling Tools for Professionals

What's the fix for this problem?  Get professional grade tile tools.  Tiling professionals and other flooring contractors use slightly different tools than a normal consumer does.  They also have access to tools such as tile saws and other tile cutters.  Why professional grade tile tools are the ones you should go for is simple.  They will last you job after job, year after year, and are worth the cost. 

Are professional grade tile tools more expensive.  Depends on how you look at it.  Some tools cost a bit more, but when you look at the idea of having to buy tools constantly, you end up actually spending more money on replacing your tools each time than you would have with professional grade tile tools. 

So remember, the right tools make all the difference in a project.  So for your tiling project, whatever it may be, make sure you get professional grade tile tools.  

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Tile Installation Project: Install a Back Splash In Your Kitchen

A good tile installation project is a great way to improve both the beauty and the functionality of your home. Let's look at installing a tile back splash in your kitchen.

Install a Tile Back Splash

First off, what is a tile back splash? A back splash is a vertical extension of a counter that serves a protective function. Back splashes protect the wall from splatters of liquid. In the kitchen, there are generally a few areas that you might find a tile back splash, behind the range top, near the sink, and on any counters where food prep is done.

A back splash is usually made of natural stone, glass, or tile of some sort . Glass tile mosaic is one of the most popular forms of tile back splash. They make clean up a lot easier. For example, let's say that you want to bake a cake, and you accidentally bumped the mixer so that cake batter splatters all over the kitchen. With a tile back splash installed. But how do you install a tile back splash?

Use the Right Tile Tools For The Job

Start with your tile tools. One that you're going to need for sure is a notched tile trowel . You're also going to need thin-set mortar, rags, and other types of professional grade tile tools. One of your first step before you put any tiles down is to measure the surface carefully so you can get an accurate measure of the square footage. If you're going for glass tile mosaic, Mosaic tile can be applied to any wall surface as long as it is clean, smooth and solid. If you have wallpaper or loose paint, make sure you remove them first. Sand the area thoroughly and sponge away the dust. Gather all the tools and supplies you need for the project before you begin. Lightly tape mosaic sheets up to make sure your layout works.

Cut sheets with a utility knife , cutting the mesh from the backside of the sheet. Work out how you will handle any gap between the tile and the bottom of the wall cabinets. Above all else, plan out your project carefully, and review your steps too.

Make sure you have not only the supplies that you're going to need, but the time to do the project properly. Otherwise, you might find yourself having to scramble to find either tile tools or something like grout or thin-set.

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The Tile Tools That You Can Buy Online (Contd.)

Tile tools are fairly diverse.  For example, a tile hole cutter is designed to cut a hole in the center or other surface area of the tile.  This is ideal for things such as outlet holes.  However, there are more tile tools around as well. 

Don't Forget a Profile Gauge as One of the Tile Tools You'll Need
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Tile Tools for Shaping and Applying Tile

One of the other types of tools for tile tile projects is a tile drill. Tipped with carbide, a tile drill can be used on ceramic, wood, or glass.  If you're going to use a tile drill, make sure that you also use some form of lubricant to cool the tip of your drill or you run the risk of overheating. 

Another tool that you're also going to need for a professional grade tiling project is a profile gauge.

A profile gauge is a tool that you can use for cutting or trimming irregular tile shapes.  It's versatile in that it isn't confined to just ceramic or porcelain.  You can also use it on wood as well.  Once you measure your tile, you can use other shaping tools such as tile nippers.  If you need to remove already installed tile from the floor, that's where a tool such as a tile removal chisel can be used. Tile chisels are also great for removing plaster and thin-set as well.  

Tile Tools and Professional Grade Projects

One tile tool that you may not have considered getting, but it is one that you're going to need is a rubber mallet.  Rubber mallets should always be used in lieu of regular hammers.  Even with a rubber mallet, however, don't hammer too hard or you can break your tile. 

As we covered in a previous article, make sure that you always have more than enough tile for your project.  You want at least a couple of square feet of tile above your measured project space to cover any damage to your tile while you're putting it down.  In addition to tile, also make sure that you have enough of the other supplies as well such as thin-set, grout, and of course, the right tile tools for the job.  A best practice to follow is to have ALL of the materials you are going to need before you even start the project.  You also want to measure your work space at least two times to make sure there aren't any errors. 

Finally, make sure you know what you're doing.  One mistake and a beautiful tile floor or new backsplash can become an eyesore.  So read up, get your tile picked out, and make sure you use only professional grade tile tools. 

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Read Part 1 of this article here.  

Tiling Projects and Professional Grade Tile Tools

Tile tools are just one part of a good tile project.  There are also best practices that you should follow.

A straight edge is one of the tile tools you'll need
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Tile Installation Tips

First off, your grout or thin-set should always be smooth, without any lumps.  If your base is lumpy, then it can create gaps and bumps under the tile, which can cause areas of greater or lesser stress.  The more foot traffic you have on your tile, the more likely it is to get damaged.  When you're mixing your thin-set or your grout, wait a bit while you're stirring with the tile tools you're going to be using for the project.  This will allow the mixture to be lump-free.  On the subject of lumps and smoothness, make sure that your floor is flat.

If  your floor has waves or other areas where it is uneven, then you're going to have to work a lot harder to get each individual tile flush with the other tile, even with the right tile tools.  Lippage is usually a result, which makes your floor uneven.  Check your floors with a 4 foot long straight edge or level.  Any areas that are 1/4" or deeper should be filled in with thin-set.   

Self Leveling Compound and Tile Tools

After you've used your straight edge, it's time to think about ways to make your tile project easier.  Never underestimate the power of self-leveling compound in fixing uneven floors.  It comes in powder form and is mixed with water.  However, be aware that it is not cheap.  It can run as much as two dollars a square foot.  Some self-leveling compounds require that you use tile tools such as metal or plastic lathes. While self-leveling compound works rather well, make sure that you're aware of some things first.

Self-leveling compounds seep into holes and cracks in the floor, no matter how tiny they are.  You could find yourself facing craters and pockmarks in the surface.  Caulk every single gap and hole before you put it down.  Next, work fast, and do it with two or more people.  Self-leveling compound starts to harden within 30 minutes. 

This may sound like a no-brainer, but in addition to the right tile tools, make sure that you have supplies in excess of your tile project.  In other words, make sure you have more than enough tile, grout, and thin-set before you begin your project.  You never know what's going to happen to the tile that you have, so it is a good idea to have extra. 

Ultimately, make sure that before you begin any project, make sure you know exactly what to do.  Start with the right tile installation tools. 

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