Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Professional Tile Tools: All About the Grout

There is a lot more to doing a successful tile project than professional grade tile tools.  You have some other material that is often overlooked:  Your grout.

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Grout and Tile Tools


First off, what is grout? According to the site WIKIPEDIA.ORG: "Grout is a construction material used to embed rebars in masonry walls, connect sections of pre-cast concrete, fill voids, and seal joints (like those between tiles). Grout is generally a mixture of water, cement, sand, often color tint, and sometimes fine gravel (if it is being used to fill the cores of concrete blocks). It is applied as a thick emulsion and hardens over time, much like its close relative mortar.[1] Unlike other structural pastes such as plaster or joint compound, grout, when mixed and applied correctly, creates a waterproof seal. Main varieties include: tiling grout (either urethane, cement-based or epoxy), flooring grout, resin grout, non-shrink grout, structural grout and thixotropic grout. Structural grout is often used in reinforced masonry to fill voids in masonry housing reinforcing steel, securing the steel in place and bonding it to the masonry.[1] Non-shrink grout is used beneath metal bearing plates to ensure a consistent bearing surface between the plate and its substrate. Portland cement-based grouts come in different varieties depending on the particle size of the ground clinker used to make the cement, with a standard size of around 15 microns, microfine at around 6-10 microns, and ultrafine below 5 microns, with the ability of the final grout to penetrate a fissure largely dependent on this particle size (smaller size equates to greater penetration).[2] Because these grouts depend on the presence of sand for their basic strength, they are often somewhat gritty when finally cured and hardened. Tiling grout is often used to fill the spaces between tiles or mosaics, and to secure tile to its base. Although ungrouted mosaics do exist, most have grout between the tesserae. Tiling grout is also cement-based, and comes in sanded as well as unsanded varieties. The sanded variety contains finely ground silica sand; unsanded is finer and produces a non-gritty final surface. They are often enhanced with polymers and/ or latex. There are several tools associated with applying and removal of grout such as: grout saw or grout scraper a manual tool for removal of old and discolored grout. The blade is usually composed of tungsten carbide. grout float a trowel-like tool for smoothing the surface of a grout line, typically made of rubber or soft plastic. grout sealer a water-based or solvent-based sealant[3] applied over dried grout that resists water, oil, and acid-based contaminants. Dremel grout attachment an attachment guide used in a die grinder for faster removal of old grout than a standard grout saw. Pointing Trowel Used for applying grout in flagstone, and other stone works." [READ SOURCE]

Where Can I Find Tools to Work on Grout? 

While finding tools for grout is fairly easy, there is one piece of advice we would like to offer.  Make sure you get professional grade tile tools for any tile project.  Why?  Well, it is the difference between a fiasco and a well done tile project. 


How can the right tools help.  For one durability.  They're not going to break easily.  You also get the best your money can buy. 

So make sure when you buy, you always buy professional grade tile tools


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Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Contractor Grade Tile Tools and the Right Type of Grout

While we talk a lot about selecting the right tools, particularly contractor-grade tile tools, it's also important that you consider the grout that you use.
Buying the Right Grout is as Important As
Contractor Grade Tile Tools |
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How Many Types of Grout Are There?

How many types of grout are there?  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 ARTICLE]

How Can You Buy Grout?

Buying grout also depends on the project in question. As to where you can buy grout, one of the best ways to get it is to buy it online.

The better websites will let you buy both grout and tile tools in the same place.

So remember, you want the right materials for your tiling project.  You want the right tile, the right grout, and most importantly of all, the right tile tools for the job.

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844-309-2945

Or

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Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Why Should You Use Contractor Grade Tile Tools?

Just as there's a difference between tile types, there is also a difference between regular tile tools and contractor grade tile tools.

Professional Grade Tile Tools Make a Big Difference
In Any Tiling Project | 844-309-2945
Contractor Grade Tile Tools are What Experts Use

Decades back, tiling was considered to be a profession that one became an expert at only after spending years in the trade. The tips and techniques used in the tiling business were considered to be trade secrets which could not be shared outside the profession. However, over the years we have seen plenty of stores open up and do good business by selling tiles and tile tools.

If you are looking forward to tiling your floor or wall while ensuring that the result looks professional and clean, you need to start with the best source materials to do the job. This is why you should get the best contractor grade tile tools that are available in the market. It does not matter whether you are working on a big tiling commercial project or are simply remodeling your kitchen floor or setting down tiles in your new house- these contractor grade tools are what you should be using all the time.

Contractor Grade Tile Tools and Attention to Detail

While tiling is an easy process, you need to be extremely meticulous when you lay them down to avoid overlapping or leaving too much of space in between. The contractor tiling tools are of professional grade, and they can get the job done much quicker than otherwise, while ensuring top quality result. Are you wondering why or how these contractor tile tools are different from the usual garden-variety kits that you find in your local hardware store? These professional tools are sturdier, durable, efficient, and strong. You can rely on these without fail.

A tile is usually made of stone, ceramic, metal or glass. This means that you need something strong and extremely sharp to be able to cut them without running the risk of getting messy edges. Tiles also come in different shapes and sizes- the rectangular and square shape being the most common. But tiling projects often differ from one another, and you may need to cut the tiles down in size to fit them properly. Using the usual tile saw found in the market will not help you here. After the first few runs, they will give out on you. A professional grade tile saw will help you to cut through big format stones and large tiles. Because they run on high power electric motors, they can easily cut through strong materials like granite, stone, and metal.

Ultimately, you want your tile to look it's best, or your whole project is meaningless.  So start with professional grade tile tools.

For more information, visit our site, or give us a call at 844-309-2945

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Why Contractor Grade Tile Tools are Worth It (Conclusion)

There are some final reasons to consider contractor grade tile tools.  


Professional Grade Tile Tools Include Items
Such as Gloves | 844-309-2945

Professional Grade Tile Tools May Help You Avoid Injuries

A contractor who uses professional grade tile tools knows that their body is their livelihood, and so the decision to spend money on tools to keep it working and intact is a no-brainer. But your body is no less important to the life you live! These tools will come in handy for almost all home improvement projects, and, if you use them right, you’re certain to have many more to come.

A simple pair of kneepads can make the job much easier, as well as have you working faster because you need fewer breaks. The contractor-grade versions of these will be much less likely to irritate your skin, and will last far longer. But there’s even a step up from there: since you’ll be working on a hard surface, a rolling knee board makes perfect sense. This will protect your knees and increase the rate at which you’re able to work. The cream of the crop even includes chest support, so you can lean over your grouting work without taking the life out of your back. 

Contractor Grade Tile Tools: Hand in Glove


You’re almost certain to already have a favorite pair of gloves in a drawer somewhere. If they’re already contractor-grade, then great, you should keep using them. But if you just picked them up out of the bargain bin and have since grown attached to them, consider upgrading. A good pair of work gloves will be well-insulated without making your hands too sweaty, and will be durable without sacrificing too much dexterity. It’s always a game of give and take, but contractor grade tools take advantage of the latest scientific research to get you the best of both worlds. As always, what seem like small advantages for the high-end actually go a long way toward saving you time and money on this project, and for many projects in the future.

You already know the value of putting your own work into a project, and you’re well aware that sometimes you have to pay a little more to get the quality you need in a project. Yet if you think all of this and you’re still settling for consumer-grade tools, you’re cheating yourself. In almost every phase of the tiling process, spending a little more money on the tools you use will save you time, materials, and even your own health, and you’ll be able to carry them forward into future projects and reap the same benefits again and again.


So remember there is a difference between tools.  There are bargain tools and contractor grade tile tools.  

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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Why Contractor Grade Tile Tools Are Worth It (Contd.)

Contractor grade tile tools are a little more money, but they make all the difference in the world. And, really, the greatest cost for any tiling job is always the materials. Spending a little more on your tools will save you money on the project as a whole, as you won’t have to make another trip to the store for more tile.
If you need professional grade tile tools,
give us a call at 844-309-2945

Tile Cutters and Professional Grade Tile Tools

Furthermore, higher quality tile cutters will be able to handle a greater variety of tile shapes, allowing you to get creative with the job. So whether you want to use a wet saw or piano cutter, hand held or overhead, it always pays to go with contractor grade tools.

Grouting Tools
Grouting – and, if you’re re-tiling, removing grout – is one of the more tedious parts of any tiling projects. With the right tools, this phase will go quickly and look great when it’s done. Not all grout floats are created equal. With the right grade of rubber, you’re much more likely to avoid scratching or staining your new tiles as you spread the grout and clean it away. For tiles with larger grooves, a good striking tool is indispensable for making the grout look smooth and concave.

Professional Grade Tile Tools and Removing Grout

Grout is like the icing on the cake: the tiles may look great, but if the grouting is done poorly, the room will look terrible. There is no better way to ruin the aesthetic of a room than having lines that aren’t level: if it’s at all visible it will look sloppy, and if it’s bad enough, the tiles won’t fit the scheme. To ensure straight lines, do what contractors do: use a laser level. Bubble levels may work for hanging a photo on the wall, but for something as important as your tiling, spend the money, and do it right.

The removal of grout is more dependent on the tools you use, particularly if you installed it well the first time. A good grout removal fitting for an oscillating drill will be able to get into more places than its low-grade counterpart. In this sense, getting a reliable contractor-grade tool can replace more than one consumer-grade tool.

Above all else, you want the best tools for whatever your tiling project is.  Whether those tools are diamond tools or simple cutters, go for the best.

TILETOOLSHQ.COM

Give us a call today at 844-309-2945

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

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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Wednesday, July 15, 2015

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
contractor grade tile tools | 844-309-2945

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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