Slate Tile Flooring: The Tools
Embarking on slate tiles is a huge feat. You must be well equipped to handle the mental and physical arduous journey that awaits you. This means, you will need the right tools for the job.
Tile grout is the first thing you should have on your tool list. In case you are wondering what grout even is, today is your lucky day. For it is the day that you learn that a grout is a construction material that is used to seal the gaps and joints between various things, such as tiles!
And just how will you be slapping on that grout in the first place? With a grout float, of course. As a trowel-like tool in the shape of a flat-edged rectangle, you can smooth out those grout lines with ease. Then, you can follow it up with grout sealers (namely water-based ones) as soon as the existing grout is dry.
Another item to add to your list is mortar. As in, brick and mortar, but without the bricks. A binding compound, mortar is a paste you will use to hold the tiles to the substrate.
Mortar is made of sand, cement and water. A lot of earthy elements aren’t there?
Now, onto the saws. Yes, it is plural. You are going to need a hand saw for the tiles you need to fit against the door jambs, but overall you are going to need a serious wet saw. A table saw that sprays water to keep the blades from getting too hot, it also keeps the shrapnel from flying off into people’s faces.
(For that, you must wear safety goggles, should the water not spray down all of the sharp objects).
One other item you should check out is a chalk lining tool. You unwind it by pulling it out of a measuring tape-like contraption, and it ends up being a twine full of chalk.
It is very easy to use. Just hold the container at one wall, pull the twine out to the opposite wall, and snap the chalk onto the surface. Immediately you will get a straight edge lined for you.
If you repeat the same steps for the remaining 2 sides of the room, you will get a 2nd chalked line. Then, you will feel like a pirate because “X marks the spot”. The spot being the exact center where you first slate tile should be.
So, there you have it. But, do not take my word for it. This is merely a list of recommended tools for your very first slate tile flooring project, and you can feel free to add more as you like. The better quality the tools, the better the quality will be seen in your finished floor. Good luck!
Ben Dziga can share his tips on slate tile flooring and all of the basics when you check out his slate tiles blog. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
