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Tiling projects demand precision, durability, and a professional finish. Having the right tools and materials on hand is essential for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. This guide explores the key elements of tiling – cutting, levelling, and adhesive application – offering retailers a comprehensive understanding of what their customers need.
THE KEY ELEMENTS OF TILING
Cutting
Tools
Achieving precise tile cuts is critical for fitting tiles around edges, corners, and fixtures.
Essential cutting tools include:
- Manual tile cutters: Perfect for straight cuts on ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- Electric wet saws: Equipped with diamond blades, they handle intricate cuts and hard materials like stone or thick porcelain. Water cooling minimises dust and prevents blade overheating
- Tile nippers: Ideal for creating irregular cuts or shaping tiles around curves and corners.
- Grinders with diamond blades: Offer precision for fine cuts and edge finishing.
Levelling
Systems
Ensuring a level surface is vital to achieving a flawless, professional finish.
Essential levelling tools include:
- Tile spacers: Keep tiles evenly spaced, ensuring uniform grout lines
- Tile leveling systems: These consist of clips and wedges or screw caps that hold tiles in place while adhesive cures, preventing lippage
- Spirit Levels and Laser Levels: Used for achieving perfectly aligned rows over large areas.
Adhesive Application
A solid bond between tiles and surfaces ensures longevity and stability.
Key tools include:
- Notched trowels: Available in different notch sizes to spread adhesive evenly, creating grooves for better tile adhesion
- Adhesive mixers: Ensure the adhesive is mixed to the correct consistency for optimal performance
- Grouting floats and sponges:
For applying grout between tiles and cleaning off excess for a polished look.
Tile
Adhesives
The choice of tile adhesive is critical to the success of any tiling project.
Types of adhesives:
- Cement-based adhesives: Ideal for most ceramic and porcelain tiles, offering strong bonding for indoor and outdoor use
- Ready-mixed adhesives: Convenient for small-scale projects, particularly wall tiling with lighter tiles
- Epoxy adhesives: Highly durable and resistant to moisture and chemicals
- Flexible adhesives: Designed for use on surfaces prone to movement, such as timber or heated floors, to prevent tile cracking.
Elevate your tiling projects with Kirk Marketing's M-Tools range
Tiling is both an art and a science, requiring high-quality tools for professional results. Kirk Marketing’s M-Tools range provides durable, efficient, and affordable solutions for every tiling need, from cutting and adhesive application to leveling and finishing.
Complete Cutting Solutions
- Manual Tile Cutters – From Econo (basic) to Semi-Pro Slimline (advanced ceramic and porcelain cutting, up to 200cm).
- Professional Machines – Battipav & Bihui machines for high-precision cutting.
- Hand Tools – Tile Nippers, Scribers, Sanders, and Mosaic Cutters for custom tile shaping.
- Diamond Blades – Ranging from 115mm to 230mm for cutting stone, concrete, and cement tiles.
Reliable Adhesive and Grouting Tools
- Adhesive Mixers – Ensures smooth, even application.
- Dual-Notched Trowels – Full adhesive coverage for any tile size.
- Rubber Mallets – Prevents tile surface damage during installation.
Levelling and Spacing for a flawless finish
tile surfaces.
Specialised Tools for Drilling and Grout Removal
- Tile & Glass Drill Bits – Precision drilling without cracks.
- Diamond-Tipped Drill Bits – Ideal for hard materials like porcelain.
- Grout Removal Tools – Serrated and carbide-edged blades for effortless grout repair.
Post-installation and Maintenance Tools
- Squeegees & Applicators – Ensures even grout application.
- Sponges & Cleaning Tools – Microfiber mops and cloths for easy tile maintenance.
Retailer Support with Display Stands
Kirk Marketing offers free display stands to help retailers showcase M-Tools effectively, making it easy for customers to browse and select the right products.
Why choose M-Tools?
✔ Durability & Quality – Built to withstand tough conditions.
✔ Precision & Efficiency – Engineered for professional results.
✔ Comprehensive Range – Covers every stage of tiling.
✔ Innovative Solutions – Advanced tools like the Spin Level System and Bihui large –
format tile range.
✔ Competitive Pricing – High quality at affordable prices.
Equip your store with Kirk Marketing’s M-Tools range and empower customers to tackle tiling projects with confidence!
Bihui Large Format Tiling Tools
For professionals working with large format tiles and slabs, Bihui offers a specialised range of tools designed for every step of the installation process.
- Lifting Tools – Essential for safely moving large tiles from boxes and crates to trolleys and worktables, as well as for precise placement into adhesive beds on floors and walls.
- Transportation Tools – Trolleys and carriers designed to maneuver large, heavy tiles with ease around the job site.
- Work Benches – Stable platforms for cutting and drilling necessary openings before installation.
- Large Format Tile Cutting Tools – Unlike standard tile cutters, these extend beyond 3m and feature cutting mechanisms, clamps, and rail systems with suction pads for secure and precise cuts.
- Adjustment Tools – Ensure a flawless finish by eliminating lippage and maintaining consistent grout gaps.
The Bihui range equips installers with every specialized tool needed for professional large-format tile installations, ensuring precision, efficiency, and ease of handling.
Brought to you by DIY Industrial and Trade News
Read the full article in our DIY and Industrial Trade News - MARCH 2025 issue.
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