Other Tiling Accessories

About Other Tiling Accessories

Completing a professional tiling job requires more than just tiles and adhesive. The range of other tiling accessories available from Tooled-Up.com encompasses the essential tools and equipment that make tile installation, grouting, and finishing work easier, faster, and more precise. From marking and measuring tools to grouting implements and cleaning accessories, these supplementary products are indispensable for achieving a flawless finish on any tiling project.

This category includes notched trowels for adhesive application, tile squeegees for grout spreading and excess removal, margin trowels for detailed work in tight spaces, and specialist marking pencils designed for use on glazed tile surfaces. Additional items such as scouring pad holders with interchangeable pads help remove excess grout efficiently, while water cooling systems and drilling guides support precision work when creating holes in ceramic and porcelain tiles. These accessories bridge the gap between major tiling tools and consumables, providing the practical solutions that professional tilers and keen DIY enthusiasts rely on daily.

Quality brands including Vitrex, Faithfull, and RST manufacture tiling accessories to withstand the rigours of repeated site use. Whether you're a professional tiler working on commercial installations or a homeowner tackling a bathroom renovation, having the right accessories to hand ensures clean grout lines, accurate tile placement, and professional-standard results that stand the test of time.

Jargon Buster

• Notched Trowel: A trowel with serrated edges (notches) used to apply tile adhesive at a consistent depth. The notch size determines the thickness of the adhesive bed and varies according to tile size and substrate type.
• Margin Trowel: A small, rectangular hand trowel used for detailed work in confined spaces, corners, and edges where larger trowels cannot reach. Essential for applying adhesive around outlets, edges, and obstacles.
• Tile Squeegee: A rubber-edged tool used to spread grout across tile surfaces and push it into joints, as well as to remove excess grout from the tile face before it sets.
• Scouring Pad Holder: A hand-held tool fitted with interchangeable abrasive pads (fine, medium, or coarse) used to remove dried grout residue and haze from tile surfaces without scratching.
• Water Cooling System: A device that delivers water to a drill bit during tile drilling to prevent overheating, reduce dust, and extend the life of diamond-tipped drill bits when creating holes in ceramic or porcelain tiles.
• Drilling Guide: A suction-mounted or mechanical guide that prevents drill bits from wandering on smooth tile surfaces, ensuring accurate hole placement and preventing surface damage.

Who Uses Other Tiling Accessories?

• Professional Tilers: Tradespeople specialising in ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tile installation for residential and commercial projects
• Bathroom Fitters: Specialists who require precise tiling accessories for waterproofing installations around baths, showers, and wet rooms
• Kitchen Fitters: Tradespeople installing splashbacks, worktops, and floor tiles in domestic and commercial kitchen environments
• General Builders: Multi-trade contractors who undertake tiling work as part of broader renovation and construction projects
• Property Maintenance Professionals: Caretakers and maintenance teams responsible for repairs and refurbishment in residential and commercial properties
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners tackling bathroom, kitchen, or floor tiling projects who want professional-quality results
• Shop Fitters: Specialists creating tiled areas in retail environments, restaurants, and public spaces

How to Choose the Right Other Tiling Accessories

Consider Your Project Scale: For small domestic jobs, a basic set including a small notched trowel, squeegee, and marking pencils may suffice. Larger commercial projects demand heavy-duty tools with comfortable grips and durable construction capable of withstanding extended daily use.

Match Tools to Tile Type: The size and material of your tiles influences accessory selection. Large-format porcelain tiles require larger squeegees and deeper-notched trowels to ensure adequate adhesive coverage, while mosaic work benefits from smaller margin trowels for detailed application.

Assess Handle Comfort: For professional tradespeople spending hours applying adhesive and grout, soft-grip or ergonomically designed handles reduce hand fatigue and improve control. The selection at Tooled-Up includes both economy and comfort-focused options to suit different budgets and usage patterns.

Material Quality: Stainless steel trowels resist corrosion from wet adhesives and are easier to clean than plain steel alternatives. High-quality rubber squeegees maintain their edge longer and don't leave marks on tile surfaces.

Specialist Requirements: If your project involves drilling tiles for pipes, electrical outlets, or fixtures, invest in proper drilling guides and water cooling systems. These accessories prevent costly tile breakage and ensure clean, accurate holes without cracking.

Popular Accessories

• Tile spacers and levelling systems for consistent grout lines
• Grout floats and finishing tools
• Tile cutters and scoring tools
• Diamond drill bits for ceramic and porcelain
• Tile adhesive and grout mixing paddles
• Spirit levels and laser levels for alignment
• Knee pads and kneeling mats for floor work
• Sponges and cleaning cloths for grout removal
• Tile saw blades and cutting wheels
• Measuring tapes and squares
• Buckets and mixing containers
• Profile gauges for cutting around obstacles

Safety Information

Manual Handling: Use proper lifting techniques when working with bags of adhesive and grout. Maintain good posture when kneeling or bending during floor tiling work, and take regular breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

Dust Control: When using scouring pads to remove dried grout, work in well-ventilated areas and consider wearing a dust mask, as fine particles can irritate respiratory passages.

Sharp Edges: Notched trowels and squeegees have sharp edges that can cause cuts. Handle carefully, clean after use, and store safely away from the working edge. Wear appropriate work gloves when handling tools with serrated edges.

Electrical Safety: When using water cooling systems with 240v power tools, ensure equipment is PAT tested and connected via an RCD (residual current device) to prevent electric shock in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What notch size should I use for wall tiles?

For standard 150mm to 300mm wall tiles, a 6mm or 8mm notched trowel typically provides adequate adhesive coverage. Larger tiles (above 300mm) may require 10mm or 12mm notches. Always check the adhesive manufacturer's recommendations for specific requirements.

How do I prevent tile marking pencils from rubbing off during installation?

Tile marking pencils are designed to write on glazed surfaces but can smudge. Mark tiles on the reverse (unglazed) side where possible, or allow marks to dry for a few seconds before handling. Any marks on the tile face will clean off easily with a damp cloth after installation.

Can I use a regular trowel instead of a notched trowel for tile adhesive?

No, notched trowels are essential for proper tiling. The notches create uniform ridges that collapse to the correct thickness when tiles are pressed down, ensuring adequate coverage and preventing voids that can lead to cracked tiles. Flat trowels don't provide this consistency.

What's the difference between a tile squeegee and a grout float?

Both spread grout, but tile squeegees typically have firmer rubber edges suited to larger areas and harder grout, whilst grout floats have softer, thicker pads that work well for detailed work and epoxy grouts. Many professionals use both depending on the specific application.

How do I clean tiling accessories after use?

Clean tools immediately after use before adhesive or grout sets. Use warm water for water-based products, wiping trowels and squeegees with a damp sponge. For stubborn dried residue, soak tools briefly then scrub with a stiff brush. Dry thoroughly before storage to prevent rust on metal components.