Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to grout tile?
A grout float, two large grout sponges, a wash bucket (a dual-compartment washing set speeds this up), microfiber towels for haze, and knee pads. For wide joints, a grout bag helps fill cleanly.
What do I need for mixing thinset and grout?
A 5-gallon bucket, a mixing paddle matched to the material, and a low-RPM drill or dedicated mixer. Mix, let it slake 5–10 minutes, and remix — paddle design matters more than people think.
How do pros carry and set large-format tile?
Suction-cup lifters — single and double-handle cups for most tile, vacuum-pump lifters like the Grabo for textured surfaces — plus a beater board and rubber mallet to bed the tile evenly.
How do I protect a new floor during the rest of the job?
Once the tile is walkable, cover the field with floor-protection paper or a tarp, and keep traffic off grout lines for the cure time (usually 72 hours before heavy traffic).