Measuring and Leveling Tools

• Measuring the number of tile is one of the first processes when laying a tile floor. A standard tape measure can determine the length and width of the space for the tile. Different leveling tools ensure that the ceramic tile is put down evenly. A level, grout float, rubber mallet and square can level the tile as it is put into place. The level is a tool with a bubble that needs tells you the tile is sitting even. A grout float ensures the grouting around the tile is consistent and the rubber mallet allows you to knock down a piece of tile to level a corner or section of tile. The square makes sure the corners are set at a 90 degree angle.
  
  

Cutting Tools

• Setting ceramic tile along the walls requires different pieces cut to size. Not all spaces where tile is put comes out even. A wall is not square or the room length and width do not size up to put a full piece of tile in place. This will make the need for cutting tile imperative. Cutters are accessible at a tool rental store and generally use a diamond tipped blade that cuts the ceramic tile evenly without chipping the edges of the tile.
  
  

Hand Tools

• Setting ceramic tile needs hand tools such as a trowel, putty knife, hammer and pliers. The trowel needs a smooth edge and a notched edge to lay the setting material in place. The smooth edge of the trowel places the initial coat of setting material on the floor surface, and the notched edge makes creases in the setting material so the tile will stick to the floor surface properly. A putty knife puts grout in hard-to-reach places, and the hammer can knock down any nails or staples that are pulling out of the floor. The pliers pull the tile spacers out after the grout begins to set or harden.
  
  

Miscellaneous Tools

• Ceramic tile flooring needs different miscellaneous tools such as towels, sponges, buckets and rags. These tools help clean the surface of the tile once all the grout and setting material is set. Wiping up the the surface of the tile takes as much time as laying the ceramic tile. Once the grout begins to harden, use a bucket of water and a sponge to mop up the loose grout and the towels to clean the wet tile surface like removing wax from a car.
  
  

Safety Tools

• Setting a ceramic tile floor requires some safety tools to protect the worker. Knee pads and safety glasses are the most common safety tools. Some individuals like to have a pair of gloves when using the ceramic tile cutters so their hands are not cut or damaged. Laying ceramic tile requires a person to be on their knees, and this is the purpose of knee pads. A knee pad with a protective covering over a firm piece of plastic ensures the protection of the knees as well as prevents damage to the ceramic tile as the knees rest on the surface of the tile.