A wide array of new products are making it easier to tackle tiling projects.
“People used to call in a professional, but now I think that they are learning that it is something they can do by themselves, especially if it’s a small job like doing a backsplash or repairs,” says Kate Sollecito, director of marketing services at Red Devil.
“We are seeing a lot of products that are designed for the average homeowner,” Sollecito says, “and we’re seeing tools that are easier and more comfortable to handle. I think that ergonomics is more than a trend now, it’s something that is here to stay.”
If more and more people are trying their hand at doing tiling jobs, they have their reasons. Mike Hannigan, marketing manager of Plasplugs points out that about 60 percent of the total cost of a contractor-installed tile job is for labor. “With a quality tile-cutting tool and a little basic tile know-how, the savings to the do-it-yourselfer can be enormous,” he says.
That is significant because there is a trend toward using tile in different parts of the house. “Tile looks nice,” says Sollecito, “it’s easy to clean and maintain, and it’s long-wearing.”
A variety of products to do new tiling projects or spruce up old tiles are described below, including suggested retail prices. Contact the listed manufacturers for help in finding a retailer in your area that carries a specific item.
– Layered look. USG offers two water-resistant products for do-it-yourselfers. Fiberock Brand Underlayment is designed as a moisture-resistant layer to go underneath ceramic tiles as well as vinyl, hardwood or laminate flooring or carpeting. Aqua-Tough is made out of synthetic gypsum and cellulose fibers that come from recycling the scraps that remain when cardboard boxes are manufactured. The panels do not contain any resins, adhesives, solvents or dyes that can stain floor coverings. The manufacturer points out that Fiberock not only provides a smooth, flat surface, but it won’t swell or warp the way wood-based underlayments might. Fiberock and Aqua-Tough panels can be cut with a utility knife, a handsaw or a low r.p.m. power saw. Price: $6 for a 4-by-4-foot panel. USG Corp., 125 S. Franklin St., Chicago, IL 60606-4678. Phone: 800-USG-4YOU.
– A cut above. The Advantage High-Speed Rotary Saw from Dremel has extra cutting strength. According to the manufacturer, the power tool, which has a 4.5-amp universal electric motor, cuts 15 to 28 percent faster than other rotary saws. It offers variable speeds from 10,000 to 35,000 r.p.m., so it’s possible to find just the right one for cutting ceramic tile or for plastic, sheet metal or drywall. The handle, which is designed for comfort, contains a storage compartment for bits and collets. Price: $79.99. Dremel, 4915 21st St., Racine, WI 53406-9989. Phone: 800-4-DREMEL.
– Master plan. The Master Tiler from Plasplugs is a 7-inch Diamond Wheel Wet Saw with a 1-horsepower motor. According to the manufacturer, it can cut any type and size of tile up to 1 inch in thickness.
It is equipped with an automatic water recirculation system and a quick-release drain plug, so that cuts are neater and more accurate, and cleanup is easy. Plasplugs Powerglide Manual Tile Cutter is designed for heavy-duty jobs. Its 18-inch cutting bed is just right for larger tiles. It is equipped with a roller-bearing mechanism to make cutting easy. It is also designed to make precise angled cuts. Price: $199 for the Master Tiler, $45 for the Powerglide. Plasplugs Inc., 1100 Towbin Ave., Lakewood, NJ 08701. Phone: 800-966-6400.
– Water power. Q.E.P. offers two wet saws to cut tile. Model 60010 is a 10-inch saw designed for professionals and experienced do-it-yourselfers who want to cut large-size tiles and do major projects. Model 60085is a 7-inch portable saw that cuts smaller tiles. Both saws are equipped with a diamond blade that is kept cool with water circulated by a pump. Prices: $599 for model 60010, $99 for model 60085. Q.E.P. Co., 1081 Holland Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33487. Phone: 800-777-8665.
– Tools of the trade. Red Devil has launched several new products for tiling projects. The Ergo 7-in-1 Tool can be used to gouge out old grout and remove debris from the subfloor to create a level surface so that new tiles adhere well. The tool is designed with an ergonomic handle. The House & Home Restore Tile Adhesive comes in a convenient EZ Squeeze tube. The Grout Rake digs out old grout with a sawing motion. House & Home Restore Tile Grout also comes in an EZ Squeeze tube. Prices: $10 for the Ergo 7-in-1 Tool, $3.49 each for the House & Home Restore Tile Adhesive and Grout, $4.50 for the Grout Rake. Red Devil Inc., 2400 Vauxhall Rd., Union, NJ 07083. Phone: 800-4A-DEVIL.
– Tough it out. Instead of replacing old tiles with new ones, Homax offers another solution. It has introduced Tough As Tile Spray Finish, a high-gloss white coating that can cover up unsightly old tiles and the stained and dingy surfaces of tubs and sinks. The kit contains two spray cans and a video with instructions. It takes from 12 to 24 hours to dry before the second and final coat can be applied. Price: $19.99 for the Sink & Tile size, $29.99 for the Tub & Tile size. Homax Products Inc., P. O. Box 5643, Bellingham, WA 98227-5643. Phone: 800-729-9029.
