Books and Resources to Start Strong
Starting a tile installation business requires understanding both the technical craft and the business side of running a profitable operation. The right resources help you avoid costly mistakes, learn industry standards, and build systems that keep clients satisfied and your margins healthy.
Tile Installed Right by Michael Byrne
This is the most practical technical guide available for tile installers. Byrne covers substrate preparation, waterproofing, trowel techniques, and solving common installation problems that cost you time and money on callbacks. If you install tiles incorrectly, no amount of business skills will save your reputation.
Shop Tile Installed Right on Amazon →
The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete by John Bouse
Much of tile installation depends on what’s underneath. This book teaches you how to evaluate, prepare, and work with concrete substrates properly. Understanding concrete prevents expensive failures and keeps your installation timeline realistic when bidding jobs.
Shop The Contractor’s Guide to Quality Concrete on Amazon →
The Small Business Start-Up Guide by Charles Debbink
You need to understand pricing, invoicing, contracts, and basic accounting. This guide walks you through structuring your business, protecting yourself legally, and managing money so you can actually see a profit. Many installers fail financially not because of their skills but because they can’t price work correctly.
Shop The Small Business Start-Up Guide on Amazon →
Profitable Estimating and Bidding by Richard Laquement
Knowing how to estimate tile jobs accurately determines whether you make money or lose it. This book teaches you to calculate material waste, labor hours, and overhead so your bids are competitive but profitable. Underpricing is the fastest way to fail in this business.
Shop Profitable Estimating and Bidding on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
Tile installation requires specific tools to work efficiently and produce quality results. Some tools are essential from day one; others you’ll add as your business grows. Invest in quality where it matters—cheap cutting tools and mixing equipment cost you time and ruined material.
Cutting and Shaping Tools
- Wet saw with diamond blade: The single most important tool. A quality wet saw cuts straight edges and handles large-format tiles. Budget models wear out quickly; spending more upfront saves money long-term.
- Angle grinder with diamond blade: For rough cuts, notches, and shaping edges on corners and curves.
- Tile nippers: For small adjustments and detailed cuts on porcelain and natural stone.
- Glass cutter: For glass mosaic and accent tiles.
Shop angle grinders on Amazon →
Mixing and Application Tools
- Mortar mixer or paddle drill: Hand-mixing mortar is slow and inconsistent. A powered mixer saves hours on larger jobs.
- Notched trowels (multiple sizes): 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ notches for different tile sizes and installations. Quality trowels hold their shape under pressure.
- Margin trowel: For loading mortar and scraping excess.
- Float (grout float): Essential for spreading and finishing grout.
- Grout sponges: For cleaning excess grout without damaging joints.
Shop mortar mixers on Amazon →
Shop notched trowels on Amazon →
Leveling and Layout
- 4-foot and 2-foot levels: For ensuring tiles sit flush and grout lines stay straight.
- Laser level: Speeds up layout on large floors and walls; improves accuracy.
- Tile spacers: Keep consistent grout lines. Keep various sizes on hand.
- Grout line gauge: Measures spacing for uniform grout joints.
- Chalk line: For marking layout guides on large surfaces.
Substrate Preparation
- Grinder with grinding stone: For removing old mortar, leveling uneven surfaces.
- Hammer drill: For breaking out tiles and preparing surfaces for demo work.
- Dust extractor or shop vacuum: Tile dust is silica—you need proper containment for health and cleanliness.
- Waterproofing applicator (brush or roller): For bathrooms and wet areas.
Safety Equipment
- Respirator mask (N95 or P100): Non-negotiable for cutting and grinding. Silicosis is serious.
- Safety glasses: Protect against tile chips and dust.
- Work gloves (multiple types): Heavy-duty for handling rough materials, nitrile for grouting.
- Steel-toe boots: Heavy tiles drop; your feet need protection.
- Knee pads: You spend hours on your knees; good pads prevent long-term damage.
Cleanup and Finishing
- Grout saw: For cleaning grout lines and regrouting repairs.
- Sealer applicator: Brush or roller for sealing natural stone and porous tiles.
- Caulk gun: For silicone caulk at expansion joints and perimeters.
- Buckets and mixing containers: Heavy-duty 5-gallon buckets that last through repeated use.
What to Buy First vs Later
Don’t buy everything at once. Start with tools that generate revenue immediately, then invest in specialty equipment as jobs demand it.
- Month 1: Wet saw, notched trowels (basic set), level, safety gear, grout float, margin trowel, mixer.
- Month 2-3: Laser level, angle grinder, tile nippers, additional trowel sizes, grout sponges.
- Month 4-6: Hammer drill, grinder for substrate prep, waterproofing tools, sealer applicator, caulk gun.
- Month 6+: Specialty tools based on job types you pursue—glass tile tools, large-format tile equipment, advanced grout saws for repairs.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new when tool performance directly affects your work quality and speed. Buy used when wear doesn’t compromise results. A used 4-foot level works fine if it still reads accurately. A used wet saw with a worn blade carrier will waste time and cut inaccurately.
Wet saws, tile cutters, and notched trowels should be new or gently used. These tools define your output quality and client satisfaction. Safety equipment—respirators, glasses, gloves—must be new or replaced regularly. Used grinders and drills are acceptable if they run smoothly. Buy used mixer paddles and buckets without hesitation. Many tile contractors sell lightly-used specialty tools; buying from them often saves 30-40% and the equipment has proven durability in the field.
Where to Buy
- Home Depot and Lowe’s: Convenient for basic tools and emergency supplies, though pricing isn’t always competitive for professional-grade equipment.
- Tile and stone specialty distributors: Carry professional-grade trowels, floats, and mixing equipment. Local distributors often offer contractor pricing and product expertise.
- Contractor supply shops: Dedicated to construction professionals; better selection and pricing on safety equipment and power tools.
- Amazon: Competitive pricing on many tools; read reviews carefully to identify professional-grade versus consumer versions.
- Used contractor equipment dealers: Search locally for businesses selling equipment from retired contractors or fleet cleanouts. Inspect carefully but savings are substantial.
- Online specialty retailers: Sites focused on tile work carry professional brands at better prices than big-box stores.