Should I buy a handheld tile saw or one of the table style tile saws?...

[domsdimesdotcom]

...Also, tile around toilet or remove toile? I have never done tile before but planning on tiling a small bathroom in my house tomorrow. It's a very small space probably about 8x6 or so.

Do I remove the toilet, tile and then put it back on or do I just tile around the toilet?

I need to buy a tile saw. Shoudl I buy the handheld type thats like a grinder or should I buy the table type. Most of my cuts will be straight besides around the toilet if I do indeed tile around the toilet.

Finally, when I buy spacers is there any rule of thumb as far as what size spacers to buy in relation to the tile size or is it personal preference?

 

[wolfatrest2000]

I'd buy two saws, one that scores the tile and then snaps the tile, perfect for straight cuts and much quicker than an actual saw that cuts the tile. I'd also get a small table tile saw, unless you're cutting some massive tiles. If you're cutting really big tiles, then think about renting a big tile saw since the big ones cost about $300 for a cheap one. Oh, and remove the toilet, it's a lot easier and quicker to remove it and put it back, just remember to get a new wax ring, preferably one that comes with new bolts.

 

[geraldg]

"Pull" the toilet. It makes for a better/neater job. Talk to the people where you buy the tile from and they will give you all of the necessary information and help explaining the installation including what size "spacers" to use. A lot of tile already have the "spacers" on them!!

 

[ITeech68]

First, if you are only going to do the one room I would suggest RENTING the tile saw from the home center. As far as the toilet, You'll need to buy a new wax ring to re-install the toilet because you'll need to pull it out to put down the tile. Stuff an old towel loosely into the waste-line to prevent waste gasses from coming back up and use a pair of sharp tile "nippers" to shape the rough curves on the tiles that will fit around the toilet flange.

As far as the spacers are concerned it's really a matter of personal preference but you need to keep in mind that the bigger the gap the more grout you will need and the longer the grout will take to cure.

One other tip: since you are tiling a bathroom, be sure that the tiles and grout lines are well sealed to prevent problems with moisture, mold, and mildew as much as possible. The tiles themselves may already be sealed, especially if they are ceramic, if they're not there are several good sealant products available and a few will also offer protection for the grout as well. Talk to the flooring specialist at your local home center.

 

[Rudy]

I would suggest a call to a person who actually knows what they are doing. TV will have you think that you can do it yourself. At minimum rent a tile saw then rent a day laborer from home depot.

 

[Idanac]

If u r a handy person, not afraid screw up.it's easy, Some time at Lowes and home depot gave tile demostruction how to tile, watch for 1/2 hour from start to finish.
U don't need to buy a tile saw. At Lowes if u buy the tiles from them and save the receipt they will do straight cut for 25cent, it might not do that today.or u can buy tile cutter, after done all the cutting , take it back tell them it didn't work out.
Its best to remove the toilet. The spacing is depend the size of the tile, the bigger the tile the wider the grout line.
Read the the instruction on the grout and the thin set, If u r beginner best to buy the ones premixed.