Tile Accessories

The first step in enjoying beautiful and durable tile flooring is to install it correctly. This includes preparing your subfloor, making sure the tiles are laid correctly and consistently, and handling the transitions to other surfaces. If you’re a professional or experienced DIYer embarking on a tiling project, the tiles and tile accessories you need are all here in one place.

Underlayment

Before beginning your tile installation, it’s important that your subfloor is completely level and does not flex or move—otherwise your tile could crack. Underlayment panels made from water-resistant fiber or cement backer board will smooth out unevenness and help stabilize wood subflooring. Use it for countertops and shower walls as well. We also have self-leveling cement that can be used as an<strong></strong>underlayment to create a smooth, flat surface. To make your porcelain or ceramic tile more comfortable underfoot, add a luxurious underlayment that suppresses sound and provides radiant heating that works with our QuietWarmth Thermostat.

Adhesives, Grout, and Mortar

We carry acrylic primer that provides better bonding of your underlayment to the subfloor and thin-set mortar for installing tiles over prepared concrete or backer board. Roll-on waterproofing membranes prevent cracking when used beneath thin-set installations. For heavy tiles and uneven surfaces, use medium bed mortar. Or, try our ready-to-use pre-mixed urethane grout. It comes in a variety of colors, and the sealer is already incorporated. After installation, remove haze with urethane grout cleaner and an absorbent microfiber sponge. Of course, we also stock traditional sanded grout as well as silicone sealant and mold- and mildew-resistant caulk.

Edging and Transitions

Install your tile with edging that will protect its unfinished borders while neatly framing your flooring. Our aluminum edging—which includes L-edges and round edges—comes in Dark Bronze, Satin Nickel, and Brushed Black finishes. You can use a wider T-molding that overlaps your tile floor and a different floor of the same height. We also have thresholds that complement wood-look tile.

Tools and Hardware

Our tools and hardware will make your tiling easier and help you avoid mistakes. Tile nippers allow you to break off small pieces of tile at a time to fit irregular shapes, while margin trowels make it easier to apply mortar in tight spaces. Look for mixers to attach to your drill for mixing thin-set. And don’t forget knee pads to make your work more comfortable. Hardware options include backer board screws, tile spacers to keep your tile pattern orderly, and wedges and spacers for tile leveling systems.

Whether this is your first tiling project or your fifty-first, you’ll discover all the installation materials, tools, and care products you'll need here at LL Flooring.