The Expensive Tool You Can Actually Rent For Your Next Home Tiling Project

Whether you're tiling a floor, a shower, or a backsplash, one of the most important things you need to do is make sure each tile is properly cut. Poorly cut tiles can cause serious problems. The gaps between the tiles will be larger, which may make it more likely for water to penetrate if grout isn't properly installed. Moreover, tiles that aren't cut correctly can also be more likely to crack, which can lead to future frustrations and even safety concerns.

When you're looking to make clean and even cuts, one tool reigns supreme: A wet tile saw. As you probably know, these special saws utilize water to help ensure each piece of tile is cut cleanly — and to make sure that the tool doesn't overheat in the process. There's just one problem for home DIYers. A wet saw is an expensive tool. While you can find some models that cost less than $300, others can cost up to $900. Neither of these numbers are likely in the budget, especially if you're looking to complete a one-off project. 

While you can cut tile using other tools and methods, the process will be more complicated and time-consuming. Fortunately, there's an affordable solution that will allow you to use a tile saw without spending several hundred dollars to purchase one. You can rent a wet tile saw from various home improvement stores.

Tile saws are one of those things you may not have realized that you can rent from Lowe's or The Home Depot. These home improvement chains offer many power tool rentals for DIYers who can't justify purchasing a tool that they won't be using very often. A wet tile saw can be such a valuable asset when trying to follow those must-know tips for installing a tile floor, tiling a shower, or installing a subway tile backsplash in your kitchen.

The Home Depot has some models that are available for just over $20 for a four-hour rental period. Larger tile saws will likely run for closer to $50 for the same period, but that is still a lot cheaper than buying one if you only need it for a short period of time. Of course, pricing may vary based on where you live.

Your local store may have a range of models, including tabletop compact saws for smaller projects and larger, professional-grade saws to help you tackle a bigger job with ease and accuracy. However, availability may vary between locations, so be sure to contact your local store or visit its website to confirm that the specific tool you want is available.