Overview
The Tile Layer, also known as a Tile Setter or Tiler, is responsible for installing ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles on various surfaces such as floors, walls, and countertops. They play a critical role in construction and renovation projects, ensuring the precise placement and aesthetic appeal of tiled surfaces.
Duties
Surface Preparation:
- Prepare surfaces for tile installation by cleaning, leveling, and applying substrate materials such as mortar or cement backer board.
- Ensure that surfaces are smooth, dry, and free of debris or contaminants to facilitate proper tile adhesion and alignment.
Tile Layout and Design:
- Interpret blueprints, drawings, or specifications to determine tile layout, patterns, and design features.
- Plan and mark layout lines, tile placement, and cut lines to achieve desired aesthetics and ensure proper fit.
Tile Installation:
- Apply adhesive or mortar to surfaces using trowels, ensuring even coverage and appropriate consistency.
- Set tiles in place according to layout lines, using spacers to maintain uniform spacing and alignment between tiles.
- Cut tiles to fit around obstacles, corners, or edges using tile saws, nippers, or other cutting tools as needed.
Grouting and Finishing:
- Fill grout joints between tiles with grout, ensuring complete coverage and smooth, uniform joints.
- Remove excess grout and clean tile surfaces to achieve a clean, polished finish.
- Apply sealant or protective coatings to tiled surfaces to enhance durability, prevent staining, and facilitate maintenance.
Quality Control and Inspection:
- Inspect completed tile installations for quality, accuracy, and adherence to design specifications.
- Make any necessary adjustments or corrections to ensure a professional finish and meet client expectations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training or apprenticeship in tile setting or a related field preferred.
- Proven experience as a tile layer or tiler, with proficiency in ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tile installation techniques.
- Knowledge of tile materials, adhesives, grouts, and sealants, as well as industry standards and best practices for tile installation.
- Physical strength and stamina to lift and handle heavy tiles, work in various positions and environments, and perform repetitive tasks.
- Attention to detail, precision, and craftsmanship to achieve accurate tile placement, alignment, and finishes according to design specifications.