A tile layer, also known as a tile setter, is a construction professional who designs and installs tile patterns, which can range from tiled floors to shower stall tiles. Tile layers traditionally learn their trade through apprenticeship, working under the supervision of an experienced tile layer who can provide training and practical advice, as well as some classroom education to learn the fundamentals of tile laying. The amount of training required for a tile layer, like other fields in the construction trade, may be mandated law to ensure that people can work safely and effectively in this field.
A tile layer’s job begins with an inspection of the area where tiles will be installed. The tile layer talks with the customer about the different types of tiles that can be used as well as the various color and finish options. To make recommendations, the tile layer considers needs such as impact resistance, waterproofing, and the desire for non-slip surfaces while assessing the scene. He or she may also suggest different patterns and designs that are possible, sketching options and measuring the space to determine how many tiles are required.
If a patterned design or mosaic is being created, the tile layer will use the measurements to create a drawing that will be shown to the client to ensure that it looks exactly how the client wants it to. The tile layer can place an order for tiles and other supplies, such as grout and tile cement, based on the measurements. When all of the materials are ready, the tile layer can begin smoothing and sounding the surface where the tiles will be installed before applying tile cement.
Tiles are laid in sheets and gently pressed into the tile cement some tile layers. Others place tiles one at a time, using spacers to keep the tiles evenly aligned. The tile layer adds grout between the tiles to seal the cracks after the tiles have set in the cement, and he or she can also apply a sealer to ensure that the grout remains waterproof. Grouts can be tinted to blend in with the tile color or stand out, depending on personal preference, and tile layers can also use specialty grouts for bathrooms, such as mold-resistant grouts.
Glass, ceramic, cement, stone, and plastic tiles can all be used tile layers. They can repair and retrofit existing projects in addition to creating new ones, such as tiled floors, pools, and counters. Matching and replacing damaged, broken, or missing tiles, as well as resealing existing tile installations and making changes to tile installations as requested the owner, are all part of their work.
Tile layers frequently join a union for professional advancement and access to specific types of work sites. The benefits of union membership include access to health insurance and other services that may be available to union members, as well as protection from exploitation and abuse for tile layers.