Overview

Tile setters apply tile to floors, walls, ceilings, and countertops.

Tile is durable, easy to clean, and resists water. Therefore, it is a popular building material. Tile is often used in hospitals, tunnels, and lobbies of buildings. It is also used in bathrooms and kitchens.

To set tile on walls and ceilings, tile setters use cement mortar. Tile setters start by nailing a support of metal mesh to the area to be tiled. They use a trowel to apply the first layer, or scratch coat, of mortar onto the metal screen. They scratch the surface with a small rake-like tool, and then let it dry. Next, tile setters apply another coat of mortar to level the surface. Then they apply mortar to the back of tiles and position tiles on the surface.

Tile setters use a different method to set tiles on floors or other level surfaces. To attach the tiles to the surface, tile setters use "mastic," a very sticky paste, or an adhesive called thin set." Tile setters use a tooth-edged trowel to spread mastic on the surface or apply adhesive to the back of the tile. Then they position tile in the proper place.

Tile varies in color, shape, and size. Sometimes tile setters lay out tile on a dry floor, according to a specified design. This allows them to examine the pattern and make changes if necessary. They may also measure and mark the surfaces to be tiled. To cover areas such as corners and around pipes and sinks, tile setters must cut tiles with special cutting tools. Once the tile is placed, they gently tap the surface to seat the tiles evenly.

When the cement or mastic has set, tile setters fill the joints with grout, or very fine cement. They then scrape the surface with a rubber-edged device called a squeegee. This fills the joints and removes excess grout. Before the grout sets, they wipe the joints with a damp sponge.

Tile finishers help some tile setters by supplying and mixing materials. Tile finishers also apply grout and clean the installed tile.

Other titles and keywords for this career.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Nail a support of metal mesh to the wall or ceiling to be tiled.
• Apply first layer of cement mortar, called a "scratch coat," using a trowel.
• Scratch surface with a small tool similar to a rake. Let it dry and apply another coat of mortar.
• Apply mortar to back of tiles. Position tile on surface.
• Apply "mastic" (a very sticky paste) or adhesive called "thin set" onto flat, solid surfaces.
• Arrange tiles on a dry floor according to a blueprint or specified design. Make changes if necessary.
• Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled.
• Cut tiles to fit around corners and pipes, using a machine saw or special cutting tool.
• Tap tile surface with trowel or small block of wood to evenly seat tiles.
• Fill joints with "grout," which is very fine cement. Scrape the surface with a "squeegee."
• Finish joints with a damp sponge to create a uniform appearance.
• Mix materials and clean installed tile.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Handle and move objects.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Carry out ideas, programs, systems, or products.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Provide a service to customers.
• Have a low level of social interaction. They work alone most of the time.

Physical Work Conditions

• Work both indoors and outdoors.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts. There is some possibility of slight injury from this exposure.
• Are sometimes exposed to contaminants.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment, such as machine saws or cutting tools. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from this exposure.
• Are sometimes exposed to cramped work places that require getting into awkward positions.
• Are sometimes exposed to high places. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from falls.
• Sometimes wear protective attire, such as kneepads or safety goggles.

Work Performance

• Must be very exact in their work so that tile patterns match and the job looks professional.
• Must be sure that all details of the job are done so that tile seats properly.

Hours/Travel

• Usually work a regular 40-hour week.