Career summary

Details for Tile and Marble Setters


Description

Apply hard tile, marble, and wood tile to walls, floors, ceilings, and roof decks.

Tasks

  • Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.
  • Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.
  • Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.
  • Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.
  • Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.
  • Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.
  • Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.
  • Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.
  • Level concrete and allow to dry.
  • Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.
  • Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.
  • Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.
  • Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.
  • Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.
  • Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.
  • Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.
  • Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.
  • Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.
  • Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.
  • Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.
  • Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.
  • Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.
  • Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.
  • Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.
  • Brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper.

Interests

  • Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
  • Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
  • Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Education, training, experience

  • Education - These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
  • Training - Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
  • Experience - Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Knowledge

  • Building and Construction -Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
  • Design -Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills

None found.

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