Becoming a Professional Tilter: Duties and Skills Required

Tiling is one of the most important trades in the modern-day construction industry. While painters are responsible for painting and enhancing the beauty of a dull building, tilers are responsible for creating functional surfaces and protecting the buildings.

This blog post will outline the duties and skills required to become a successful tiler in Australia. So, if you are considering a career in the construction industry – particularly in tiling work – read on!

What exactly do tilers do?

As construction professionals, tilers are responsible for creating tiled surfaces in different settings. They protect walls and floors and give a stunning finish to a residential or commercial property. Spaces that require the expertise of a tiler include kitchens, bathrooms, swimming pool surfaces, hallways, and more.

Tilers work together with other construction professionals like architects, builders, carpenters, etc. Further, they handle a large variety of materials, including marble, clay, ceramic, porcelain, granite, and even glass.

Their main job involves cutting, laying, and grouting tiles and installing them according to the given design.

Duties of a tiler

Now that you have a basic idea about what tilers do, let’s have a look at the main duties that every tiler has to perform.

1. Inspection of the surfaces that require tiling

The work of a tiler begins by inspecting the surface that is in need of tiling. Before starting the tiling process, tilers measure the area carefully. This enables them to estimate the number of tiles and the amount of material required for the project.

2. Accurately cutting the tiles to fit the surface perfectly

Tilers need to cut the tiles to fit them around different edges and corners. For this, tilers use numerous specialised tilting tools and equipment.

3. Cleaning and other preparation work

Tilers also have the duty to clean a surface and prepare it for the actual tiling process. The preparation work usually involves cleaning the surface, removing old tiles, leveling it with plaster, and more.

4. Applying adhesive to the surface where the tiles have to be installed

Once the surface is thoroughly cleaned and ready for tiling, tilers apply the right amount of adhesive to it. It is done so that the tiles can be laid easily on it.

After applying the adhesive, they lay the tiles in a specific and visually-appealing pattern. This is one of the most important duties of a tiler, requiring exceptional planning and attention to detail.

5. Grouting the tiles and waterproofing

Finally, tilers have the duty to grout the tiles and fill the gaps between them. As soon as the grout dries, they apply a waterproofing sealant to the tiles to protect them from moisture and other damage.

Skills required to become a successful tiler

1. Physical fitness

Tiling is a physically demanding job. Tilers have to be on their feet almost the entire day, lift heavy material, handle complicated tools, etc. Thus, it requires a good physique and excellent physical fitness.

Further, the job also comes with certain risks like injury due to accidents, loss of tools and equipment, damage to property, etc. Thus, having trade insurance coverage can help you protect yourself and your clients from all kinds of potential risks. Click here to learn more about trade insurance.

2. Technical skills

To become a good tiler, you will also need to have some technical skills too. For example, you should have complete knowledge of the material you are working with and know how to handle various tiling tools and equipment.

Apart from this, you will also have to be aware of various safety regulations. Some jobs also require you to complete a vocational program and earn a certificate. For example, you can go for a Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling program at a TAFE or other State-recognized certificates.

3. Good communication

As a tiler, you will have to work with several other people including your team members, builders, clients, and more. So, having excellent communication skills is necessary. You should be able to understand their requirements, explain your point of view, and take feedback positively.

Conclusion

Becoming a successful tiler requires an incredible amount of hard work, physical fitness, and creativity. While it is indeed a fulfilling career, you might also have to spend long hours finishing a project and performing your duties.

Thus, make sure you have complete knowledge of what this role requires before making your career choice.