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Tiler - Wall and Floor

Also known as Floor Tiler.

Wall and floor tilers lay ceramic, clay, slate, marble, glass and other types of tiles on external and internal walls and floors to provide protective and decorative finishes.

Wall and floor tilers sometimes work in confined areas where bending and kneeling is required. They lift and carry cement and stacks of tiles. They sometimes work at heights using ladders or scaffolding.

Most tilers work in small teams and move frequently from one job location to another.

TASKS

Wall and floor tilers may perform the following tasks:

look at plans, measure and mark surfaces to be covered and lay out work
prepare wall and floor surfaces by removing old tiles, grout, cement and adhesive
use tile-cutting tools to cut and shape tiles needed for edges, corners, or around obstacles such as fittings and pipes
attach tiles to surfaces, using correct adhesive, making sure that patterned tiles match
space and even the tiles by using tools such as spirit levels, squares and plumb-lines
prepare and apply grout, remove excess grout, clean and polish tiles
lay floors of cement, granolithic, terrazzo or similar composition
apply waterproofing systems

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical and manual activities
able to work at heights
good hand-eye coordination
able to make simple calculations
able to work independently
able to cope with the physical demands of the job
able to work neatly and accurately

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

To become a wall and floor tiler you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Wall and Floor Tiling.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

In NSW, wall and floor tilers carrying out work valued at more than $1000 must either hold, or work under someone who holds, a valid building contractor's licence issued by NSW Fair Trading. See www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au for more information.

All those who work in the construction industry must undergo safety induction training and be issued with a Construction Induction Card (CIC). In NSW, training is conducted by Registered Training Organisations authorised by SafeWork NSW. In the ACT, training is provided by Registered Training Organisations approved by WorkSafe ACT.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most tilers are either self-employed or work for small privately owned firms that carry out contract building work. A few are employed by firms manufacturing or selling tiles. They work mainly in cities or wherever large-scale building projects are under construction. Much of the work is undertaken on new buildings, including houses, shops, offices, factories and swimming pools. Wall and floor tilers also carry out renovations to existing buildings.

Demand for wall and floor tilers is closely linked to the level of construction activity.