Wall and floor tilers cover walls, floors and other surfaces with tiles, in kitchens, bathrooms, shops, hotels, restaurants and more. They may work on new builds or private and commercial renovations.

What is the role of a tiler?

A tiler is a person whose job is to lay tiles on floors and walls. Tiles are used to cover interior and exterior surfaces, such as the floors, walls and ceilings of homes (especially bathrooms and kitchens), commercial and office spaces and outdoor environments, such as gardens, patios, terraces and swimming pools.

Do tilers make good money?

GOOD tilers can earn very good money, unfortunately there are not that many really good tilers. If you are not properly trained and equipped you will come unstuck ( bad pun ) very quickly.

How does a tiler work?

The tiler uses plastic crosses to ensure that all the tiles are equidistance apart and to make sure that they do not move out of place while the adhesive is setting. Once the adhesive is completely dry, this may take several hours, the tiler will then use a grout to fill in the spaces between the tiles.

What qualifications do I need to be a tiler?

Typically, to become a tiler you'll need a qualification in wall and floor tiling along with experience in the tiling trade. There are various courses that will enable you to start a new career as a tiler; the right one for you depends on what type of qualification you wish to gain.

How to do residential Floor Tilling

17 related questions found

Is tiling easy to learn?

Laying tile is easy but laying tile and doing it well is difficult. From that angle, it may make more sense to hire a professional tiler than to do it yourself. ... Unfortunately, thinset will also reposition your tile for you, especially in the case of vertical wall tile.

What is it like being a tiler?

Tilers fit and lay tiles onto floors, walls and other surfaces in homes and other structures. They work with many different materials, including ceramic, marble, glass, slate, and more. ... If you like working with your hands, are fit and healthy, and have a bit of creative flair, becoming a Tiler could be ideal for you.

What do tilers use to cut tiles?

A tile scribe is the simplest and cheapest tool you can use to make straight cuts through tiles. It has a hardened tip which cuts them cleanly.

Where do I start tiling?

It's always advisable to start tiling your grid in the centre of the wall, as it's easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. It also means any half-tiles you may need can go at the end of each row and will be of matching size.

Can you tile over drywall?

You can tile over drywall in areas that are not exposed to excessive moisture, and it is safe. It is not safe to tile over drywall in areas that are exposed to wetness like in the shower. ... In most cases, you'll be fine to tile over drywall.

Is being a tiler hard?

Tiling is a rewarding job that pays quite well but can put a strain on your body. Good work environment, can be great job satisfaction and generally have a good work/life balance. Biggest challenge would be the ageing body. Tiling isn't too friendly on your back and knees.

How long does it take to learn to tile?

If you want to learn tiling comprehensively and to be able to undertake the most common aspects of tiling then this 4 week course is ideal. You will learn the basics before undertaking tiling in more complex areas and then move onto a C&G assessment and finish up learning to tile using slate and marble.

Is there a demand for tilers?

All construction trades are in demand – but that's especially true for tilers. ... There are two directions of work for an aspiring wall and floor tiler. One is the domestic market where people remodel their own homes. The other is site work where new homes are being built.

How do I become a successful tiler?

There are certain skills that are involved with tiling and, ultimately, you should consider whether you are strong with practical tasks, can follow design patterns, can complete tasks accurately and to a good level of detail, have the mathematical ability to calculate costs and quantities of materials, and can provide ...

Is tiling a good trade UK?

Tiling is undoubtedly a rewarding career. Not only will you meet a variety of people, you'll be helping them to achieve their dream home, or perhaps sort out a problem. As a professional tiler, you can help people create their dream property, which will no doubt make you feel great at the end of the day.

Do you need to tile behind a toilet?

Should You Tile Around a Toilet? You can, but you don't need to, as bathroom floors are generally water-resistant.

Can I tile straight onto plasterboard?

Yes. You can tile directly onto plasterboard, just make sure to use an acrylic-based primer. Once the primer is dry, you can then apply a powdered adhesive.

Can you tile a bathroom yourself?

Tiling is a relatively safe task, but like any form of DIY it's sensible to take precautions. If you're going to be chipping away and removing old tiles or cutting new ones, then make sure you have appropriate eye protection.

What tools do I need to be a tiler?

So, here's a list of the 10 crucial tools that a tiling specialist must have in his toolbox:

• MANUAL TILE CUTTERS. One of the most important tool you need is a powerful manual tile cutter. ...
• ELECTRIC CUTTERS. ...
• DIAMOND BLADES. ...
• DIAMOND DRILL BITS. ...
• ELECTRIC MIXER. ...
• RUBBER BUCKETS. ...
• TILE TROWELS. ...
• RUBBER GROUT FLOATS.

Can you cut a tile without a tile cutter?

There are several methods for cutting tiles by hand without a tile cutter, using a cutting tool such as a glass cutter or a carbide-tipped pencil. ... Place the scored tile over a wire hanger on a flat surface, aligned with the scored line. Press gently on both sides of the tile until it snaps cleanly.

Can you teach yourself to tile?

Ceramic tile is the best choice for beginners, since it is easier to cut than other types. Tiles that are 4 inches by 4 inches, or 3 inches by 6 inches, are also good for novices, not too big and not too small. ... Once you've got everything, go home but don't even think about mixing mortar or sticking the tile yet.

Why is tiling so expensive?

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay materials and fired at high temperatures. It's more difficult to reach those higher temperatures (which create a denser, more durable product), so the higher the temperature, the more it adds to the cost.