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.
Related careers