Tiles are used in a large number of residential or commercial structures for various purposes. From the manufacturing of these tiles to its installation on construction sites, a number of skilled labors are involved in tile work. Tiles have been used to enhance the beauty of a construction or to provide strong base for the flooring since a number of centuries. Tiles can be formed out of various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass or even wood. Tile setters are professionals who specialize in the installation of tile patterns on a wall, roof, floor or bathrooms. The construction industry is largely dependent on tile work professionals for a number of different tasks.
Description
Tile setters have to measure the dimensions of the piece of construction where they intend to set up the tiles. The tiles have to then be cut as per the angle and length of the wall. Determining the layout before carrying out the actual mortar work is essential as it is not favorable to make changes once the tiles have been set. They have to consult with interior designers and architects while coming up with these layouts in order to maintain a uniform design throughout the structure. The style and type of the tile chosen by the customer after consultation with the tile setters owing to their expertise in the field.
They apply the mortar mixture to the back side of the tiles and set them on a plain wall using different tools. The tiles are held together by a variety of products such as plaster, concrete, cement or adhesives. After the setting of tiles, they have to let it dry for a period of time before making any fine tuning adjustments to the setup. During the setting of tiles, they have to also ensure hollow spaces are left behind the tiles for electrical wiring, plumbing and other concealed pipelines. While carrying out tile installation work in bathrooms, they have to leave appropriate spaces for the various bath accessories.
Skills
Tile work professionals should contain in-depth knowledge about the materials and methods used in the manufacturing of tiles as well as the nature of different types of tiles. They must be good at measurements and calculating the dimensions of tile blocks as well as walls in order to maintain a high level of accuracy, thereby reducing the need for patch work after the tiles have been set. In large construction sets, they may have to work in a team of several tile settlers. They should possess knowledge about the chemical composition of different tiles and how different everyday items affect it as they have to select tiles for clients based on their needs and requirements. Thus, they should be able to work well in a team or on their own as well. As tile work can require a high level of precision and careful handling, they must be organized in carrying out their basic job functions.
Work Conditions
Tile work is a physically demanding job which requires a lot of dedication and patience. Long hours of remaining in a standing, bending, kneeling or crawling positions in order to set tiles can have adverse effects on one's long term health. Also, there are risks involved in using sharp instruments for cutting the tiles and various tools needed for setting the tiles. Although they use protective gear such as thick gloves, safety glasses and masks while using strong chemicals, the possibility of a mishap is always present.
Career Advancement
On the basis of their skills and experience, tile work professionals may move on to supervisory positions where they have to monitor the work of other tile setters. Some may move on to sales positions on the basis of the experience they gather in the field.
Salary and Benefits
Most tile handlers and setters are paid on an hourly basis and their average wages are between $14 and $25 per hour, depending upon their skill level and experience in the field. Some of them are a part of labor unions which take care of the fringe benefits such as sick leaves and health insurance plans.
Although tile work can be physically demanding in nature, it is also a creative type of job which requires a high level of skill and dedication.