In ancient Egypt and Rome, tile was used for mosaics an art form using small, decorative ceramic squares. Over the years, tile has been a popular building material because it is durable, impervious to water, and easy to clean. It is used today, for instance, in shopping centers, tunnels, lobbies of buildings, bathrooms, food preparation areas, and hospitals.
Tilesetters, like the ancient artists, apply tile to floors, walls, and ceilings. To set tile, which generally ranges in size from 1 inch to 12 inches square, they use cement or mastic (a very sticky paste). When using cement, tilesetters nail a support of metal mesh to the wall or ceiling to be tiled. They use a trowel to apply a cement mortar, called a scratch coat, onto the metal screen and a small tool, similar to a rake, to scratch the surface of the soft mortar. After the scratch coat has dried, tilesetters apply another coat of mortar to level the surface and then apply mortar to the back of the tile and place it onto the surface.
To set tile in mastic or a cement adhesive (called thin set), tilesetters need a flat, solid surface such as drywall, concrete, plaster, or wood. They use a tooth-edged trowel to spread mastic on the surface or apply cement adhesive to the back of the tile and then properly position it.
Because tile varies in color, shape, and size, workers sometimes prearrange tiles on a dry floor according to a specified design. This allows workers to examine the pattern and make changes. In order to cover all exposed areas, including corners and around pipes, tubs, and wash basins, tilesetters cut tiles to fit with a machine saw or a special cutting tool. Once the tile is placed, they gently tap the surface with their trowel handle or a small block of wood to seat the tiles evenly.
When the cement or mastic has set, tilesetters fill the joints with grout a very fine cement. They then scrape the surface with a rubber-edged device called a squeegee to dress the joints and remove excess grout. Before the grout sets, they finish the joints with a damp sponge for a uniform appearance.
Tilesetters generally work indoors.
Tilesetters generally work indoors. Because most of the structure has been completed, the work area is relatively clean and uncluttered. Much of the workday is spent bending, kneeling, and reaching, activities that require endurance but not exceptional strength. To protect their knees, most workers wear kneepads.
Although workers are subject to cuts from tools or materials, falls from ladders, and strained muscles, the occupation is not as hazardous as some other construction occupations.
Tilesetters held about 30,000 jobs in 1992. Most wage and salary tilesetters were employed by tilesetting contractors who work mainly on nonresidential construction projects, such as schools, hospitals, and office buildings. One of every 2 tilesetters is self-employed, compared to 1 of every 4 construction workers. Most self-employed tilesetters work on residential projects.
Tilesetters are employed throughout the country but are found largely in urban areas.
Employers recommend completion of a 3-year apprenticeship program, which consists of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in subjects such as blueprint reading, layout, and basic mathematics.
In practice, however, most tilesetters acquire their skills informally by working as helpers to experienced workers. They begin by familiarizing themselves with the tools of the trade, and then they learn to mix and apply cement and to apply mastic. As they progress, they learn to cut and install tile, apply grout, and do finishing work.
When hiring apprentices or helpers, employers usually prefer high school graduates who have had courses in general mathematics, mechanical drawing, and shop. Good physical condition, manual dexterity, and a good sense of color harmony also are important assets.
Skilled tilesetters may start their own contracting businesses or may become supervisors or estimators for other contractors.
Employment of tilesetters is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Population and business growth, which should result in more construction of shopping malls, hospitals, schools, restaurants, and other structures where tile is used extensively, will stimulate demand for tilesetters. Tile is also being used more extensively in more expensive homes, and construction of these homes is expected to increase. Increasing popularity of tile as a building material is also expected to increase the demand for tilesetters.
Despite the increased demand for tilesetting, most job openings will result from the need to replace tilesetters who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons. Job opportunities will not be as plentiful as in other construction occupations because the occupation is small and turnover is relatively low.
According to the limited information available, hourly rates for experienced tilesetters ranged from $10 to $28 in 1992. Apprentices usually start earning 50 percent of journey workers' wages.
The principal union organizing workers in this trade is the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen. Some tilesetters also belong to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
Tilesetters use their knowledge of tools and masonry materials along with skill and dexterity to produce attractive, durable surfaces. Other workers with similar abilities include bricklayers, concrete masons, marblesetters, plasterers, stonemasons, and terrazzo workers.
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Reprinted with Permission of U. S. Department of Labor