The title "tilesetter" defines a person who, because of his or her knowledge, training, and abilities, is capable of covering, repairing, and decorating exterior and interior walls, floors, swimming pools, saunas, and other surfaces using ceramic, mosaics, marble and quarry tile, slate, stone or granite slabs, or terrazzo.
Tilesetters read and interpret architectural drawings and material specifications to determine tile layout, finish, and installation requirements. They prepare surfaces for tiling by applying a variety of underbeds such as metal mesh, anchor bolts, cement beds, or scratch coats. They select, mix, apply, and spread mortar, cement, mastic, or other adhesives to the tile to be set or the surface to be tiled. They cut and fit tiles to a variety of surfaces, and finish tiles using grout. Tilesetters also lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs. Some tilesetters cut, polish, and install marble and granite and mix, lay, grind, and polish terrazzo surfaces.
Because tilesetting is a final step in the construction process, tilesetters generally work indoors in relatively comfortable conditions. However, some of the work is exterior and is therefore exposed to inclement weather. The work requires considerable bending, crawling, kneeling, and reaching. Installing some material may also involve heavy lifting. Hazards include exposure to dust, silica, epoxy fumes, and repetitive stress injury.
Tilesetters are required to have a good sense of layout and design, and often prearrange tiles on a dry floor to confirm a specific design. Tilesetting requires considerable planning, and tilesetters must be able to visualise the finished design as they work with the small components at close quarters. Tilesetters must be familiar with the material properties and installation requirements of ceramic, mosaic, marble, quarry tile, stone, and terrazzo. All tilesetters are required to be competent in the use of a variety of specialty hand and power saws, tile cutters, and grinding and polishing machines.
Some tilesetters may be employed by tile contractors, while others are self-employed. On small jobs, tilesetters may work alone with minimal supervision. They may also supervise an apprentice or helper. On large jobs, they may work under the direction of a supervisor.
Tilesetters interact and work co-operatively with the full spectrum of construction tradespeople, such as carpenters, bricklayers, painters, lathers, cabinetmakers, plumbers, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technicians. They are required to constantly adjust their schedule and work to accommodate the schedule of these other trades since their role is one of final finishing.
-
Volunteer Centres in Manitoba
Volunteer Manitoba Suite 410-5 Donald Street South Winnipeg, R3L 2T4 Tel: 888-922-4545 Fax: 204-284-5200 www.volunteermanitoba.ca vmddyck@mts.net More >
-
Boilermaker
Boilermakers construct, install, test, maintain and repair boilers, tanks and other vessels that contain liquids, gases and dry products. These vessels may have unique characteristics. Boilermakers may work from blueprints to fabricate components from steel or other materials. They often have to attach rigging and work with cranes to lift... More >
-
Aboriginal Job Centre
The Aboriginal Job Centre lists employment opportunities across Canada that are available to Aboriginal people. Listings can be searched by location, job sector, or key word. More >
-
Grant for Students with Dependants
This grant provides financial assistance to students with dependent children under 12 years of age at the period of study start date. Students who are eligible for the Grant for Students with Dependants may also be eligible for the Grant for Students from Low-Income Families Delivered by: Human Resources and... More >
-
Machinist
Machinists possess the knowledge and abilities to set up and operate machines that cut or grind metal and other materials into products with precise dimensions. These machines include lathes, milling machines, saws, grinding machines, drilling machines and boring machines. Machinists work from drawings, specifications and their own measurements to calculate... More >
-
Sprinkler System Installer
The occupational title "Sprinkler System Installer" defines persons who, because of their knowledge, training and abilities, are capable of installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing fire protection systems. Sprinkler System Installers are usually, but not exclusively, found in industrial, institutional, commercial, and residential situations, such as: plants, factories, office buildings, hotels,... More >
-
Veterinary Colleges in Canada
The Atlantic Veterinary College University of Prince Edward Island 550 University Avenue Charlottetown, PEI, Canada C1A 4P3 Université de Montréal 3200, rue Sicotte Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 7C6 The Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1 The Western College of Veterinary Medicine University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon,... More >
-
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >