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Tiler: A Meticulous and Artistic Trade

Who doesn't love having a beautiful floor? Yet behind the installation of this flooring lies a person largely unknown to the public—both because of the nature of their trade and the training required to do the job. Installing flooring is much more delicate than it seems. This is even more true when you put yourself in the shoes of a professional tile setter.

What is a tile setter?

A tile setter is someone who performs a variety of tasks related to the installation of ceramic and other types of tiles. Moreover, their work is by no means limited to this single task. In fact, there are many sectors in which tilers can work, but first, we’ll focus on their main duties, as outlined in the employment section of the Quebec government website for construction trades:

  • Prepare, measure, and mark off the surfaces to be coated.

  • Mix and apply adhesive materials (mortar, cement, glue, etc.).

  • Place the tiles and press them firmly into the adhesive bed.

  • Install aggregate-based materials (e.g., cement-based terrazzo).

  • Align and level tiles.

  • Cut and fit tiles around obstacles or openings.

  • Apply ceramic grout between the tiles and remove the excess.

  • Install and arrange mosaic tiles to create decorative patterns.

  • Mix the compounds, apply them, and polish them.

  • Replace broken or damaged tiles.

(Quebec Government Website)

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Sources

1. Definition and Responsibilities of the Job

  • Emploi Québec (Labor Market Information - LMI): This is the direct source for your list of tasks. You can access the job description for tile setter (NOC code 73101).

    • Source: Exploring Careers - Tile Setter.

  • Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ): In the Quebec context, the CCQ is the body that regulates professional qualifications. Its list of occupations perfectly complements that of the government.

    • Source: CCQ Job Description - Tile Setter.

2. Training and Certification

  • Inforoute FPT: If you'd like to expand on the section about "required training," this source provides details on the DEP in Flooring Installation.

    • Source: DEP 5262 - Installation of Floor Coverings.

  • Red Seal: It is worth noting that the tile-setting trade is recognized by the Red Seal program, which allows graduates to work anywhere in Canada.

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