Tile setters use mortar or tile cement to apply tiles to surfaces in newly
constructed or remodeled buildings.
Tile setters apply tiles on interior and exterior surfaces of buildings
to provide a protective finish and an attractive appearance. These tiles come
in a variety of designs and materials -- ceramic, marble, mosaic and terrazzo.
When the cement has set, tile setters fill the joints with grout (mortar)
and scrape the surface with a squeegee to remove excess grout.
In addition to the physical skills, these workers must also have some artistic
talent because they're often choosing colors and textures to create the best
look.
"There are so many ways of putting colors together, so it helps to have
an artistic eye," says Bob Caccioni, a tile-setting foreman.
Most tile setters work independently, managing their own time and work
schedule. Some may own their own businesses, while others work for tile stores
or tile manufacturers.
Job satisfaction and flexibility are key advantages in this trade. A tile
setter has the luxury of seeing the end result of their work when the job
is completed.