How to Become a Tiler

People who enjoy mathematics have great motor skills and who like practical work may consider becoming a qualified tiler. If you enjoy are thinking of becoming a tiler then you can use this page to find out how.

Tilers can work across a broad range of spaces such as homes, or commercial, corporate or industrial sites. Tilers can also work with wide range of tile materials such as granite, marble, stone, slate, quartz, ceramic, porcelain and glass.

A tiler usually works from about 7am until 3pm. On a typical day, a tiler will prepare the area to be tiled, cut the tiles and lay the tiles. After the tiles are correctly laid a tiler spreads adhesive over the tiles to seal them into place.

Skills a tiler needs

Tilers need to have good hand-eye coordination and good eyesight. Tilers should also have a good idea about space so they have an idea about how many tiles are needed and where they need to be placed.

Pros and cons of tiling

You can work in any type of weather as a tiler unlike other trades such as carpenting and bricklaying, as tiling can be undertaken both outdoors and indoors. It's also not a heavy-laboured job. The money is good and there are plenty of opportunities for employment.

Who do tilers work with?

Tilers work with a diverse group of people. You liaise with the owner of the space that needs tiling, the builder, architect and other trades involved. It's important to maintain strong communication with each trade involved to ensure the job is completed well and easily.

Steps to becoming a tiler

You can become a tiler by completing a course that trains and qualifies you as a professional tiler. The most common ways to become a fully-qualified tiler is to complete a tiler apprenticeship or traineeship. You can also find vocational education programs in high school that can give you a head start for your training to become a tiler.

If you want more information about how to become a tiler the Australian Tile Council provides you with a service to find out how to get enrolled in an apprenticeship. The Australian Tile Council will be able to provide you with the names of people that can give you more information about the choices you can make and help you with your decision to become involved in the Australian tiling industry.