According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges. | 93% |
| Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge. | 89% |
| Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools. | 89% |
| Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern. | 88% |
| Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed. | 88% |
| Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed. | 87% |
| Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints. | 86% |
| Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs. | 85% |
| Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base. | 85% |
| Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints. | 83% |
| Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant. | 83% |
| Level concrete and allow to dry. | 81% |
| Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips. | 81% |
| Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools. | 80% |
| Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen. | 80% |
| Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader. | 79% |
| Assist customers in selection of tile and grout. | 79% |
| Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile. | 79% |
| Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project. | 78% |
| Cut tile backing to required size, using shears. | 77% |
| Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully. | 77% |
| Brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper. | 77% |
| Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units. | 76% |
| Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications. | 70% |
| Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets. | 63% |
