Tilesetter
Cut and install ceramic, porcelain, marble, and other tiles on walls, floors, and counters.
About Tilesetter
Tilesetters cut and install ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, glass, and other tile materials on walls, floors, counters, and other surfaces. They prepare substrates, apply adhesives and mortars, and grout joints to create durable and decorative finishes.
Work Environment
Tilesetters work indoors on residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The work involves extensive kneeling, bending, and reaching at floor and wall level. They work with mortars, adhesives, and cutting tools that create dust.
Physical Demands
- Extensive kneeling and bending
- Precise cutting with wet saws
- Lifting heavy tile and mortar materials
- Working in dusty conditions
- Detailed hand work for patterns and layouts
Designated Provinces & Territories
Red Seal Exam Structure
The Tilesetter Red Seal exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering 5 major work activity areas.
Total Questions
Multiple choice
5–15%
Knowledge & Recall
60–70%
Procedural Application
20–30%
Critical Thinking
Skills for Success
The essential skills required to succeed in this trade, as defined by the Red Seal program.
Reading
Read technical manuals, code books, specifications, and safety documentation related to tilesetting.
Document Use
Interpret blueprints, schematics, drawings, and technical documents used in tilesetting.
Writing
Complete work orders, reports, inspection records, and other documentation for tilesetting.
Oral Communication
Communicate with clients, colleagues, supervisors, and other trades to coordinate tilesetting work.
Numeracy
Perform measurements, calculations, and estimates required for tilesetting tasks.
Thinking
Apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to diagnose issues and plan tilesetting work.
Working with Others
Collaborate with team members, apprentices, and other trades on tilesetting projects.
Digital Technology
Use digital tools, diagnostic software, and computer-based systems relevant to tilesetting.
Continuous Learning
Stay current with evolving codes, technologies, and best practices in tilesetting.
Career Advancement
Experienced tilesetters can advance to supervisory or estimating roles. Some specialize in decorative mosaics, large-format tile, or swimming pool installations.
Specializations
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