How to become a tiler

Why should you become a tiler?

If there’s one trade that’s consistently desired by interior designers, it’s tiling. Filling the niche of a complex job that requires no small degree of skill, tilers are never out of work.

And that makes them an ideal job choice for anyone looking for a busy and physical trade.

• From ripping up old tiles to laying fresh sets, becoming a tiler can see you working all manner of spaces
• Work is always going to be consistent, and once you’re skilled enough, very well-paid

So, if this sort of trade has caught your interest, how do you become a tiler? Read on to learn all about this sort of work, tiler qualifications you’ll need, and how to get tiling work.

What does a tiler do?

As you might have guessed, a tiler’s main responsibility involves the adhering and laying of tiles in interior spaces. However, there’s certainly more such a job than simply sticking tiles to a floor or wall.

In fact, if you do become a tiler, you’ll have to be skilled in all of the following areas:

• Discussing plans with clients in order to understand their vision
• Calculating the size of a space that needs tiling to ensure you have enough adhesive
• Working out how many tiles you’ll need for a project, including spare tiles in case some break
• Cutting tiles to fit around room angles and immovable furniture
• Preparing surfaces for tiling through levelling and using screed
• Tiling floors and walls to match a given project’s plan
• Laying down intricate patterns with a variety of different tile types and shapes
• Fixing older tiles that have broken
• Applying grout and sealant to tiles to protect them against damp, mould, and mildew

Of course, these are just the main sorts of jobs you’ll face when you become a tiler. And as you become more experienced, this list will likely expand further.

What does a typical tiler’s day look like?

While a typical tiler’s day might seem simple, you likely find a wide variety of tasks set out before you. In most cases, you won’t always start tiling on the same day you start a project. Nor may you be focused on one job at a time if you’re business is big enough.

In short, you’ll likely be doing all manner of tasks each day with a variety of different tiling tools.

You might liaise with clients in the morning, tile a wall over lunch, and screed a floor in the afternoon. It all depends on what stage of your ongoing projects you’re currently at.

What skills does a tiler need?

As you can imagine, anyone who wants to become a tiler needs a certain set of skills to be successful. Below are the core skills we recommend all tilers develop in order to excel in this industry:

• Patience for methodical processes
• Precision
• Attention to detail
• The ability to work under pressure and time constraints
• Good communication skills to meet clients’ vision
• Independent working
• Acceptance of criticism
• Knowledge of the building and construction industries
• Organisational skills
• Mathematical knowledge

Naturally, you’ll also want to familiarise yourself with the tools of the tiling trade, as well as popular products. That way, you can be sure you’re delivering excellent work on each and every project.

How do you train to be a tiler?

As tiling is such a specific skill to learn, there are a variety of ways to learn the trade. First and foremost, you can opt for an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. This will let you learn how to tile properly while getting paid.

Of course, if you want a more classroom-oriented course, you can seek specific tiler training courses. These are offered in colleges across the country and will give you a solid foundation of tiling knowledge.

What tiler qualifications do I need?

When looking to earn tiler qualifications, we recommend pursuing any of the following certifications:

• A Level 1 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling
• A Level 2 Diploma in Wall and Floor Tiling
• A Level 2 Certificate in Wall and Floor Tiling for Property Maintenance
• A Level 2 NVQ in Wall and Floor Tiling

Any one of these is an excellent place to start with a tiling career. And they’ll let you take advanced courses in the future.

Do you need qualifications to become a tiler?

No, you don’t legally need qualifications in order to become a successful tiler. However, as with any trade, qualifications can be the difference between success and failure. Simply put, qualifications show you know what you’re doing.

This is especially true when it comes to tiling. While it appears simple on the surface, it’s very easy to do a shoddy tiling job. Tiling is such a prominent style choice in many homes, and clients want to be sure you can do the job.

How to get more experience as a tiler

After becoming qualified as a tiler, your next step towards gaining experience should be in further courses. These will give you more certifications to show off your skills and help build trust with new clients.

Alongside this, you should look to get as much work as possible. After all, the best way to improve as a tiler is to start tiling. You could even look to do tiling projects in your spare time to practice and keep your skills sharp.

Where should you apply for tiling jobs?

Being such a prominent trade, tilers have a wide choice of where to apply for tiling jobs. Many job sites will have tiling positions going that you could look to apply for, as do construction companies.

Of course, if you’re running your own tiling business then joining an online directory like Checkatrade is a must.

Get more tiling work with Checkatrade

So, now you know what’s needed for how to become a tiler in the UK. But if you want more help in this area, then you should consider joining Checkatrade. We’re the UK’s number one online directory and offer plenty of membership benefits.

From partner discounts to free marketing materials, get in touch today to see how we can help you. And don’t forget to look at our other tiling articles as well. Such as our piece on how to start a tiling business

Tiler training FAQs

How long does it take to become a tiler?

As with any trade, the time it takes to become a fully qualified tiler can vary. Some courses can take as little as 2 months, while apprenticeships can last a year or more. It all depends on what training you choose.

How much do tilers earn?

A sought-after job that’s always needed, self-employed tilers can earn a lot of money if they’re skilled. But even a trained tiler employed in a business can earn a sizable salary. See exactly what you could earn as a tiler in our article on UK tiler salaries.

Do I need a CSCS card

While not always necessary, if you plan to do any tiling on construction sites, you will need a CSCS card. Without one, you won’t legally be able to work in these spaces, which could mean missing out on work.