Tiling for Handymen

1 Week Tiling Course

This course aims to give you a basic introduction to tiling, for use on your own home or to add to other
skills you may already have. The emphasis will be on gaining practical experience; however some of
the time will be spent with a tutor giving you an understanding of the elements of the trade.

What will I learn?
The following issues will be addressed in tutor-led discussions:
Introduction to the tools of the trade
You will be shown the tools required for the job and given an overview of what each tool is for, when it
is used and its correct usage. Some time is spent on the care and maintenance of tools. You will also
review the most commonly used adhesives. Your tutor will finish off with a discussion on the good and
bad habits which tilers pick up.

Health and safety
Consisting of a brief background of the Health and Safety legislation relevant to you.

Getting started
The importance of setting out a quote: principles involved, tips and good practice, cleanliness, and
dealing with difficult customers. The emphasis will be on cost of materials, suppliers and dealing with
other trades in the context of how to measure and price your job and estimate costs. Finally, there will
be a brief theory test on marking out and measuring areas to be tiled.

What about getting the job done?
Throughout the programme you will gain practical experience on how to tile around common kitchen
and bathroom fixtures and how to deal with common pitfalls such as uneven walls, pipes and sockets.
The tutor will begin with a demonstration on how to use the tools including: cutting, marking out, and
nibbling.

You will gain experience in the following:-
· preparing a safe working area and following safe working practices
· identify any hazards and how you would rectify them
· checking for poor or uneven surfaces
· selecting and using appropriate tools and equipment to prepare a straight run for tiling
· selecting and applying the appropriate adhesive and grouting
· cleaning tiles after fixing and grouting

Throughout the course you will be encouraged to take photographs of your work. On each project you
will be expected to plan the layout and measure for the tiles to be used, and then provide the estimate of
what you determine will be required to complete the job. On completion you will be assessed to
determine if you are within your estimate. Remember time is money and waste means lack of profit.

What will I need to bring?
You will be required to bring steel-capped boots or shoes and suitable clothing such as overalls. All
tools and other material will be provided for the duration of your course. Safety goggles will also be
available for your use.