Guide to hiring a Tiler

What is a tiler?

Tilers take responsibility for all aspects of the floor tile and wall tile laying process. Tilers most commonly complete kitchen tiling and bathroom tiling, as well as commercial tiling in shops offices and hotels. In Australia there are a number of tiling companies that specialise in tiling alone. However, it is common for tradespeople undertaking tiling work to also work as handymen to mix up the monotony of day in day out tiling.

What does a tiler do?

A tiler is an expert in laying floor tiling and wall tiling. Whilst many do-it-yourselfers consider that they may be able to complete a tiling project, it often becomes apparent the skills that a tiler has in ensuring that the tiling is flat, smooth and straight. Also, with their experience tilers have the tools and expertise to cut tiles properly, consequently they break less valuable tiles in the tiling process.

A tiler works with a variety of tile materials, including ceramic tiles and slate tiles.

An expert tiler will be able to:

• Accurately calculate the number of tiles needed to tile an area.
• Cut tiles to the correct size and shape.
• Perform any restoration work required to the area to be tiled before the tiling begins.
• Prepare the area for tiling including applying screed and adhesives if required.
• Carefully and precisely lay the tiles to ensure that the final product is flat, smooth and straight.
• Apply the grout between the tiles.

Professional tilers also have expertise in floor tiling in bathrooms and kitchens to ensure that the ground water flows towards a drain.

What does a tiler cost?

The cost of tiling varies on a number of different elements including:

1. Who is supplying the tiles and the tiling materials? The tiler or yourself?
2. What site preparation does the tiler need to do before the tiling can start?
3. How large is the area to be tiled?

Taking these three factors into account, tilers normally charge per square metre (m2). Once you have accurately measured the area to be tiled to determine its size, the following should provide you with a rough guideline of the cost of tiling:

• Floor Tiling:
  • Ceramic tiles: $95-$170 per square metre
  • Quarry tiles: $95-$130 per square metre
• Wall Tiling:
  • Ceramic tiles: $90-$160 per square metre

NOTE: These tiling prices are a rough estimate. It included both materials and labour, and assumes the tiling is being done onto a reasonable surface.

What to consider before hiring a tiler

The key to getting the best deal from a tiler is preparation. If you are able to very accurately specify exactly what you require then tilers will be pleased to compete for your work. If instead you are vague or uncertain as to what you require then you run the risk of being over-quoted by tilers or charged extras that you did not anticipate.

With this in mind, it can be useful to ponder the following things before hiring a tiler:

• Where are you tiling? Kitchen, bathroom, hallway, office, factory?
• What is the accurate size of the area being tiled? What is the size in square metres?
• What types of tiles do you desire? What tiling material do you want? What size tiles are best for you? What shape tiles do you want?
• What tile colours and textures best suit the area?
• Importantly, who is supplying the tiles? Sometimes tilers can get the best tiles at the best prices because of their wholesale contacts.
• What preparation needs to be done to the area before the tiling can start? Are there other tiles to remove first?
• Why are you tiling? Is it a home renovation for you to live in, or are you preparing for sale?

Once you have a clear picture of exactly what you require, and tiling specifications prepared you are ready to hire to hire a tiler.

How to find a tiler

Service Central makes it easy to find a tiler. Simply list a job request for a tiler with Service Central and they will find local tilers that are available and interested in doing your work. For larger tiling projects you can ask for 3 tiling quotes.

What to ask a tiler?

Tiling is a very visual trade and you may wish to ask a tiler for photos of his/her previous tiling work. This will then lead to other questions of quality and tiling experience such as:

• Do you do tiling only? Or do you do other trades and services on side?
• How many years have you tiled for?
• Do you have references and testimonials?

Also, when choosing which tiler is right for you it is best to ask a number of specific questions about the job at hand to gauge their practical tiling experience. Questions could include:

• Can you buy good tiles at a good price?
• How long have you been using that tile supplier for? A recent change may indicate that he/she didn't pay his account at the old supplier.
• Will you provide screed, adhesives and grout?
• How long will the tiling process take?
• Have you tiled with this type of tile before?
• Do you think any preparations work needs to be done to the surface before you start laying the tiles?

How to choose a tiler

Once you have a number of tiling quotes from different tilers all quoting on the same specifications then you should have a clear understanding of the price. However, the lowest price isn't always the best. You should also take into consideration their experience and quality. If the tiler is registered with Service Central ask to view their feedback from other consumers that have used them in the past. This should help you choose the right tiler for your job.