Tiling Course

Lesson 1 • Workplace Safety and Regulations

Establishes mandatory safety practices for cutting, mixing, and handling materials. Compliance with occupational health standards protects workers and clients.

Lesson 2 • Tile Types and Material Properties

Examines ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and glass tiles. Understanding material properties guides correct adhesive and installation method selection.

Lesson 3 • The Tiling Trade Overview

Introduces tiling as a professional trade, its scope, and career pathways. Establishes context for all technical skills taught throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Tools and Equipment Identification

Covers hand tools, power tools, and measuring equipment used in tiling. Students learn correct names, functions, and basic maintenance of each tool.

Lesson 1 • Waterproofing Wet Areas

Focuses on applying waterproof membranes in showers, bathrooms, and wet rooms. Correct waterproofing prevents structural water damage behind tiles.

Lesson 2 • Removing Old Tiles and Coatings

Covers safe removal of existing tiles, adhesive residue, and surface coatings. Clean removal prevents bonding failures in the new installation.

Lesson 3 • Installing Backer Boards and Membranes

Explains installation of cement board, fiber board, and uncoupling membranes. These systems create stable, moisture-resistant bases for tile.

Lesson 4 • Repairing and Patching Substrates

Addresses filling cracks, holes, and uneven areas before tiling begins. Repairs must meet flatness tolerances to ensure tile stability.

Lesson 1 • Setting Out Wall Layouts

Teaches horizontal and vertical datum establishment for wall tiling. Wall layouts must account for out-of-plumb surfaces and feature tiles.

Lesson 2 • Setting Out Floor Layouts

Covers establishing datum lines, dry-laying tiles, and marking reference points on floors. Accurate setting out ensures consistent joint alignment across large areas.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Tile Layout

Introduces visual balance, symmetry, and focal point planning in tile layouts. Good layout decisions made before cutting save time and material.

Lesson 4 • Pattern and Design Layouts

Explores diagonal, herringbone, brick bond, and feature strip patterns. Pattern selection affects cutting complexity and installation time.

Lesson 1 • Angle Grinders for Tile Cutting

Explains using angle grinders with diamond blades for notches and curves. Grinders offer flexibility for cuts that saws cannot easily perform.

Lesson 2 • Cutting Complex Shapes and Profiles

Addresses scribing, templating, and cutting tiles to fit irregular surfaces. Complex cuts are required around columns, curved walls, and architectural features.

Lesson 3 • Manual Cutting Tools and Methods

Covers tile scribers, snap cutters, and nippers for straight and curved cuts. Manual tools are essential for small cuts and site work without power access.

Lesson 4 • Drilling Holes in Tiles

Covers diamond core bits and carbide drill bits for creating holes in tiles. Correct drilling technique prevents cracking expensive or large-format tiles.

Lesson 1 • Trowel Notch Selection and Application

Explains how trowel notch size controls adhesive coverage beneath tiles. Correct notch selection achieves the minimum required back coverage percentage.

Lesson 2 • Curing and Adhesive Performance

Addresses curing conditions, foot traffic timing, and adhesive performance testing. Premature loading of tiles before cure causes bond failure.

Lesson 3 • Mixing Adhesives Correctly

Teaches correct water ratios, mixing times, and slump consistency for mortars. Improperly mixed adhesive causes bond failure and tile lippage.

Lesson 4 • Types of Tile Adhesives

Compares cement-based, epoxy, and mastic adhesives across applications. Adhesive selection depends on tile type, substrate, and exposure conditions.

Lesson 1 • Installing Floor Transitions and Thresholds

Addresses tile-to-tile and tile-to-other-flooring transitions at doorways and level changes. Transitions protect tile edges and create a finished appearance.

Lesson 2 • Large-Format Floor Tile Installation

Covers specific techniques for tiles larger than 600mm, including lippage control. Large-format tiles require full mortar coverage and precise leveling systems.

Lesson 3 • Installing the Main Field of Tiles

Teaches systematic tile-setting sequence from datum lines outward across the floor. Working in bays prevents disturbing freshly set tiles.

Lesson 4 • Preparing the Floor for Tiling

Reviews substrate checks and priming specific to floor installations. Floor preparation must address deflection, levelness, and moisture before tiling.

Lesson 1 • Setting Out and Starting the Wall

Teaches establishing the first course of tiles from the datum batten upward. The starting position determines the visual balance of the entire wall.

Lesson 2 • Preparing Walls for Tiling

Covers priming, battening, and checking plumb on walls before tile application. Wall preparation directly affects the final plumb and level of the installation.

Lesson 3 • Finishing Wall Edges and Corners

Teaches installation of edge trims, corner profiles, and bullnose tiles for clean terminations. Finished edges protect tile edges and define the installation boundary.

Lesson 4 • Tiling Around Fixtures and Openings

Addresses cutting and fitting tiles around switches, outlets, windows, and pipes. Precise fitting around fixtures defines the quality of a professional installation.

Lesson 1 • Silicone Sealing and Movement Joints

Addresses placement and application of silicone at all movement joint locations. Silicone accommodates structural movement that rigid grout cannot absorb.

Lesson 2 • Mixing and Applying Grout

Teaches correct grout consistency, application angle, and joint packing technique. Fully packed joints resist moisture ingress and physical wear.

Lesson 3 • Cleaning and Finishing Grout

Covers staged washing, haze removal, and final polishing of grouted surfaces. Proper cleaning preserves tile appearance and prevents grout haze hardening.

Lesson 4 • Final Inspection and Quality Control

Teaches systematic inspection for lippage, hollow tiles, grout defects, and alignment. A structured quality check ensures the installation meets professional standards.