Getting into Tiling

[LLTN]

Hi,
I'm looking for some advice on getting into tiling. I've struggled to find regular employment over the last few years and aim to start up my own handyman business, offering services like gardening, furniture assembly etc etc.
Obviously that would be a part time sort of thing to make some money, but what I thought would help me make it a full time venture in the future would be learning a trade.
In terms of a handyman business I think that either Decorating or Tiling would be my best bet. I like the thought of tiling and being the person who gives that new kitchen or bathroom the finishing touch.
I've read many threads on different forums and of course there's lots of different views on how to get into a trade. I know that I can't go on a 1, 2 or even 4 week course and call myself a tiler. I know that most knowledge would come with experience, but would a course be a good start?
Is it possible after some of the better ones that I could tackle some basic tiling jobs for people? If I got a good foundation of knowledge from a course, could I build upon it myself?
I wouldn't be against the idea of doing a bit of work for someone but finding someone would be easier said than done.
Thank you.

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Re: Getting into tiling...

Hi mate, a short course will give you the basics imo, ask questions on here. If you could shadow a good tiler FOC, that would also help.

Good luck with it.

 

[Mr Tiler]

Re: Getting into tiling...

before I began learning about tiling mate I thought it would be pretty easy but the fact is... it isn't.... theres a lot more to it than a trowel and a nice flat wall. I learned and am still learning that the hard way lol but ive stuck with what I set out to do so unless your willing to spend hours on end reading up on these sort of sites to gain the valuable knowledge you will need I would go and get a college course if you are in a position to do so or go with the painting and decorating hope this helps ya

 

[LLTN]

Re: Getting into tiling...

Thanks for the responses.

I certainly don't expect it too be easy at all but feel it might be an easier trade to get work from if I were to be self employed.

A college course would certainly appeal to me but there doesn't seem to be any round my area that offer tiling.

There seems to be lots of training centres running tiling courses though, where as it seems the other way round for Decorating.

I'll have to contact a few and see who seems to offer the best.

I'll definitely read as much as I can on this site if it's what I choose to pursue

 

[swanman]

Re: Getting into tiling...

Ask a local tiler if you can work with him for free

 

[AETilingFloorin]

Re: Getting into tiling...

I did a tiling course a year ago and as already stated it will teach you the basics but there is so much more to it than you think. This site is a great addition to most courses, it will teach you so much and has helped me no end on jobs I have had. If your serious start reading up, do a course and try to practice.

Oh and you will need to factor in all the other things, all the tools you will need, transport, money to see yourself through for a couple of months until you start to get some work in etc, even then there is no guarantee.

Hope this helps.

 

[RDTiling]

Re: Getting into tiling...

I am in my first year of tiling and I have to say finding work has been quite difficult, however there is work out there.

The problem with tiling is that a lot of people will 'have a go' themselves. My first two jobs were where the homeowners had started and then realised they had overlooked setting out properly and didn't have the necessary tools to do the awkward cuts around plugs etc. In the end it was only marginally more expensive to call me in rather than buying what they needed for a one off job.

As has been said above, the tiling courses will teach the basics - there have been many arguments on here whether they are worth the money but at the very least it should give you the confidence to go into someone's houses knowing that you have made mistakes in a training environment and hopefully you have learnt from them.

Stick at it, take your time and do a good job - it takes many many good jobs to build a reputation, but only one or two bad jobs too ruin it.

 

[RDTiling]

Re: Getting into tiling...

Perhaps have a read of this thread - it might give you a bit of an insight as to what you can expect:

http://www.tilersforums.com/tiling-forum/18048-year-life-new-tiler.html

 

[LLTN]

Re: Getting into tiling...

Thanks for the further responses

I'll give that thread a read through tomorrow.

 

[rich83]

Do not do a course, I did college it was hideously pathetic,so therefore a short course would be worse,do painting and decorating instead,and if you want to tile teach you're self from videos,books,and this forum...trust me college is waste of time,health and safety prevents you from using proper equipment,the adhesive is training stuff,and if not it's out of date donations that set up rapidly.we were promised correct trim,but never got.no mention of datum lines,correct setting out,the list is endless,save you're time and money.