Is Tiling really that hard these day's ?

[Andy Allen]

I would say that tiling is not any harder these days at all.as the saying goes anyone can mAke a tile stick to floor of wall.difference is knowing new backgrounds.if anything it's easier no sand/cement for most part.

really..? after over 30 years tiling ive seen big changes.....big being the word, when I started a 150x200 tile was massive, now experienced tilers have to spend a sunday down Ray's yard learning how to fix his gigantic tiles...lol

 

[Sean SML Tiling]

I actually done a sgort course and now after nearly 3 years I would call myself a decent tiler. Ive made mistakes but always rectufied them. Ive turned away stacks of work thats out of my league. I learn from every job I do to improve on the next. Im by far not the best but mike1979 will tell you what my quality is like. Its mors passion than certificates.

 

[mike1979]

Ye that's why I said I wouldn't tar everyone with the same brush Sean is one of the few that came out the right side that's because you conduct yourself in the right way and go about your business properly and I wouldn't hesitate on workin on a project with him in the future

 

[One Day]

I started to reply to points 1-4 and then realised I couldn't be bothered.
It's all SO subjective and depends on individual viewpoints.
How many massive arguments have been started on tiling forums and how many toys thrown out of prams over these debates???

If you turn out good work in good time and make good money with smiles on your customer's faces - that's enough for me, irrespective of whether you've self-taught / done a 4 week course or spent 5 years working alongside Phil Hobson.

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

I started to reply to points 1-4 and then realised I couldn't be bothered.
It's all SO subjective and depends on individual viewpoints.
How many massive arguments have been started on tiling forums and how many toys thrown out of prams over these debates???

If you turn out good work in good time and make good money with smiles on your customer's faces - that's enough for me, irrespective of whether you've self-taught / done a 4 week course or spent 5 years working alongside Phil Hobson.

I have said this many times on this forum, good tilers are more about mind set/ attention to detail, than certificates or years on the job.

I know a few tilers about my age who are as rough now as they were when they were 15 yrs old, I do have the papers but more importantly I still strive to leave a job to the best of my ability.

I still learn new things from this forum, and still enjoy meeting members, we are all kindred spirits or we would not be on here.

 

[Time's Ran Out]

Who would want to work alongside Phil Hobson for 5 years!!
I bet he listens to Radio 4.
He'd be talking about sand and cement, pin hammers, and sawdust!
Is tiling hard these days? It's all relevant. Bigger, heavier tiles, but better cutters, so instead of a hammer and chisel for a 6" quarry we have a simple scribe on a 1200 machine.
For me it's a lot easier than 40 years ago and still just as enjoyable ( I type from apartment in Spain) but not as easy as some think.
I never get concerned how long someone has been fixing tiles, it's up to the customer to do their homework and they deserve everything they get - good or bad - its their choice.

 

[The Legend; Phil Hobson RIP]

Who would want to work alongside Phil Hobson for 5 years!!
I bet he listens to Radio 4.
He'd be talking about sand and cement, pin hammers, and sawdust!
Is tiling hard these days? It's all relevant. Bigger, heavier tiles, but better cutters, so instead of a hammer and chisel for a 6" quarry we have a simple scribe on a 1200 machine.
For me it's a lot easier than 40 years ago and still just as enjoyable ( I type from apartment in Spain) but not as easy as some think.
I never get concerned how long someone has been fixing tiles, it's up to the customer to do their homework and they deserve everything they get - good or bad - its their choice.

Cheers John, I am dreading spending tomorrow in my own company. I would not wish five years with me on anyone.

 

[Spud]

I think the materials and format has changed massively in the last 15 years and is more akin to marble fixing these days than ceramic tiling with all the large format polished porcelain

 

[Stef]

I have said this many times on this forum, good tilers are more about mind set/ attention to detail, than certificates or years on the job.

I know a few tilers about my age who are as rough now as they were when they were 15 yrs old, I do have the papers but more importantly I still strive to leave a job to the best of my ability.

I still learn new things from this forum, and still enjoy meeting members, we are all kindred spirits or we would not be on here.

Phil hit the nail right on the head.
I think it's all about mind set & attention to detail.
Just because you have served a tilling apprenticeship doesn't make you any good.
On the same token neither does doing a tiling course, it's all down to the individual & how good a job they want to leave.

 

[Sean Page]

Attention to detail, clean finishes and customer satisfaction are all that really count. We know the amount of work that goes on behind the finish, but the finish is all the customers ever really look at.