To create a floor that’s both beautiful
and durable takes a strong back
and a skillful eye.
Flooring installers and tile and marble setters
tackle the job—laying and finishing carpet,
wood, vinyl, and tile.
Work starts by removing old flooring
then cleaning and leveling the surface.
These workers measure the area
to be covered,
and cut flooring material or tile to fit.
Relying on design plans—or their knowledge
of attractive patterns and colors—
they place tile and flooring
and affix it in position.
Each type of flooring requires
its own skills and tools to install:
Carpet installers use “knee kickers,”
to position carpet,
and power stretchers to pull it
snugly against walls.
Floor sanders and finishers
power sand hardwood floors,
then apply stains and sealants
to preserve the wood.
Floor layers install durable linoleum,
vinyl and other materials.
Tile and marble setters use
special cutting devices
to size ceramic and marble tile,
then install it and finish the floor surface.
The work of installing flooring comes
with challenging physical demands;
workers spend much of their time reaching,
bending, and kneeling,
and wear protective equipment when needed.
Most schedules are full time,
and self-employment is common.
Most flooring installers
and tile and marble setters
learn on the job starting as helpers,
though some enter the field
through a 2-4 year apprenticeship.