Ceramic Tiling Course

Lesson 1 • Ceramic Tile Materials Overview

Covers tile composition, manufacturing processes, and material grades. Establishes the vocabulary needed to evaluate and specify tiles for any project.

Lesson 2 • Essential Tools and Equipment

Identifies hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments used in ceramic tiling. Connects proper tool selection to job quality and worker safety.

Lesson 3 • Industry Terminology and Standards

Introduces standardised terms used in specifications, contracts, and product data sheets. Enables accurate reading of manufacturer documentation and project drawings.

Lesson 1 • Waterproofing and Moisture Management

Introduces sheet membranes, liquid-applied barriers, and drainage mat systems for wet areas. Establishes moisture control as a prerequisite to tile installation in bathrooms and kitchens.

Lesson 2 • Substrate Types and Properties

Examines concrete, cement board, drywall, plywood, and existing tile as substrates. Understanding substrate behaviour guides correct preparation and adhesive selection.

Lesson 3 • Substrate Repair and Levelling

Covers patching compounds, self-levelling underlayments, and crack isolation methods. Connects repair quality directly to tile bond strength and longevity.

Lesson 1 • Calculating Tile Quantities

Covers area calculation, waste factor estimation, and ordering procedures. Accurate quantity takeoffs prevent project delays caused by material shortages.

Lesson 2 • Tile Pattern Selection

Explores running bond, herringbone, basketweave, and diagonal patterns. Pattern choice affects grout joint alignment, cutting complexity, and visual scale.

Lesson 3 • Focal Points and Visual Balance

Addresses centring strategies, border placement, and accent tile integration. Balancing the layout ensures symmetrical cuts and a professional finished appearance.

Lesson 1 • Mixing Mortar Correctly

Covers water-to-powder ratios, slake time, and consistency testing. Proper mixing produces a workable mortar that achieves rated bond strength.

Lesson 2 • Trowel Selection and Notching

Explains how trowel notch size and shape affect mortar coverage beneath tiles. Selecting the correct trowel is critical for large-format and heavy tiles.

Lesson 3 • Open Time and Working Conditions

Addresses how temperature, humidity, and airflow affect adhesive open time. Adjusting work pace and product choice to site conditions prevents premature skinning.

Lesson 1 • Wet Saw Operation and Safety

Covers blade selection, water cooling, feed rate, and fence adjustment on wet saws. Wet saws enable precise straight and angled cuts on all tile types.

Lesson 2 • Cutting for Pipes and Outlets

Covers hole saws, nippers, and template methods for penetrations and electrical boxes. Accurate penetration cuts create a clean, professional finish around fixtures.

Lesson 3 • Manual Cutting with Snap Cutters

Teaches scoring, snapping, and edge finishing with manual tile cutters. Manual cutting is the fastest method for straight cuts on standard ceramic tiles.

Lesson 4 • Angle Grinder and Oscillating Tool Use

Introduces diamond cup wheels and oscillating blades for curved and notched cuts. These tools handle complex shapes that snap cutters and wet saws cannot produce.

Lesson 1 • Setting Tiles on Wall Surfaces

Addresses wall-specific challenges including gravity, adhesive sag, and horizontal datum lines. Wall installation sequence differs from floors to prevent tile slippage.

Lesson 2 • Setting Tiles on Floor Surfaces

Covers mortar application sequence, tile placement, and beating-in technique for floors. Floor installation requires consistent bed thickness to achieve a flat, lippage-free surface.

Lesson 3 • Curing and Protection After Setting

Explains mortar cure times, foot traffic restrictions, and surface protection methods. Protecting freshly set tiles prevents displacement and surface damage before grouting.

Lesson 4 • Installing Trim and Edge Profiles

Covers schluter strips, bullnose tiles, and cove bases for finishing exposed tile edges. Proper edge treatment protects tile corners and creates a polished transition.

Lesson 1 • Mixing and Applying Grout

Covers mixing ratios, consistency testing, and float technique for grout application. Correct application fills joints completely and minimises surface residue.

Lesson 2 • Grout Cleanup and Haze Removal

Teaches staged cleanup using damp sponges and haze removers to achieve a clean tile surface. Removing grout haze before it fully cures prevents permanent surface staining.

Lesson 3 • Grout Types and Selection

Compares sanded, unsanded, epoxy, and urethane grouts by joint width and exposure. Selecting the correct grout type prevents cracking, staining, and joint failure.

Lesson 4 • Sealing Grout and Tile Surfaces

Covers penetrating sealers, topical coatings, and application methods for grout and porous tile. Sealing extends the life of the installation and simplifies ongoing maintenance.

Lesson 1 • Complex Surface and Feature Installations

Covers curved walls, shower niches, step nosings, and mosaic sheet installation. Complex features require adapted layout and adhesive strategies beyond standard flat-surface work.

Lesson 2 • Heated Floor System Integration

Introduces electric mat and hydronic radiant systems installed beneath ceramic tile. Correct integration protects heating elements and maintains tile bond integrity.

Lesson 3 • Project Estimating and Scheduling

Covers labour hour estimation, material costing, and project scheduling for tiling contracts. Accurate estimates protect profitability and set realistic client expectations.

Lesson 4 • Quality Inspection and Client Handover

Teaches final inspection checklists, defect remediation, and documentation for project closeout. A structured handover process builds client trust and protects against warranty claims.