Other Skilled Trades Tile Setting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a rectified tile?
- A cracked tile that has been professionally repaired
- A tile that is precision-cut after firing for exact consistent dimensions (Correct answer)
- A recycled tile processed from demolition material
- A fire-rated tile used in commercial kitchens
Correct answer: A tile that is precision-cut after firing for exact consistent dimensions
Rectified tiles are machine-cut after firing to achieve precise, consistent dimensions with perfectly square edges, allowing much tighter grout joints.
Question 2: What is the TCNA Handbook and why is it important?
- A tile manufacturer catalog for selecting products
- The industry standard reference published by the Tile Council of North America for tile installation methods (Correct answer)
- A federal government regulation for tile use in public buildings
- A testing lab certification for tile products
Correct answer: The industry standard reference published by the Tile Council of North America for tile installation methods
The TCNA Handbook establishes the industry standards and methods for professional tile installation and is the authoritative reference used throughout the US tile industry.
Question 3: What is the function of a wet saw in tile installation?
- Washing and rinsing tiles before installation
- Cutting tiles with a continuously water-cooled diamond blade for clean precise cuts (Correct answer)
- Mixing mortar to a wet consistency
- Cleaning excess grout from tile surfaces
Correct answer: Cutting tiles with a continuously water-cooled diamond blade for clean precise cuts
A wet saw uses a spinning diamond-coated blade that is continuously cooled by water to cut tiles cleanly and precisely without cracking or excessive chipping.
Question 4: What is the purpose of movement joints or expansion joints in tile installations?
- They are decorative elements separating tile fields of different colors
- They allow differential movement between tile substrate and structure to prevent cracking (Correct answer)
- They improve drainage in wet areas
- They mark the boundary between different tile types or sizes
Correct answer: They allow differential movement between tile substrate and structure to prevent cracking
Movement joints filled with flexible sealant accommodate differential movement from thermal expansion, substrate deflection, and building settlement to prevent tile or grout cracking.
Question 5: What is the key difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
- Sanded grout is available in more colors than unsanded
- Sanded contains fine aggregate for joints over 1/8 inch; unsanded is smoother for narrower joints (Correct answer)
- Sanded grout is waterproof; unsanded is not
- They are identical in composition and performance
Correct answer: Sanded contains fine aggregate for joints over 1/8 inch; unsanded is smoother for narrower joints
Sanded grout contains fine sand that adds bulk and strength for joints wider than 1/8 inch, while unsanded grout is smooth and appropriate for narrower joints where sand could scratch polished tile surfaces.
Question 6: What is the correct procedure for grouting tile?
- Apply grout immediately after setting tile and let dry one week before use
- Allow thinset to fully cure apply grout diagonally with a float remove excess and clean with a damp sponge (Correct answer)
- Grout the same day as setting to bond all elements together
- Apply grout allow to fully dry then wet the surface and scrub off all residue
Correct answer: Allow thinset to fully cure apply grout diagonally with a float remove excess and clean with a damp sponge
After thinset cures, grout is spread diagonally across the joints with a grout float, excess is removed by holding the float at a steep angle, and the surface is cleaned with a lightly dampened sponge.
Other Skilled Trades Tile Setting 2
What is a rectified tile?