Other Skilled Trades Tile Setting

Question 1

What is the purpose of using a notched trowel when setting tile?

Accepted Answer

Creating uniform ridges in adhesive mortar for better tile bonding

Answer

Smoothing grout into joints after tiles are set

Answer

Cutting tiles to fit along walls and obstacles

Answer

Removing old tiles from a substrate

Question 2

What is thinset mortar?

Accepted Answer

A cement-based adhesive used to bond tiles to substrates

Answer

A type of unsanded grout for narrow joints

Answer

A penetrating sealer applied to porous tile surfaces

Answer

A leveling underlayment used to flatten subfloors

Question 3

What is back-buttering a tile?

Accepted Answer

Applying an additional thin layer of adhesive to the back of the tile itself

Answer

Applying thinset only to the substrate before setting the tile

Answer

Cleaning adhesive residue off the tile back after removal

Answer

Sealing the grout joints after installation

Question 4

What tool is used to cut curves or irregular shapes in ceramic tile?

Accepted Answer

Tile nippers

Answer

Wet saw with a curved fence guide

Answer

Score-and-snap cutter with curved guides

Answer

Angle grinder only

Question 5

What is the purpose of tile spacers during installation?

Accepted Answer

To maintain consistent grout joint width between tiles

Answer

To temporarily hold grout in the joints

Answer

To keep tiles level with each other

Answer

To prevent tiles from cracking during installation

Question 6

What is lippage in tile installation?

Accepted Answer

The vertical height difference between edges of adjacent tiles

Answer

Chipping along the tile edge from improper cutting

Answer

Grout discoloration from mineral staining

Answer

Adhesive failure causing tiles to become loose