Other Skilled Trades Tile Setting 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of using a notched trowel when setting tile?
- Smoothing grout into joints after tiles are set
- Creating uniform ridges in adhesive mortar for better tile bonding (Correct answer)
- Cutting tiles to fit along walls and obstacles
- Removing old tiles from a substrate
Correct answer: Creating uniform ridges in adhesive mortar for better tile bonding
A notched trowel creates uniform ridges in the mortar bed that collapse and spread evenly when the tile is pressed in, ensuring consistent adhesive coverage.
Question 2: What is thinset mortar?
- A type of unsanded grout for narrow joints
- A cement-based adhesive used to bond tiles to substrates (Correct answer)
- A penetrating sealer applied to porous tile surfaces
- A leveling underlayment used to flatten subfloors
Correct answer: A cement-based adhesive used to bond tiles to substrates
Thinset mortar is a cement-based adhesive mixed with sand and polymer or water that bonds tiles to floors, walls, counters, and other surfaces.
Question 3: What is back-buttering a tile?
- Applying thinset only to the substrate before setting the tile
- Applying an additional thin layer of adhesive to the back of the tile itself (Correct answer)
- Cleaning adhesive residue off the tile back after removal
- Sealing the grout joints after installation
Correct answer: Applying an additional thin layer of adhesive to the back of the tile itself
Back-buttering applies a thin coat of thinset to the back of the tile in addition to the substrate, ensuring full adhesive coverage and eliminating hollow voids beneath the tile.
Question 4: What tool is used to cut curves or irregular shapes in ceramic tile?
- Wet saw with a curved fence guide
- Score-and-snap cutter with curved guides
- Tile nippers (Correct answer)
- Angle grinder only
Correct answer: Tile nippers
Tile nippers are used to nibble away small pieces along a score line to cut curves and irregular shapes that a straight saw or score-and-snap cutter cannot produce.
Question 5: What is the purpose of tile spacers during installation?
- To temporarily hold grout in the joints
- To maintain consistent grout joint width between tiles (Correct answer)
- To keep tiles level with each other
- To prevent tiles from cracking during installation
Correct answer: To maintain consistent grout joint width between tiles
Tile spacers are placed at the corners of tiles during installation to maintain uniform grout joint width throughout the project before grouting.
Question 6: What is lippage in tile installation?
- Chipping along the tile edge from improper cutting
- The vertical height difference between edges of adjacent tiles (Correct answer)
- Grout discoloration from mineral staining
- Adhesive failure causing tiles to become loose
Correct answer: The vertical height difference between edges of adjacent tiles
Lippage is the vertical displacement between the edges of adjacent tiles; excessive lippage is a defect that creates an uneven surface and can be a trip hazard.
Other Skilled Trades Tile Setting 1
What is the purpose of using a notched trowel when setting tile?