COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Site Preparation for Optimal Wall & Floor Tiling course. This program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to prepare indoor and outdoor environments for successful tile installation. Proper site preparation is a foundational aspect of tiling that directly impacts the durability, appearance, and functionality of the finished surface.
This course begins by explaining the purpose and importance of thorough site preparation, highlighting common issues caused by neglect, and clarifying the tiler's role within the broader construction workflow.
Before tiling begins, it is essential to review all construction drawings and specifications. This section explores how to interpret layout plans, elevations, and material schedules, as well as the importance of identifying and clarifying any discrepancies before commencing on-site work.
Assessing the work environment helps determine the approach and techniques to use. This section covers the differences between indoor and outdoor conditions, environmental challenges such as moisture and sunlight, and logistical considerations like space constraints for material handling and tool use.
Ensuring that the substrate is structurally sound is crucial to long-term performance. This section explains how to evaluate the stability and suitability of existing surfaces, recognise signs of damage or structural concerns, and know when to escalate issues to supervisors or builders.
Surface inspection and testing help determine whether the substrate is ready for tiling. This section outlines how to conduct visual checks, test for dampness and porosity, and assess the level, flatness, and overall condition of walls and floors.
Thorough cleaning of the substrate ensures proper adhesive bonding. This section covers removing dust, grease, and contaminants, the correct cleaning methods for different surfaces, and how to ensure a clean, dry, and bondable surface prior to installation.
Levelling uneven floors is a key part of preparation. This section introduces the use of self-levelling compounds, how to transition smoothly between different surface heights, and the importance of allowing curing time before proceeding with tiling.
Repairing wall and floor surfaces prevents tile failure. This section details how to fill cracks and holes, restore damaged renders or sheet linings, and prepare repaired areas to accept adhesives and tiles without compromising quality.
Controlling moisture is essential in damp-prone areas. This section explores how to detect moisture issues, apply waterproofing systems, and select sealers and membranes that are compatible with adhesives and grouts used in wet or exterior spaces.
Proper drainage planning ensures water flows away from tiled surfaces. This section explains tiling requirements for wet areas and outdoor locations, including creating appropriate gradients, placing drains correctly, and checking falls meet tolerances.
Installing underlayments and backer boards provides surface stability. This section covers how to choose the right materials for reinforcement, install boards with correct spacing and fasteners, and seal joints where moisture protection is required.
Surface priming improves adhesion and durability. This section discusses selecting the right primers and sealers for porous or absorbent substrates, following manufacturer instructions, and ensuring surfaces are fully cured before tile installation begins.
Accurate measuring and marking ensures a balanced tile layout. This section outlines how to find the best start point, establish grid lines, conduct a dry layout trial, and make adjustments to suit the shape and dimensions of the room.
Expansion joints prevent future tile damage from movement. This section explains how to identify locations where movement joints are needed, spacing and placement requirements, and compliance with Australian Standard AS 3958.1 and manufacturer guidelines.
Staging and protecting materials supports installation efficiency. This section focuses on verifying material deliveries, protecting tiles and adhesives from damage, and organising site storage to support a smooth, safe workflow.
Site access and safety must be addressed before work starts. This section covers how to coordinate with other trades, establish safe transport routes for materials, and eliminate or control access hazards that could delay work or cause injury.
Effective scheduling keeps the project on track. This section explains how to align tiling work with other trades, reduce delays caused by unprepared surfaces, and develop a realistic and logical work sequence that enhances site efficiency.
Managing waste is a key part of site preparation. This section details the types of waste generated during preparation, how to implement sorting and disposal procedures, and how to comply with environmental and workplace waste management obligations.
Environmental considerations support sustainable site practices. This section promotes reducing dust and noise, using environmentally conscious products, and preventing contamination through careful chemical and run-off management.
Documenting and reporting preparation work is critical for accountability. This section explains how to record site inspections, preparation methods, and safety checks, and how to communicate findings or concerns to supervisors, clients, or other trades.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped to prepare tiling sites thoroughly and professionally, ensuring all surfaces, conditions, and environmental factors are addressed to achieve optimal results in wall and floor tiling projects.
Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Site Preparation for Tiling
- Purpose and importance of proper site preparation
- Common issues caused by poor preparation
- Role of tilers in the overall project lifecycle
2. Reviewing Construction Drawings and Specifications
- Understanding tiling layout plans and elevations
- Identifying key notes and material schedules
- Clarifying discrepancies before commencing work
3. Assessing the Work Environment
- Differences between indoor and outdoor sites
- Identifying environmental factors
- Access and space limitations for tools and materials
4. Ensuring Structural Soundness
- Evaluating substrate integrity and suitability
- Recognising signs of instability or structural damage
- Escalating issues to builders or engineers
5. Surface Inspection and Testing
- Conducting visual and manual assessments
- Testing for dampness and absorption
- Checking for level, flatness, and surface evenness
6. Cleaning and Preparing Substrates
- Removing dust, oil, old adhesives, and loose material
- Appropriate cleaning methods for each substrate type
- Ensuring a clean bondable surface for adhesives
7. Levelling and Smoothing Floors
- Application of self-levelling compounds
- Smoothing uneven surfaces and transitions
- Allowing adequate curing before work proceeds
8. Repairing Wall and Floor Surfaces
- Filling cracks, holes, and surface imperfections
- Repairing damaged render or sheeting
- Preparing repaired areas for tiling adhesion
9. Controlling Moisture and Dampness
- Identifying moisture-prone or water-exposed areas
- Applying waterproofing membranes and sealers
- Ensuring compatibility with tile adhesives and grout
10. Planning for Drainage and Falls
- Requirements for wet areas and external spaces
- Establishing correct gradients for water flow
- Positioning drains and checking fall tolerances
11. Installing Underlayments and Backer Boards
- Selecting appropriate materials for substrate reinforcement
- Fixing boards securely with correct spacing
- Sealing joints and waterproofing if needed
12. Surface Priming and Sealing
- Choosing primers for porous or absorbent surfaces
- Applying sealers based on product specifications
- Ensuring adequate drying before tile installation
13. Measuring and Marking Layouts
- Determining start points and grid lines
- Trial laying tiles to verify layout accuracy
- Adapting layout to room shape and dimensions
14. Managing Expansion Joints and Movement Allowance
- Identifying areas requiring movement accommodation
- Placement and spacing of control joints
- Compliance with AS 3958.1 and supplier guidelines
15. Selecting and Staging Materials on Site
- Verifying delivered materials against orders
- Protecting tiles and adhesives from damage or moisture
- Organising material storage for workflow efficiency
16. Understanding Site Access and Safety Requirements
- Coordinating with other trades on site
- Planning safe entry and exit routes for materials
- Addressing access hazards before commencement
17. Planning Work Sequences and Timelines
- Scheduling tasks to align with other trades
- Minimising delays due to unfinished substrates
- Creating a logical and efficient work plan
18. Waste Management and Disposal Planning
- Identifying types of waste (offcuts, packaging, residue)
- Implementing on-site waste segregation
- Complying with environmental disposal requirements
19. Environmental Considerations in Preparation
- Minimising dust, noise, and environmental disruption
- Using environmentally friendly preparation products
- Managing chemical run-off and site cleanliness
20. Documenting and Reporting Site Conditions
- Recording inspection findings and preparation steps
- Reporting safety or preparation issues promptly
- Communicating with site supervisors and clients
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.