What is the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter trade?

A Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter covers interior and exterior walls, floors with terrazzo, tile and/or marble by preparing, measuring and marking the surface to be covered, mixing and applying mortar, mastic, cement, or other adhesives, using hand tools, laying mosaic tiles and removing and replacing cracked or damaged tiles. Specifically, a Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter:

Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter in a representative work setting

THE CORE OF THE WORK

Inspect. Diagnose. Repair. Improve.

Not every Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter performs every task. The mix changes with the employer, sector, workplace, equipment and level of responsibility.

uses and maintains electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic power tools
interprets blueprints and specifications
inspects and verifies materials and tools, and sets plumb, level and square lines and surfaces
prepares sub-surface
installs terrazzo and tile
performs mechanical installation of natural stone on walls
installs natural stone indoors by conventional or stacking method
installs natural stone slabs on floors and counter tops

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

Tools used with judgment

wet saws, grinders and core drills, trowels, screeds and mixing equipment, lasers, levels and layout systems, stone lifters, suction cups and slab-handling equipment, polishing and terrazzo grinding machines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Understand the environment

silica dust and wet-cutting controls; kneeling, lifting and repetitive setting; heavy and fragile stone slabs; moisture-sensitive substrates and cure times; high visual and dimensional expectations.

SAFETY FIRST

Learn the hazards before the task

Training, supervision, safe procedures, appropriate PPE and stopping when conditions are uncertain are essential. Requirements vary by workplace and assignment.

STRENGTHS THAT GROW

Skill develops through practice.

layout precisionsurface preparationcolour and pattern awarenesspatient hand skillmaterial judgment

ADVANCED SPECIALIZATIONS

One trade can lead to very different work.

These are advanced work directions within or adjacent to Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter, not promises of separate credentials or pay. Requirements vary by employer, equipment, experience and any additional training or authorization.

Ceramic and porcelain tile

Install durable unit finishes on floors, walls and wet areas.

Large-format and gauged panels

Handle, cut and bond oversized thin or heavy tile systems.

Natural stone

Set marble, granite, limestone and other stone with material-specific methods.

Terrazzo

Place, seed, grind and polish cementitious or resin-based terrazzo systems.

Mosaics and decorative layouts

Execute detailed patterns, medallions, borders and curved work.

Exterior and mechanical stone

Install façades, panels and anchored stone assemblies.

Showers and waterproofed assemblies

Build sloped, drained and membrane-protected wet-area systems.

Slab countertops and features

Fit and install stone slabs, stairs, thresholds and architectural elements.

Restoration and repair

Replace damaged units, regrout surfaces and match existing historic work.

EVIDENCE BASE

Sources & verification

Regulated, numerical and time-sensitive claims link to the authority used. Accessed and reviewed August 25, 2026.

Skilled Trades Ontario — Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter ↗Official scope, duties, training and certification Government of Canada Job Bank — Ontario wages ↗Ontario low, median and high employee wage benchmark Skilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship ↗Eligibility, sponsors and registration Ontario — OYAP ↗High-school apprenticeship pathway

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