Flooring layers measure, cut, and install flooring materials in homes and businesses. They specialize in different products and use various tools and techniques. Most are union workers employed by construction companies, but some start their own businesses. No strict educational requirements exist, and on-the-job training is common.
A flooring layer is a professional construction worker who measures, cuts, and installs flooring materials in homes and businesses. Most flooring layers are specialized when working with a particular type of product, such as linoleum, wood, vinyl, tile, or carpet. Duties of flooring layers vary by specialty, although most professionals are required to have a keen attention to detail, understand math and measurements, and possess the ability to create attractive and functional flooring.
When a new home or business is set up, professional floor layers source and deliver materials to the site. Experts inspect and level the surface over which the new floor covering will go, accurately measure room sizes, and carefully cut materials to specifications. A layer of flooring must be prepared for long hours and frequent lifting, stretching and bending. The size and shape of the rooms, the type of flooring and the number of workers available determine how long a job will take, which can range from a few hours to several days.
Depending on the type of cladding material, layers can use a number of different tools and techniques in their work. Carpet layers rely on adhesives, knives, stretching tools, and staples to ensure a proper fit, while tile layers employ specialized cutting tools, grout applicators, and sanders to perform custom jobs. Individuals who specialize in linoleum and laminate flooring will usually install moisture-tight insulation, coat the area with a special glue, deposit siding material, and use knives and putty levels to remove dents and bubbles. A layer of hardwood flooring typically uses a number of different carpentry tools and wood glue to fit the wood slats together.
Most floor layers are formed by union workers, employed by construction companies and private contractors. Retail flooring stores offering installation and repair services often hire layers to help home and business owners through the process. Some experienced and successful layers choose to start their own businesses, where they perform additional functions such as hiring workers, providing customer service, advertising, and ordering supplies from distributors.
There are generally no strict educational requirements to become a flooring layer, although some professionals choose to attend classroom training programs at vocational schools and community colleges. Most workers learn the trade through on-the-job training and assisting experienced floor layers. New workers typically perform tasks such as transporting tools and materials to and from a location, cutting parts to size, putting materials in place, and cleaning up after a job. After a new layer of flooring has demonstrated its competence for the job, it may be given the opportunity to tackle more difficult or delicate tasks.
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