Tiler Interview Questions UK: 8 Real Questions and What Interviewers Want

Most Tiler interviews in the UK follow a pattern, and knowing it beats guessing. Below are eight questions from our bank of 16, each with a note on what the interviewer is really after.

Eight Tiler interview questions, and what the interviewer is thinking

1. How do you check and prepare a substrate before tiling a floor?

Why they ask: Poor preparation is the leading cause of tiling failures.

2. Which adhesive would you use for large format porcelain tiles and how do you apply it?

Why they ask: Adhesive choice and technique matter on larger, denser tiles.

3. Halfway through a bathroom job you find the walls are far from flat and plumb. What do you do?

Why they ask: Tests problem solving and client communication.

4. How do you set out a room so the tiling looks balanced and the cuts are even?

Why they ask: Layout is a core skill that distinguishes a good tiler.

5. What is tanking and how would you waterproof a wet room before tiling?

Why they ask: Waterproofing knowledge is vital for showers and wet rooms.

6. Tell me about a time you completed a complex tiling job to a high standard, such as a wet room or patterned floor.

Why they ask: Demonstrates skill and pride in workmanship.

7. What are movement joints in tiling and where should they go?

Why they ask: Failing to allow for movement causes cracked tiles and debonding.

8. What qualities make a really good tiler?

Why they ask: Understanding the traits needed beyond technical skill.

A sample answer to question 1

How do you check and prepare a substrate before tiling a floor?

I start by checking the substrate is sound, clean, dry and flat. For a floor I use a long straight edge, and BS 5385 allows tolerance of about 3 mm over 2 metres for adhesive-fixed tiles, so anything worse needs levelling. I check for moisture, and for a new sand and cement screed I confirm it has cured, with a rule of thumb of about a week per 25 mm up to 50 mm, then a hygrometer or moisture meter to check it is dry. Dust, grease and laitance come off, then I prime with the right primer for the surface, such as an acrylic primer on absorbent screed or a grip primer on non-porous. Over timber floors I overboard with 15 mm plywood or an uncoupling membrane, to stop movement cracking tiles. Cracks and expansion joints in the substrate must be carried through the tiling. If conditions are not right, I tell the client rather than start.

Common mistake to avoid: Tiling over a damp or uncured screed; ignoring movement joints

Want the rest?

Full model answers, key points and common mistakes for all 16 questions are on the Tiler interview questions page. The first five are free, no sign-up needed.