Home › Construction & Extraction › Tile and Stone Setters

How a tile / stone setter can use AI, task by task

O*NET 47-2044.00: Tile and Stone SettersMedian pay $55,690/year (BLS, May 2025)25 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Apply hard tile, stone, and comparable materials to walls, floors, ceilings, countertops, and roof decks.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Ceramic Tile Mechanic, Ceramic Tile Setter, Tile and Marble Installer, Tile and Marble Setter, Tile Finisher, Tile Installer, Tile Man, Tile Mason, Tile Mechanic, Tile Setter.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 2%AI-assist 14%Stays human 84%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 4 AI-assist and 20 human-led tasks out of 25. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.Plan & schedule · Daily
  2. Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.Read & digest · Weekly
  3. Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.Explain it clearly · Monthly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  2. Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.Hands-on work · Several times a day
  3. Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.Hands-on work · Daily

AI can draft these 1

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.

Monthly

AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist for you to adjust.

Show prompt & steps

Describe the goal, the people and the constraints, and AI drafts the plan, schedule or checklist. You adjust it to what you know about real life on the ground.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.

Context: We use Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Job: [tile, stone, construction]
Quantities and rates: [area, productivity]

Estimate labour hours and cost. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Labour estimate

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare cost and labor estimates and based.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Quantities and rates] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections. Recompute every total yourself.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Double-check every number. AI can make arithmetic and rounding mistakes.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Estimate construction project labor requirements.. Also involves: Estimate construction project costs..

AI can help you prep these 4

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.

Daily

AI lays out options and timelines to react to.

Show prompt & steps

AI can lay out options, timelines and checklists to react to. Fitting it to your people, budget and situation is your call.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.

Context: We use Measure Square FloorEstimate Pro and Microsoft Excel; the work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Area: [floor, wall, roof]
Material and pattern: [tile size, module size, pattern]

Propose a layout that minimizes cuts and waste, with starting points and quantities. Lay it out as a table with steps, owner, timing and what could go wrong, then list the decisions I still need to make.

10-minute exercise: Layout planning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you determine and implement the best layout (today).
Step 2Fill in [Area] and [Material and pattern] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Cross out anything that won't work on the ground and ask AI to revise with your corrections.

AI doesn't know your people, your site or your history. Treat its plan as a starting point to react to.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine construction project layouts..

Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.

Weekly

AI gives you a first-pass summary; you still read the key parts.

Show prompt & steps

AI can pull out the key points and questions to look for. Use it as a first pass, then look closely yourself.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Blueprint or spec notes: [type the dimensions, callouts, notes and revision]
Job: [what I'm building, installing or calibrating]

List the work requirements: dimensions, materials, tolerances, code references and inspection points. Flag anything that looks inconsistent or missing from the notes.

10-minute exercise: Read a print for work requirements

Step 1Take the print or spec for an upcoming job.
Step 2Type the key callouts into [Blueprint or spec notes] and describe the [Job].
Step 3Check every number against the drawing itself. AI only sees what you typed.

Remove names and private details before pasting, and check your employer's rules on what you can share with AI tools.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.. Also involves: Estimate materials requirements for projects..

Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.

Monthly

AI helps you prepare clearer wording and likely questions.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare: simpler wording, analogies, likely questions and a one-page handout. The conversation itself is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to assist customers in selection of tile and grout.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Product or job: [describe]
Client needs: [describe]

Explain options, procedures and policies clearly. Use plain language, one everyday analogy, and the questions people are most likely to ask with short answers.

10-minute exercise: Client consultation guide

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assist customers. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Product or job] and [Client needs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every answer is right for your workplace before you share it.

Rules, prices and policies change. Make sure AI is working from your current official version.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Communicate with clients about products, procedures, and policies..

Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.

Weekly

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Job: [framing, tile, finishes]
Requirements: [specs, budget, look]

Recommend materials and quantities. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Construction materials selection

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you select and order tile and other items (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.5/5 · O*NET work activity: Select construction materials.. Also involves: Order construction or extraction materials or equipment..

These stay human 20

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Using hands on tools and objects: continually or almost continually · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Standing: more than half the time · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time

Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [stone, marble, block course]
Layout: [pattern, lines, heights]
Tools: [level, plumb bob, line]

List the setting order, how to check plumb, level and line at each course, and how to correct a unit that's out.

10-minute exercise: Set masonry true

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you align and straighten tile.
Step 2Fill in [Work], [Layout] and [Tools] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check plumb and level every few units, not just at the end.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Align masonry materials..

Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Material: [brick, tile, stone]
Cuts: [describe]

List tools, dust control and steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Cutting masonry

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cut and shape tile.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Cuts] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use water or dust extraction and eye protection.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials..

Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Material: [mortar, grout]
Surface: [stone, brick]

List timing and tools to remove excess. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Clean-up of excess material

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you finish and dress the joints (today).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Surface] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Remove excess materials from finished construction projects.. Also involves: Install masonry materials..

Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Mix: [concrete, mortar]
Area: [size]

List steps and timing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Concrete spreading

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete and mortar.
Step 2Fill in [Mix] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.. Also involves: Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.; Apply mortar..

Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [brick, stone]
Mortar: [type]

List bed, joint and tooling steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mortaring technique

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apply mortar (today).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Mortar] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mortar.. Also involves: Apply adhesives to construction materials..

Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Site: [describe]
What to measure: [areas, placements]

Make a measuring sheet and calculations. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Site measuring sheet

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure and mark surfaces (today).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [What to measure] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Measure work site dimensions.. Also involves: Mark reference points on construction materials..

Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lay and set mosaic tiles (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials.. Also involves: Align masonry materials..

Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [brick, stone]
Mortar: [type]

List bed, joint and tooling steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mortaring technique

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mix and apply mortar (today).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Mortar] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mortar.. Also involves: Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities..

Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Surface: [brickwork, floor]
Product: [sealant, coating]

List prep, coats and cure times. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Sealant application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you apply a sealer (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Surface] and [Product] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the data sheet for cure times before traffic.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply sealants or other protective coatings..

Level concrete and allow to dry.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to level concrete and allow to dry.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Mix: [concrete, mortar]
Area: [size]

List steps and timing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Concrete spreading

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you level concrete (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Mix] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures..

Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to cut tile backing to required size, using shears.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Material: [carpet, vinyl]
Room: [layout]

Plan seams and cuts. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Carpet or vinyl cutting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cut tile (today).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Room] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials..

Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [brick, stone]
Mortar: [type]

List bed, joint and tooling steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mortaring technique

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you prepare surfaces (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Mortar] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Apply mortar.. Also involves: Apply adhesives to construction materials..

Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Material: [brick, mortar, sections]
Tools: [hammers, chipping gun]

List safe removal steps and PPE. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Demolition and removal prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Tools] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas..

Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Fixture: [window, trim, hardware]
Location: [describe]

List measuring, anchoring and levelling steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Fixture install

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you install and anchor fixtures (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Fixture] and [Location] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install building fixtures..

Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cut surface, polish, and install marble (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials.. Also involves: Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.; Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools..

Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Material: [lath, strips]
Sizes: [describe]

List cutting steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Cutting metal strips or lath

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure and cut metal lath (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Sizes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut metal components for installation.. Also involves: Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly..

Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Surface: [painting, brick, artwork]
Contaminants: [dust, soot, accretions]

List cleaning methods and tests. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Surface prep routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you remove any old tile and grout and adhesive.
Step 2Fill in [Surface] and [Contaminants] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.. Also involves: Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas..

Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Adhesive: [type]
Materials: [floor, tile]

List coverage, trowel size and open time from the label. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Adhesive application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you spread mastic or other adhesive base (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Adhesive] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · O*NET work activity: Apply adhesives to construction materials..

Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Work: [wall, corner, firebox]
Materials: [brick, block, refractory]

List layout steps, plumb and level checks, mortar joints and curing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Masonry install plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you build underbeds.
Step 2Fill in [Work] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check refractory and mortar specs against the manufacturer's data.

Importance 3.2/5 · O*NET work activity: Install masonry materials..

Brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a tile / stone setter. Part of my job is to brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper.

Context: The work draws on building and construction, design and mathematics.
Adhesive: [type]
Materials: [floor, tile]

List coverage, trowel size and open time from the label. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Adhesive application

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you brush glue.
Step 2Fill in [Adhesive] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · O*NET work activity: Apply adhesives to construction materials..

Get the full prompt pack for Tile and Stone Setters

Every task, prompt and 10-minute exercise on this page in one PDF, formatted to print or keep on your desktop. Free.

Where should we send your PDF?

Your Tile and Stone Setters prompt pack downloads straight away, and a copy goes to your inbox.

We'll also send occasional updates about this playbook. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy

Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Mathematicsimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Active Listeningimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (48% of workers)

  • High school or less 85%
  • Certificate or some college 15%
  • On-the-job training: 1–2 years
  • Related experience: 6–12 months

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSalesforce software