Learn About the Flooring Installer Job Description, Salary, and Requirements.
What Does a Flooring Installer Do?
In this profile, we’ll break down the Flooring Installer (or Flooring Contractor) job description, salary, requirements, and more. A Flooring Installer or Flooring Contractor installs different types of flooring and floor covering in both residential and commercial buildings. They work with different product types including carpeting, vinyl and tile. They may also work with unique specialty products including ceramic tile, concrete or wood flooring. Flooring can be very ornate depending on the type of building or home that the flooring is being installed in.
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Flooring installers work on new construction projects where flooring is being installed during the construction of the building. On these projects, they are responsible for installing the specified flooring system as per the plans and specifications for the project. Flooring contractors may also work on existing buildings and structures where flooring must be removed before new flooring can be installed. In these types of projects, they may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from dust and mold which may be present in the flooring materials being removed.
Working as a flooring contractor requires individuals to work with a unique set of tools and equipment to complete flooring installations. Standard hand tools including a tape measure, hammer, t-square and a chalk line are necessary to work on flooring projects. In addition, there are other tools and equipment that are specific to the flooring industry including flooring cutters, tile cutters, carpet stretchers and knee kickers. Learning how to use these tools will improve the career opportunities for anyone interested in being a part of this segment of the construction industry.
Flooring installers and contractors is expected to increase 5% through 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Working as a flooring contractor gives individuals an opportunity to make working and living spaces more enjoyable for the employees of a business as well as homeowners. Individuals also have the opportunity to work with unique materials to impact the overall feel and appearance of a room or entire building. Certain projects have an artistic appeal after they are finished.
Flooring installers who specialize in certain types of materials including tile may also be asked to complete projects including tiling entire bathroom showers or kitchen countertops. Many of the techniques and skills used in completing flooring installations can be used in other projects including kitchen renovations and bathroom renovations.
Flooring installations are required for both residential projects and commercial projects. Flooring choices contribute to the overall feel and appearance of both homes and commercial buildings. Many homes depend on flooring choices for aesthetics throughout the residence. Commercial buildings may use a flooring choice to create certain work flows and environments. Institutions including churches and government will choose flooring colors and patterns to help create specific environments for those using their buildings for certain events.
Both residential and commercial structures may use flooring choices for environmental purposes. Programs including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) award points based on flooring choices. This can help structures achieve certain levels of design which may help them attract tenants, buyers and in some cases tax incentives.
Some commercial projects may be subject to excessive foot traffic. These may include churches, shopping malls and other structures that are open to the public and have many different people walking through the building in similar patterns. Flooring contractors work with their clients to help identify these issues and offer flooring products and installations that are more resistant to these high traffic patterns.
Flooring projects can be installed throughout the year. There may be certain times during the year where the demand increases. However, flooring installers can work throughout the year and are not as subject to weather and other impacts on projects as other trades. Flooring installers are typically a full-time position. Those working as installers may be required to work off hours, especially on commercial projects. This is because certain projects may require installation during times when the area being worked on is not occupied or in use.
Learn flooring installation basics online.
Duties
- Demolition of existing flooring materials.
- Repairs to flooring substrate.
- Layout of flooring projects.
- Installation of a wide range of flooring materials including carpeting, tile, wood plank and other specialty products.
- Advising customers on proper flooring care and maintenance.
- Carpentry trim work at walls and doors.
Skills Required
- Ability to identify and know how to work with different types of flooring materials.
- Ability to use hand tools including tape measure and chalk line.
- Ability to use equipment and tools unique to each type of flooring being installed.
- Ability to address small carpentry and trim related issues including planing door bottoms.
- Ability to work on hands and knees to install flooring products.
- Ability to layout flooring projects before installation starts.
Education Needed
There are no specific educational requirements for this position. However, employers may require you to have a high school diploma or G.E.D. As with all construction trades, an ability to read and perform basic math are important to help you progress and safely perform your job. Those interested in working in the flooring industry may increase their skills by being trained on product installation and care methods by specific manufacturers. Other skills including carpet seaming and tile cutting may be learned through on the job training or by taking installation training.
Qualifications
There are no specific qualifications required to pursue a job as a Flooring Installer. To be successful as a Flooring Installer a candidate should be committed to personal growth and development in the areas of flooring installation and care including methods of installation and finishing. Candidates who are looking to be employed in the flooring industry may look for training with flooring manufacturer’s or online through Construct-Ed to help improve their opportunities with potential employers.
Flooring Installer Salary
How Much Does a Flooring Installer Make?
$25,000
$47,646
$81,618
Flooring Installer Career Paths
Where Can You Go From Here?
Flooring systems are one of the components of a building that has a shorter lifespan than other parts of the building. As a result, professional flooring contractors and flooring installers will remain in high demand. Flooring installers who continue to build their skills and their awareness of flooring installation methods and flooring care will continue to be in high demand.
The opportunity to begin a career as a flooring installer is a simple process. Many professional flooring contractors are looking for helpers or laborers to assist with projects. Many skilled installers began their career as helpers while they learned the basics of the business. It is important to find an employer who will take the time to help you grow and build your skills in order to have a long-term benefit to a career as a flooring installer.
The flooring industry also provides a great opportunity for individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit to eventually start their own small business. There are many opportunities for individuals to build a successful small business as a professional flooring contractor. A separate career path may also include working as a flooring estimator or sales professional for a larger flooring contractor or company.
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Residential General Contractor, Painter, Carpenter.
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Sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Flooring Installers and Tile and Marble Setters,
on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/tile-and-marble-setters.htm (visited August 22, 2017). - Payscale, Concrete Finisher, on the Internet at http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Flooring_Installer/Hourly_Rate (visited August 22, 2017).