Floorcovering installers install, replace and repair a variety of floorcoverings. They work with cushion, carpeting, vinyl, resilient tile, sheet flooring, pre-finished wood, unfinished wood, engineered wood, laminate, seasonal carpets and artificial turf. Floorcovering installers install and service floorcoverings in residential and industrial/commercial/institutional (ICI) settings.
In new building construction, floorcovering is one of the final procedures to be carried out. Floorcovering installers ideally begin their work after services (water, electricity, light, heat) are installed and walls are painted.
When replacing or repairing pre-existing floorcoverings, the work area must be cleared of furniture and appliances. Existing flooring, cushion and trim must often be removed. Floorcovering installers are required to match patterns and insert pieces when repairing damaged areas.
The preparation for floorcovering installation involves inspecting, measuring and cleaning surfaces onto which the floorcovering is to be installed. Preparation normally includes correcting surface imperfections such as cracks, chips and small holes, and sanding and filling wood substrates and/or underlayment panels.
Floorcovering installers may be responsible for site visits, planning, scheduling and estimating of jobs. They use blueprints, freehand drawings, scaled drawings, layout plans, shop drawings, work orders and finish schedules.
Self-employment is common in this trade. Some floorcovering installers are employed by flooring businesses (retail or wholesale), construction companies and contractors.
A growing number of installers work primarily in one area of specialization within the trade such as carpet or resilient flooring installation. Floorcovering installers may work closely with other tradespeople such as carpenters, painters, electricians, interior systems mechanics, drywallers and cabinet makers.
Key attributes for people entering this trade are: good colour vision, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, mathematical skills, communication skills and organizational skills. Good physical condition is important because the work often requires considerable kneeling, stretching, twisting and lifting heavy, awkward loads.
Health and safety are important for these tradespeople as they are frequently in contact with chemical (e.g. paints, adhesives and other toxic materials) and physical (e.g. cutting tools, fastening tools and dust) hazards. Ongoing safety awareness and a good knowledge of safety standards and regulations are important.
With experience, journeypersons may move into supervisory, management and sales positions.
This trade offers year round, indoor and physically rewarding work. Skilled floorcovering tradespersons install products that enhance existing and new structures. A career in this trade can be financially and personally rewarding.
For more information, see Red Seal Trades – Floorcovering Installer
