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.
-
The Canadian Nursing Students' Association
The Canadian Nursing Students Association (CNSA) is the voice of nursing students in Canada. For over thirty years, CNSA has represented the interests of nursing students to federal, provincial, and international governments and to other nursing and health care organizations. More >
-
Automotive Painter
Automotive painters work on the surfaces of motor vehicles, primarily in restoring vehicles to their original condition following damage and subsequent auto body repair. Generally, automotive painting begins when body work has been completed. Some of the duties that an automotive painter completes include: removing exterior trim and hardware; removing... More >
-
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
A heavy duty equipment technician is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge, abilities and skills required to diagnose, repair, adjust, overhaul, maintain, operate and test mobile heavy duty off-road equipment. Heavy duty equipment technicians are employed by companies that own and operate heavy equipment, heavy equipment dealerships,... More >
-
Carpenter
A carpenter is a tradesperson who possesses the full range of knowledge and abilities required to construct, renovate and repair institutional, commercial, industrial (I.C.I.) and residential structures made of wood, steel, concrete and other materials. They can work for a wide array of employers, including construction firms, building owners and... More >
-
WHAT ARE PRIVATE CAREER COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES REALLY LIKE?
Private career colleges are like people--each is unique. Yet, some generalizations can be made. 1. Private career colleges often specialize in several training areas. 2. Most colleges are located in the main business district of a city or town or in a nearby business area. Sometimes, these colleges are in... More >
-
Canadian Computing Competition
The Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) aims to benefit secondary school students with an interest in programming. It is an opportunity for students to test their ability in designing, understanding and implementing algorithms. Details are available in the full information brochure. More >
-
Transport Trailer Technician
Transport trailer technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain and repair transport trailers connected to or moved by a power unit. Trailers include flat decks, dry freight vans, refrigerated vans, tankers, converters, boosters, jeeps, pole trailers, steering dollies, dump trailers and any other commercial pull-type units. Transport trailer technicians inspect, service and repair... More >
-
Apprenticeship Completion Grant
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant designed to encourage apprentices registered in a designated Red Seal trade to complete their apprenticeship program and receive their certification. Eligibility is retroactive to January 1, 2009. The completion grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their training,... More >