Natural Stone Tiling Course

Tiling styles and trends are ever changing but the use of Natural Stone is something which has appealed to people for a very long time because of the look that it produces. The use of natural products, especially marble, used to be associated with more rustic, rural areas to give that homely feel but that look has progressively moved towards the towns and cities and now you can find jet black slate on many floors in city flats and modern houses.This course is only available to those of you who have previously undertaken training with Able Skills or those of you who are time-served Tilers.

Cutting and Tiling using Natural Stone requires a different approach than when using other tiles like ceramic or porcelain, so we have devised this course to guide you through the required processes. Tiling with Natural products is definitely knowledge worth having because there will always be a call for such specialist tiling skills.

You will be cutting natural stone with wet wheel cutters and understanding relevant tools required to complete any job undertaken to a high standard.

Marble

This course will teach you how to tile with 4 x 4 natural tumbled marble. You will learn how to seal natural stone, understand required adhesives and be aware of how to enhance the stones natural features.

Slate

This course will teach you how to lay 12 x 12 natural slate tile as well as being taught how to overcome the uneven thickness of the tile when laying it onto a floor.

Marble

During this course you will:

• Be allocated a fully fitted working area such as a bathroom or kitchen
• Receive a demonstration on how to prepare the wall areas to receive natural stone products
• Measure wall areas to calculate quantities required
• Prep wall areas
• Select natural stone products
• Mix appropriate adhesives

At this stage your instructor will explain to you the characteristics of natural stone products and how they differ from ceramic and porcelain products. Your instructor will make you fully aware of how these items of material should be handled before, during and after installation.You will then:

• Spend approximately 2 and half days installing the stone to wall areas
• Cutting the stone where necessary
• Ensuring (with your instructors help) that you are working to a domestic and commercial standard of finish whilst also working clean and safe
• Receive a demonstration on how and why you need to seal the products prior to grouting
• Seal the tiled area
• Grout your completed installation
• Clean as necessary prior to applying a necessary 2nd coat of seal

Slate

During this course you will:

• Measure floor areas to calculate quantities required
• Prep floor areas
• Select and grade natural stone products

Although the process for fixing natural stone floor tiles and natural stone wall tiles are similar the major difference between these products is that the slate floor tiles will need to be graded and separated according to thickness and quality.

Once this process is complete, appropriate adhesives can be mixed and the installation process can commence, taking care to work clean, safe and adhering to all tolerances.

• Spend approximately 1 and half days installing the slate to floor areas
• Seal the tiled area
• Grout your completed installation
• Clean as necessary prior to applying a necessary 2nd coat of seal

If you are planning a career long term and are maybe considering a route to NVQ, Able Skills offers NVQ Level 2 training both during the week and at weekends.

Able Skills even train experienced ceramic and porcelain tile fixers in the art of natural stone installation.

Able Skills expert and qualified tiling instructors will guide you through these 5 days of training to ensure that you have the expertise to lay any natural product which you come across. This tiling course is entirely hands on from beginning to end but due to the complexity of it, we do recommend that to attend, you have some experience in the tiling industry, or preferably, you have completed some tiling training at Able Skills.

You can be assured that during your tiling course at Able Skills you will be using quality tools and materials in order to produce expert finished pieces of work. You will also be able to purchase any tools you require in order to start tiling professionally once you leave the Centre.

During this 5-day tiling course, all tools and materials are supplied for your use.
This is a hands-on, practical tiling course and you will be involved at every stage and will be participating throughout. It is therefore recommended you bring suitable clothing and for your own safety,steel capped footwear is essential.

All of our courses take place at our dedicated training centre in Dartford, Kent. The centre is easily accessible by road, being just 10 minutes from junction 1a on the M25. We are only a short walk from Dartford train station which is served by frequent trains taking 35 minutes from central London. For anyone travelling from further away, we have our own accommodation available at only £25 per night.

We are open 7 days a week (08.30 16.00) for visitors so if you would like to find out more about this course or about Able Skills, please feel free to pop in, no appointment necessary.

This is a5-day course,and the cost is£595.00including vat. A deposit of £250.00 will secure a booking with the balance payable on the start date. The course is also available over 2 consecutive weekends.