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Floor Covering Installer

Other names for this job

Carpet Layer

Word Meanings

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What do floor covering installers do?

Floor covering installers put in new floor coverings. For example, carpet or vinyl flooring. Floor covering installers also repair floor coverings. They work in homes and businesses.

Meet a floor covering installer

Jay is a floor covering installer.

He installs floor coverings in homes and office buildings.

Here are things that Jay does:

He gets the floor ready for the floor covering. The floor must be clean and smooth.
He figures out the material that he will need.
He measures the room. Then he measures the floor covering. Then he cuts it.
He uses glue for vinyl flooring and some carpet.
He repairs damage. He puts in new pieces of floor covering.
He covers stairs with carpet.

Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

What is a floor covering installer’s work like?

Jay works indoors. He works 5 days a week. He usually works from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sometimes he has to work extra hours. He sometimes works alone.

Jay has to stand, bend and kneel a lot. He sometimes wears knee pads. Jay lifts and moves floor coverings and equipment. These things may weigh over 20 kilograms (over 45 pounds).

Jay uses sharp tools. He has to be careful. He doesn’t want to cut himself. Jay also uses strong glue. He needs to wear a face mask.

Do you want to be a floor covering installer?

You need to be healthy and strong.
You must like physical work. You need to bend and kneel a lot.
You must like working with your hands.
You must have good eyesight. You have to be able to see colours. For example, Jay has to match the colours on two pieces of carpet.
You should be good with numbers. You have to measure things.
You need to work well with customers.

What education do floor covering installers need?

Some floor covering installers learn on the job. They don’t need a high school diploma.
Some floor covering installers take courses. They may get a certificate.
Some floor covering installers take an apprenticeship. They need some grade 10 courses. They learn on the job and take courses at a post-secondary school. After 2 years, they can become a journeyperson floor covering installer.

What can floor covering installers do in the future?

Floor covering installers can work for stores and floor covering companies.

Installers with experience may become supervisors. Some installers may become salespersons.

Some floor covering installers with experience may start their own business.

How much does a floor covering installer make?

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

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