TILE & GROUT BASICS

Power up your skills and explore a future in the electrical trade.

Duration: 4 hours

Age Range: Must be 14-17 years

Dress Code: Closed-toe shoes required. Comfortable, well-fitted clothing that you won't mind getting dirty. No loose jewelry. Longer hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or ball cap.

What's Included: Materials + Take Home Multimeter ($30 value).

$325

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TILE TYPES AND WHERE THEY ARE USED
HOW TO PLAN LAYOUTS FOR CLEAN, PROFESSIONAL RESULTS
CHOOSING AND MIXING THE RIGHT GROUT AND THINSET
CUTTING TILE USING PROFESSIONAL TOOLS
USING ESSENTIAL TOOLS LIKE TROWELS, SPACERS, AND LEVELING CLIPS
PROPER SURFACE PREP AND SUBSTRATE BASICS FOR LONG-LASTING INSTALLS

WHY BECOME
A TILE SETTER?

Tile setting is a highly in-demand trade, with steady growth in residential and commercial construction and thousands of job openings each year.

Skilled tile setters are hard to find, especially those who can deliver precise, high-quality work, which makes this a valuable and often lucrative skill. In many markets, experienced tile installers can earn strong incomes and even build their own businesses.

Workshop Description

Interested in working with tile or exploring a future in the trades? This hands-on workshop is designed for teens who want to experience what it’s really like to work with tile and grout using real tools and materials.

Tile installation is a unique blend of precision and creativity. Every project involves layout, patterns, and attention to detail that transforms a space. Whether you're considering a career path, want to build practical skills, or simply enjoy working with your hands, this class offers a strong introduction to the craft in a safe, guided environment.

This workshop is part of our Try The Trades Series, designed to give students exposure to different trades so they can discover what interests them and begin building valuable, real-world skills.

What You’ll Learn:

Understanding Tile Types

Learn the differences between ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, and where each is used.

Layout and Planning

Understand how to measure, plan layouts, and create clean, professional-looking patterns.

Materials and Mixing

Learn how to choose the right grout and thinset and how to properly mix and apply them.

Cutting Tile

Use professional tools including dustless saws, wet saws, and score-and-snap cutters to safely cut tile.

Tools of the Trade

Get familiar with essential tools like trowels, spacers, and leveling clips.

Surface Prep and Substrates

Understand what goes behind the tile, including backer board and proper surface preparation for long-lasting results.

Why This Workshop Matters

Skilled tile setters are in high demand, especially in areas like Northern Virginia where true craftsmanship stands out. Tile work is one of the few trades that combines technical skill with design, turning raw materials into something both functional and visually impactful.

This workshop gives teens real, hands-on exposure to the trade, builds confidence using tools, and shows what goes into a professional installation. Whether it sparks a career interest or simply builds practical skills, it’s a strong place to start.