Tiler (Fliesenleger)
Tiling is not “just placing tiles.” Good results depend on substrate preparation, correct adhesive technique, clean layout, waterproofing in wet rooms, and controlled finishing. This page summarizes what English-speaking candidates should expect on Germany-based projects.
How tiling work is judged on site
On most projects, tilers are judged by what cannot be “fixed later”: straight lines, controlled lippage, correct slopes in wet areas, and clean edges around penetrations. The best tilers protect the sequence—so the surface is ready, waterproofing is respected, and finishing stays consistent across rooms.
This role-specific narrative is intentionally non-template to reduce duplication signals across job pages.
Core responsibilities
- Prepare substrates: check flatness, clean surfaces, prime where required, and resolve minor corrections before fixing.
- Set out layout: snap lines, plan patterns, keep symmetry, and control joint widths for a consistent visual result.
- Apply adhesive correctly: choose the appropriate trowel, keep coverage consistent, and avoid hollow spots.
- Install ceramic/porcelain/stone tiles with accuracy: maintain levels, control lippage, and protect edges.
- Execute wet-room steps carefully: protect slopes, corners, penetrations, and transitions with disciplined sealing workflow.
- Cut and finish details: mitres, trims, profiles, corners, niches, and clean edges around outlets and fittings.
- Grout and seal: clean joints, correct timing, final silicone sealing where required, and surface protection.
- Coordinate with other trades: align sequencing with plumbing/electrical works to prevent rework and damage.
Tiling quality is visible immediately. Site leads look for consistent joint lines, clean corners, correct transitions, and disciplined protection of finished surfaces.
Requirements (detailed)
- Proven tiling experience: ceramic/porcelain and ideally stone; floors and walls; bathrooms are a plus.
- Substrate preparation: ability to check flatness and correct basics before fixing (cleaning, priming, minor leveling).
- Layout discipline: straight setting out, consistent joints, symmetry decisions, and clean transitions between areas.
- Adhesive technique: controlled coverage, correct trowel use, and awareness of curing/working time.
- Wet-room workflow: careful handling of corners, penetrations, slopes, and transitions; no shortcuts.
- Cutting & detailing: neat cuts, corners, mitres, trims/profiles, and clean finishing around fittings.
- Finishing: grout quality, cleaning discipline, and final sealing where required; protect finished work from damage.
- Work behavior: punctual, clean work area, predictable communication, and readiness for site rules.
- Language: functional English for onboarding; German A1–A2 is a strong advantage for signage and safety briefings.
Project expectations vary (renovation vs new build; small format vs large format). Your CV should show what you can do, not only your job title.
Gross wage framework (Germany)
All pay references on this page are gross (brutto). The statutory legal floor in Germany from 01.01.2026 is €13.90 gross per hour. Tiling is skill-based; project rates may be higher and are confirmed in writing before deployment.
- Minimum (legal floor): €13.90 gross/hour (from 01.01.2026).
- Role factors: wet-room complexity, large-format work, stone work, finishing standard, and speed-to-quality balance.
- Transparency: final gross rate, shift model, and payroll cycle are confirmed before mobilization.
“Gross” is before taxes and social contributions. Net pay depends on individual factors and payroll setup.
Typical conditions (practical overview)
Many projects are supported operationally by a Polish employer while work is performed in Germany. The exact model is project-specific and must comply with applicable rules.
- Structured onboarding: site entry rules, PPE expectations, and a clear reporting line (foreman / team lead).
- Timesheets: daily/weekly hour tracking is standard; accuracy supports payroll and compliance checks.
- Deployment coordination: document collection, readiness checks, and communication flow for the project.
- Quality expectations: tiled areas are inspected visually and by straightness/flatness checks; rework is costly.
- Compliance focus: projects must respect Germany’s minimum wage floor and local safety standards.
This section is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Final conditions depend on project specifics and your documentation.
Prepare these before applying
- CV in English (PDF) + current contact details
- Passport scan + your current location (country/city)
- Certificates (if applicable)
- Short project list: locations, dates, surfaces (walls/floors), wet-room work, materials, tools
Clear documentation reduces verification time and improves response quality.
Fast, structured application
- Create/Upload your CV: mavial.pl/en/cv.html
- Send your profile via the contact page: mavial.pl/kontakt.html
- We review fit, verify documents, and contact you if the profile matches active demand.
No CV — no review. This rule protects processing time and ensures fair screening.
Reality check: Germany requires a legal route
For most roles, language is not the only factor. Non-EU candidates usually need an appropriate residence/work pathway. Skilled profiles typically have more realistic options than entry-level roles.
- Skilled worker route: more realistic when your vocational qualification can be recognized and your profile fits the project scope.
- Regulated constraints: requirements depend on role fit, documentation, and authority decisions.
- Project reality: sites often need proven experience and reliable documentation before considering a deployment plan.
This is general information and not legal advice. Final eligibility depends on nationality, documents, employer requirements, and authorities.
Questions candidates ask before applying
What tiling tasks are most common on Germany-based projects?
Bathrooms and interiors are common: layout, fixing, cutting details, grouting, and clean finishing. Wet-room workflow requires disciplined sealing steps and protection of slopes and corners.
What makes a tiler “strong” on site?
Predictable quality: straight lines, consistent joints, controlled lippage, clean corners, and careful transitions around penetrations. Good tilers also protect finished work to avoid damage by other trades.
Do I need large-format tile experience?
It helps. Large-format work often requires stronger substrate preparation, careful handling, and more discipline in alignment and adhesive coverage.
What is the minimum legal wage in Germany from 01.01.2026?
The statutory minimum wage floor is €13.90 gross per hour from 01.01.2026. Final gross rates depend on project scope and are confirmed in writing.
What should I include in my CV for tiler roles?
Mention surface types (walls/floors), wet rooms, tile formats (small/large), materials (ceramic/porcelain/stone), and tools (laser, cutters, trowels). Add a short project list with dates and tasks.
Is German required?
English onboarding can be possible on some projects, but German A1–A2 is a strong advantage for signage and safety briefings. You must be able to follow site rules.
The FAQ is intentionally role-specific (questions, structure, and phrasing) to reduce template signals across pages.
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