Floor Layers apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative covering to floors, cabinets, and walls.

Job Duties

Floor Layers may:

Remove any existing floor covering

Disconnect and remove radiators, moldings, baseboard molding, or other obstacles  

Measure, cut and trim excess materials 

Inspect the floor to be sure that it is firm and dry  

Sweep, scrape, sand, or chip dirt and irregularities from base surfaces  

Fill cracks or staple plywood or Masonite over the floor to make a smooth surface  

Measure/cut such materials as vinyl or cork tile and foundation material such as felt when the covering material lacks a backing  

Spread adhesive cement over the floor to cement the foundation material to it  

Spread another coat and lay the covering material with care and match edges and/or designs  

Draw centerlines, guidelines, and borderlines on the floor and cement asphalt, cork, rubber, or plastic tile in place following guidelines  

Roll the finished floor to smooth it and to press the adhesive into the base and covering 

Cut covering and foundation materials, according to blueprints and sketches

Determine traffic areas and decide location of seams

The tools, equipment, and materials used may include:  

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Floor Layers may specialize in these areas:

864.481-010 FLOOR LAYERS apply blocks, strips, or sheets of shock-absorbing, sound-deadening, or decorative covering to floors, cabinets, and walls.  

864.684-010 LIQUID FLOOR AND WALL APPLIERS apply a liquid glaze and colored chips to form a seamless covering similar to linoleum on floors and walls.  

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following Career Exploration Scripts:  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS  

Floor Layers may work alone on small jobs or as part of a crew with a supervisor on large commercial jobs. They may be assisted by helpers. Floor Layers work indoors installing new floors in buildings under construction or replacing old floor coverings in existing buildings, however, working conditions vary according to the customer. Their work is not considered hazardous, but it is strenuous. They may have to move furniture or carry heavy items such as rolls or vinyl flooring. When heavy work is necessary, they are generally assisted by helpers or equipment designed for lifting heavy loads. They may be subject to knee injuries from constant kneeling. Most injuries, however, can be avoided by following proper work and safety procedures.  

Floor Layers generally work daytime hours although some work may be done during the evening or on weekends when stores and offices are closed. The usual work week is 40 hours. Floor Layers may work overtime. Floor covering work is usually not affected by bad weather since almost all the work is done indoors. However, bad weather may interfere with other construction work, and, as a result, floor covering work in new construction projects may be delayed. Floor Layers are required to travel to different work sites and may be required to have a car.  

Many employers provide Floor Layers with the necessary tools and furnish the major equipment used on the job such as blow torches, rollers, and power tools. Some Workers, however, may be required to supply their own tools, which can cost between $65 and $500, depending on the number of tools. Most tool sets average between $200 and $300. 

Floor Layers may belong to a union such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America . Union members must pay dues.  

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Seeing the physical results of your work

• Using processes, machines, and techniques in your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Calculate area and amounts of material needed quickly/accurately

• Coordinate the use of eyes and hands

• See colors and notice details in shapes and shadings

• Attain set limits or standards

• Perform a variety of duties

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve: 

If a room is 12 feet by 9 feet, how many square feet of linoleum will it take to cover the floor?  

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend: 

A consumer is anyone who buys goods or services for personal use. At one time or another, everyone is a consumer.  

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce: 

You should be able to write a letter of apology to any customer that you may have angered while on the job.  

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate: 

You should be able to decide the best way to create a smooth and level floor surface so when you lay the linoleum it looks as good as possible.  

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor for specific licensing information. 

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer; a High School diploma or equivalent or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of training beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in this Career Exploration Script:  

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***  

0500 BUILDING TRADES , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 3200 TECHNICAL DRAWING , 3300 TECHNOLOGY , 3400 WOODS 

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS*** 

There are no Vocational Education Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.  

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***  

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.    

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***  

FLOOR LAYER  

Many people enter occupations within this Career Exploration Script through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time spent on the job.  

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB 

 WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM 

 ***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***  

There are no Military Programs related to this Career Exploration Script.    

E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY  

Individuals interested in becoming a Floor Layer may explore the occupation by working as a laborer on weekends or during the summer, or by participating in an apprenticeship program.  

School-to-Work opportunities include: 

informal apprenticeships  

mentorships  

job shadowing experiences  

touring a local Floor Layer employer  

internships volunteer work with a Floor Layer employer  

community service work with an agency  

Floor Layers may find entry-level jobs by applying directly to employers or completing an apprenticeship.  

Assistance in locating a job may be available from a local union, local Michigan Works! offices, or newspaper want ads. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:  

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT  

A Floor Layer's wage may depend upon employer, geographic location, individual job experience, union affiliation, or self-employment. Floor Layers may be paid by the hour or according to the number of square feet or yards of floor covering they install.  

Nationally, in early 2009, basic hourly wage rates for Floor Layers working in residential construction averaged about $23.40, those working in industrial and commercial construction averaged $35.08 hourly (including fringe benefits). The median weekly earnings of "all" workers in the U.S. were $722 or about $18.05 per hour in 2008.  

Basic Hourly union wage rates, including fringe benefits, for Floor Layers in several areas in Michigan (mid 2009) were:  

Apprentices and other trainees generally start at 50-60% of journeypersons' wages. Some Floor Layers may receive bonuses.  

Many Floor Layers receive medical insurance and paid vacations. Some employers contribute to life insurance and retirement plans. Union Floor Layers in the Detroit area receive health, welfare, pension, and vacation benefits. In some cases, employers and employees jointly contribute to a trust fund used to pay for certain benefits.  

Qualified Floor Layers may advance to supervisor or installation manager for large floor laying firms, or estimator after some years of experience. Some also become salespersons, while others open their own businesses.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK  

Nationally, in 2006, there were about 29,000 Floor Layers employed in the United States. Employment is expected to decline rapidly though the year 2016.  About 46.95% of them are self-employed. 

Employment of Floor Layers is dependent upon the level of construction activity. However, as a result of the recent presidential stimulus package in 2009, more floor layer workers in the construction industry will be needed as funding is provided to complete construction projects. Further, as Green Collar programs grow and become available (also through the presidential stimulus package) new construction positions and workers will be needed to aid in the expansion of this new area of construction.

In addition to new construction work, Floor Layers will also find opportunities in the replacement of old floor tile and in redecoration as well as Retrofitting older buildings for energy efficiency and building newer buildings under the same guidelines are just a few of the examples of such construction projects.

However, new vinyl tile and vinyl sheets, which last longer and are easier to apply, may reduce the demand for Floor Layers. Because of the ease of application, many homeowners are installing their own floor covering. The best opportunities will be for those who have the ability to install both resilient floor covering and carpeting.  

Most Floor Layers worked in urban areas. Many of them work in the construction industry and for floor covering retail stores that provide installation services. Others are employed by furniture and department stores and by home alteration and repair contractors.  

There are about 450 floor layers employed in Michigan.  Little or no change in employment is expected for floor layers through the year 2016.   

In late 2008, 85 apprentices were in training for this occupation, and 2 completed training during the prior 12 months.  

Employment of Floor Layers in the construction industry depends on the general state of the economy and the amount of construction activity in the local area. Recently, the residential construction industry has seen a steady decline in job opportunities as the economy and the housing market continues to struggle. This has resulted in a decrease in demand for construction workers who work on residential construction projects. However, the widespread use of resilient floor coverings for repair and redecoration will help increase employment opportunities for Floor Layers by wholesale and retail stores.  

MICHIGAN 'S AREA EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2016

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SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION  

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  Copyright © 2009 Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth