Tiling Work Order template and PDF guide (Tiling) | documentorium

Assign and adjust execution details online, then generate a field-ready work order PDF. Use this once the customer approves the quote and you need to assign the job to your tile...

When to use this template

Assign and adjust execution details online, then generate a field-ready work order PDF. Use this once the customer approves the quote and you need to assign the job to your tile setter with exact layout, materials, and substrate preparation instructions.

What to include

  • Job site address, room access, staging area for materials, and on-site contact for layout approval before setting begins.
  • Tile layout per surface: pattern (straight, running bond, herringbone, 1/3 offset), starting point and reference lines, grout joint width (1/16 inch, 1/8 inch, 3/16 inch), tile orientation, and cut placement plan (symmetrical cuts at edges, no slivers under 2 inches).
  • Substrate preparation: level check tolerance (1/8 inch over 10 feet), self-leveling compound if needed (product and estimated bags), backer board type and thickness (1/2-inch Hardie, 1/4-inch Ditra), screw pattern, and waterproofing membrane (Kerdi sheet, RedGard liquid) with overlap requirements for wet areas.
  • Materials list with quantities: tile boxes (count and square footage per box), thinset bags by type (modified, LFT, rapid set), grout bags or buckets by color and type (sanded for joints over 1/8 inch, unsanded for 1/16 inch, epoxy for wet areas), spacers, wedges, leveling clips, and sealer if natural stone.
  • Completion checklist: layout symmetry verified, no lippage over 1/32 inch, grout lines consistent and fully filled, grout haze cleaned, caulk at all change-of-plane joints (not grout), sealer applied to natural stone, and customer walk-through sign-off.

Common questions

Can I edit this Tiling Work Order online before dispatch?
Yes. Update crew assignments, site notes, materials, and task sequencing directly in-browser.
Can I save this Tiling Work Order and duplicate it for recurring job types?
Yes. With an account, save it as an operational template and reuse it for similar service calls or installs.
Can I export this Tiling Work Order as a crew-ready PDF?
Yes. Generate a PDF your team can open on-site or print for job folders.
Why does the starting layout line matter?
A bad starting point creates uneven cuts at walls, slivers under 2 inches, and visually off-center patterns. The setter should snap chalk lines, dry-lay a row, and adjust before any thinset goes down.
Should I use grout or caulk at inside corners?
Always caulk at change-of-plane joints (wall-to-floor, wall-to-wall corners, tub-to-tile). Grout will crack at these joints because the surfaces move independently. Use color-matched caulk.
How do I handle lippage with large-format tiles?
Use leveling clips and wedges during installation. Back-butter large tiles in addition to troweling the substrate. Maximum allowable lippage is 1/32 inch for tiles with any edge over 15 inches.
How do I specify thinset coverage requirements on the work order?
Note the required thinset coverage percentage for each area: 80% minimum for dry areas and 95% for wet areas like showers. Specify back-buttering for large-format tiles and include the trowel notch size to ensure proper bed thickness.
How do I keep track of multiple jobs at once?
Assign each job its own numbered work order with a clear scope, crew assignment, and due date. This keeps your team organized and prevents tasks from falling through the cracks.
What if the customer asks for extra work on site?
Document any scope changes on the work order before starting the extra work. Get the customer to acknowledge the additional cost so you avoid doing free work.
Do I really need a work order for small jobs?
Yes. Even small jobs can lead to disputes about what was agreed. A quick work order takes two minutes and protects you from a customer claiming the work was different from what they asked for.

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