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To create a floor that’s both beautiful

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and durable takes a strong back

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and a skillful eye.

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Flooring installers and tile and marble setters

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tackle the job—laying and finishing carpet,

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wood, vinyl, and tile.

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Work starts by removing old flooring

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then cleaning and leveling the surface.

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These workers measure the area

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to be covered,

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and cut flooring material or tile to fit.

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Relying on design plans—or their knowledge

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of attractive patterns and colors—

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they place tile and flooring

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and affix it in position.

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Each type of flooring requires

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its own skills and tools to install:

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Carpet installers use “knee kickers,”

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to position carpet,

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and power stretchers to pull it

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snugly against walls.

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Floor sanders and finishers

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power sand hardwood floors,

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then apply stains and sealants

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to preserve the wood.

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Floor layers install durable linoleum,

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vinyl and other materials.

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Tile and marble setters use

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special cutting devices

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to size ceramic and marble tile,

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then install it and finish the floor surface.

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The work of installing flooring comes

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with challenging physical demands;

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workers spend much of their time reaching,

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bending, and kneeling,

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and wear protective equipment when needed.

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Most schedules are full time,

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and self-employment is common.

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Most flooring installers

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and tile and marble setters

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learn on the job starting as helpers,

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though some enter the field

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through a 2-4 year apprenticeship.