Will AI replace Tile and Stone Setters?

AI can do 8% of the work Tile and Stone Setters do at least twice as fast. Real use has not caught up: none of their tasks show up in real AI use yet, but AI could speed up 2 of them. Robots can technically handle 16 physical tasks. 7 still need a person.

AI is already doing this0 · 0% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Real AI use has not reached any of this job's tasks yet.

AI could do this next2 · 8% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Determine and implement the best layout to achieve a desired pattern.5% of time
  • Prepare cost and labor estimates, based on calculations of time and materials needed for project.3% of time

Robots can technically do this16 · 73% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Mix, apply, and spread plaster, concrete, mortar, cement, mastic, glue or other adhesives to form a bed for the tiles, using brush, trowel and screed.Robots: purpose built settings13% of time
  • Cut and shape tile to fit around obstacles and into odd spaces and corners, using hand and power cutting tools.Robots: purpose built settings12% of time
  • Apply mortar to tile back, position the tile, and press or tap with trowel handle to affix tile to base.Robots: structured workplaces12% of time
  • Finish and dress the joints and wipe excess grout from between tiles, using damp sponge.Robots: purpose built settings9% of time
  • Align and straighten tile using levels, squares, and straightedges.Robots: purpose built settings7% of time
  • Measure and mark surfaces to be tiled, following blueprints.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Remove any old tile, grout and adhesive using chisels and scrapers and clean the surface carefully.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Level concrete and allow to dry.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Install and anchor fixtures in designated positions, using hand tools.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Apply a sealer to make grout stain- and water-resistant.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Build underbeds and install anchor bolts, wires, and brackets.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Cut tile backing to required size, using shears.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Measure and cut metal lath to size for walls and ceilings, using tin snips.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Mix and apply mortar or cement to edges and ends of drain tiles to seal halves and joints.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time
  • Spread mastic or other adhesive base on roof deck to form base for promenade tile, using serrated spreader.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time
  • Brush glue onto manila paper on which design has been drawn and position tiles, finished side down, onto paper.Robots: purpose built settingsunder 1% of time

Still needs a person7 · 19% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Prepare surfaces for tiling by attaching lath or waterproof paper, or by applying a cement mortar coat to a metal screen.4% of time
  • Cut, surface, polish, and install marble and granite or install pre-cast terrazzo, granite or marble units.4% of time
  • Study blueprints and examine surface to be covered to determine amount of material needed.3% of time
  • Lay and set mosaic tiles to create decorative wall, mural, and floor designs.3% of time
  • Remove and replace cracked or damaged tile.3% of time
  • Assist customers in selection of tile and grout.1% of time
  • Select and order tile and other items to be installed, such as bathroom accessories, walls, panels, and cabinets, according to specifications.1% of time

Your week is not the average

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What this means

Little of this work suits AI. The bigger change here is robots: today's robots can technically do 79% of the working time, though they are rarely cheap enough to replace people yet.

What to do next

  • Get ahead on the 2 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 16 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 7 tasks that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Carpet Installers1%Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles0%Floor Sanders and Finishers0%Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators7%Solar Photovoltaic Installers9%Glaziers10%

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