What does a tile scope of work include?

It covers substrate prep, waterproofing, tile setting, grouting, sealing, and cleanup. It defines the tile type, layout, grout color, and payment terms.

It varies. Some tile contractors provide all materials. Others prefer the homeowner to purchase tile and the contractor provides setting materials. Define this clearly in the scope.

Do I need waterproofing in a shower?

Absolutely. Every shower needs a waterproofing membrane behind the tile. Cement backer board alone is NOT waterproof. This is non-negotiable.

What about large format tile?

Tiles over 15 inches require a flatter substrate and often require back-buttering in addition to troweling. Lippage is more noticeable with large tiles, so prep is critical.

Can I modify this template?

Yes. Adjust for your project — floor tile, shower tile, backsplash, or specialty installation like heated floors.

Tile Scope of Work Template | Free Download 2026

Tile work is one of those trades where the details are everything — layout, substrate prep, grout color, and edge treatments all need to be agreed on before the tile goes down. A scope of work prevents the "I didn't think it would look like that" conversation. This template covers substrate prep, layout, tile setting, grouting, and cleanup. It works for floors, walls, showers, backsplashes, and more. Adjust it for your project specifics.

Project Overview

This scope covers tile installation including substrate preparation, waterproofing, tile layout, setting, grouting, and sealing. Applicable to floors, walls, showers, and backsplashes.

Typical Projects Include:

Bathroom floor and wall tile
Shower tile installation
Kitchen backsplash
Floor tile (large format)
Fireplace surround tile
Commercial floor tile

Scope of Work

Prep & Substrate

Task	Description
Demolition	Remove existing tile, backer board, or flooring in the work area. Dispose of debris.
Substrate Prep	Install cement backer board on walls and floors. Ensure substrate is flat and properly supported.
Waterproofing	Apply waterproofing membrane in wet areas — shower walls, floors, and tub surrounds.
Layout	Dry-lay tile to establish the pattern, starting point, and cut locations. Confirm with client.

Tile Setting

Task	Description
Floor Tile	Set floor tiles with thinset mortar. Use spacers for consistent grout joints. Check for level and lippage.
Wall Tile	Set wall tiles starting from the layout line. Work bottom to top, maintaining level and plumb.
Cuts & Details	Make precise cuts at edges, corners, outlets, and fixtures. Use a wet saw for clean cuts.
Accent & Trim	Install accent tiles, borders, listello, niches, and edge trim (Schluter or bullnose).

Grouting & Finish

Task	Description
Grouting	Apply grout to all joints. Clean excess grout from tile faces. Use epoxy grout in wet areas if specified.
Caulking	Caulk all change-of-plane joints (where walls meet floors, corners, and fixtures) with color-matched caulk.
Sealing	Seal grout and natural stone tile (if applicable). Apply sealer per manufacturer instructions.
Cleanup & Walkthrough	Clean all tile surfaces. Remove haze. Walk the project with the client.

Timeline & Milestones

Tile projects vary widely — a backsplash takes 1-2 days, a full bathroom takes 5-10 days.

Phase	Duration	Description
Prep	1-3 days	Demo, substrate, waterproofing, and layout.
Tile Setting	2-5 days	Setting tile on floors, walls, and details.
Grouting & Finish	1-2 days	Grouting, caulking, sealing, and cleanup.

Roles & Responsibilities

Property Owner

•Select tile, grout color, and trim style
•Provide all tile materials on site before start date
•Approve layout before setting begins
•Process payments per the agreed schedule

Tile Contractor

•Prep substrate and install waterproofing
•Set tile per the approved layout
•Grout, caulk, and seal all tile work
•Clean up and leave the space ready for use

Materials & Equipment

Tile

•Field tile
•Accent or mosaic tile
•Edge trim (Schluter, bullnose, etc.)
•Tile spacers

Setting Materials

•Thinset mortar
•Cement backer board
•Waterproofing membrane
•Grout and caulk

Tools

•Wet saw
•Tile cutter
•Notched trowel
•Grout float

Quality Control Standards

Flat & Level

Tile is flat with no lippage between tiles. Floor tile is level across the installation.

Consistent Joints

Grout joints are consistent width throughout. No crooked lines or uneven spacing.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing fully applied in wet areas with all seams and corners covered.

Safety Protocols

Dust Control

Use wet saws and dust control when cutting tile. Silica dust is hazardous.

Chemical Safety

Use thinset, grout, and sealers in ventilated areas. Follow product safety requirements.

Sharp Edges

Handle cut tile carefully — edges are sharp. Wear gloves during installation.

Project Documentation

Signed contract and scope of work
Tile selection and layout drawing
Grout color selection
Waterproofing product and installation record
Before and after photos
Warranty and care instructions

Financial Terms

Payment Structure

Tile work is typically billed per square foot for labor, with materials separate or included.

Terms & Conditions

•Deposit due at contract signing (typically 50%)
•Tile materials may need to be purchased upfront
•Progress payment after tile setting is complete
•Final payment after grouting and walkthrough
•Change orders for additional areas or tile changes

Acceptance Criteria & Sign-Off

The project is considered complete when the following criteria are met:

1Tile set flat with no lippage
2Grout joints consistent and fully filled
3Waterproofing complete in all wet areas
4Caulk at all change-of-plane joints
5Accent tiles and trim installed per layout
6All tile surfaces cleaned and haze-free

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Use This Tile Template?

Fill in your project details and download a professional, customized scope of work PDF in seconds.

Tile Scope of Work Template