SIC 1743 Terrazzo, Tile, Marble, and Mosaic Work

Contenidos

• NAICS CODE(S).
• FURTHER READING.

SIC 1743

This category covers special trade contractors that primarily set and install ceramic tile, marble, and mosaic, and those that mix marble particles and cement to make terrazzo at construction sites. Companies that primarily make pre-cast terrazzo steps, benches, and other terrazzo objects are in SIC 3272: Concrete Products, Except Block and Brick.

NAICS CODE(S)

235420

Drywall, Plastering, Acoustical and Insulation Contractors

235430

Tile, Marble, Terrazzo and Mosaic Contractors

Terrazzo, tiles, marble, and mosaic have been used in construction for centuries, lending charm and elegance to houses, churches, and public buildings. This respected craft requires skill and offers the opportunity for artistic expression, particularly in the use of terrazzo and mosaic materials.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported employment of 44,000 tile and marble setters in 2004 among a total of 184,000 professional carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers. About 42 percent of all carpet, floor, and tile installers and finishers were self-employed. Those employed by contractors tended to be assigned to nonresidential construction projects. In 2005 the number of tile and marble setters rose to 47,410. More than one-third worked in two states, California (11,960) and Florida (5,880), while the Nevada communities of Las Vegas and Paradise had the highest concentration of tile and marble setters, employing 2,040 in 2005.

Much of the marble and other material used in this industry is imported, with Italy accounting for nearly 27 percent of U.S. domestic tile consumption. Terrazzo originated hundreds of years ago when Venetian craftsmen discovered a new use for discarded marble chips. Terrazzo is made by mixing pebbles or chips of stone or glass in cement, then polishing the surface to make it smooth. In addition to being one of the most durable flooring surfaces, Terrazzo has pleasing aesthetic qualities.

Tiles traditionally are square pieces of fired clay used to cover exterior or interior surfaces such as floors, walls, or roofs. Craftsmen in this trade also use thin slabs of vinyl, wood, cork, and other materials in a similar way. Most civilizations since 3000 B.C. have used ceramic tiles, often for decorative purposes. Because they are durable and easy to clean, tiles are commonly used in areas such as bathrooms, swimming pools, and medical operating rooms.

Marble is a metamorphic rock, often with...