Flooring and Tile Setting Licensing in Quebec

Flooring installation and tile setting in Quebec do not require a specific provincial licence for individual workers. However, on regulated construction sites (governed by Act R-20), tile setters must hold a CCQ competency certificate. The tile setter apprenticeship through the CCQ consists of three periods of 2,000 hours each (6,000 hours total, approximately 3 years). Contractors must hold the appropriate RBQ licence for construction work. Building permits are generally not required for flooring unless structural changes are involved. The Canadian Certified Tile Installer (CCTI) program is a voluntary industry certification. Red Seal endorsement is available for tile setters.

Ask if they hold a CCQ competency certificate or CCTI certification. Review their portfolio of completed work.

(1) Skips subfloor preparation - uneven subfloors lead to squeaking, cracking, and premature failure (2) Does not account for material acclimation time, especially for hardwood (3) Uses the wrong adhesive or mortar for the specific flooring type (4) No warranty on installation workmanship

(1) Will you assess and prepare the subfloor before installation? (2) What waste percentage do you include in your material calculation? (3) Do you offer a warranty on your installation workmanship? (4) Who is responsible for moving furniture and removing old flooring? (5) What is the recommended timeline for material acclimation?

While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that flooring and tile settings carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.

The Red Seal endorsement is a nationally recognized certification that allows tradespeople to work across all Canadian provinces and territories without additional testing. A Red Seal-endorsed tradesperson has met a standardized level of competency.

In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.

Typical rates for flooring and tile settings in Quebec range from $40-$80/hour. Material type and quality, square footage, subfloor condition (levelling and repair add cost), complexity of the pattern (diagonal, herringbone cost more), room shape (many cuts increase labour), removal and disposal of old flooring, transitions between rooms, and whether furniture moving is included. Material costs typically account for 40-60% of the total.