Tiler Workwear and PPE: What Tilers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a tiler needs pants with knee pad pockets plus quality gel or foam knee pads, a fit-checked P2 respirator for cutting and grinding tiles, cut-resistant coated gloves for handling cut tile edges, AS/NZS 1337.1 safety glasses, hearing protection for wet saws and grinders, and comfortable AS 2210.3 boots or safety shoes.
The tiler's kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Knee pad pants | Reinforced knee pockets that hold the pad in place when you shuffle along a floor. | Hard Yakka Legends cargo pants (Cordura knees, pad pockets), DNC 3370 Slimflex knee pad cargo pants, Eez Neez drill pants with knee pads |
| Knee pads | Gel or shaped EVA foam. Replace when they compress. | Hard Yakka shaped EVA pads, Portwest KP30 Super Gel |
| Respirator | P2 minimum for dry cutting, grinding and removing old tiles; reusable half-face for daily work. | Pro Choice P2 with valve, JSP Typhoon 8 half mask |
| Gloves | Cut-rated nitrile-coated gloves keep grip on wet tiles and protect against sharp cut edges. | PIP G-Tek PosigripMAX Cut D |
| Eye protection | Glasses for cutting; goggles for grinding and chipping out. | Safety eyewear |
| Hearing protection | Wet saws, grinders and demolition hammers. | Hearing protection |
| Footwear | Lightweight AS 2210.3 shoes or boots with a flexible sole for kneeling and crouching. | Safety runners, safety boots |
Silica in tiles and stone
Ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone and grout contain crystalline silica. Australia banned engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs from 1 July 2024 because of the silicosis risk. Tiles were not banned, so cutting them still demands controls: wet cutting, on-tool extraction and a respirator. See Safe Work Australia on silica.
Protecting your knees long term
Kneeling on hard floors causes bursitis (fluid on the knee) and long-term joint wear. Pads in pockets distribute load better than strap-on pads that slip. Swap kneeling with crouching or a kneeling board where you can.
Frequently asked questions
What mask do tilers need for cutting tiles?
A P2 respirator at minimum, fit-checked every time, used with a wet saw or dust extraction. Removing old tiles and grinding adhesive creates the most dust.
What are the best knee pads for tilers?
Gel or shaped foam pads that sit in knee pad pockets in your work pants. They stay in place as you move and spread pressure across the knee.
Should tilers wear safety boots?
Yes on construction sites. For residential bathrooms and floors, a lightweight safety shoe with a flexible sole is often more comfortable for kneeling.
Outfitting a team
Tiling business? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.