GS49 STONE AND TILE MASONRY CONTRACTOR EXAM
LATEST 2026 VERSION WITH 100 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+||BRAND NEW VERSION!!
1. What is the primary purpose of using a leveling sand under tile
installations?
A. To increase adhesion
B. To provide a smooth, even base
C. To waterproof the subfloor
D. To reduce thermal expansion
B. To provide a smooth, even base Leveling sand creates a flat, stable
surface, ensuring proper tile alignment and reducing lippage.
2. Which type of mortar is best suited for exterior stone veneer installations?
A. Type N
B. Type S
C. Type O
D. Type M
B. Type S Type S mortar has higher compressive strength and is suitable for
exterior applications, providing durability and weather resistance.
3. What is the recommended joint width for most standard ceramic tile
installations?
A. 1/32 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 1/2 inch
B. 1/8 inch A 1/8-inch joint is typical for standard tiles, allowing for grout
penetration and slight expansion.
4. What is the main reason for using a backer board under tile in wet areas?
A. To add insulation
, B. To prevent cracking and water damage
C. To reduce installation time
D. To improve adhesion
B. To prevent cracking and water damage Backer boards provide a stable,
water-resistant base that minimizes tile cracking due to substrate
movement.
5. Which tool is primarily used to cut natural stone slabs?
A. Hammer and chisel
B. Wet saw
C. Tile nipper
D. Grinder
B. Wet saw A wet saw with a diamond blade is used to make precise cuts on
stone slabs, reducing dust and preventing cracking.
6. What is the purpose of sealing natural stone after installation?
A. To enhance color and shine
B. To protect against staining and moisture
C. To prevent tile adhesion failure
D. To reduce thermal expansion
B. To protect against staining and moisture Sealing creates a barrier that
helps protect porous natural stone from water and stain penetration.
7. In a dry-stack stone wall, what prevents the wall from collapsing?
A. Mortar between each stone
B. Proper interlocking and gravity
C. Wooden supports
D. Metal reinforcement
B. Proper interlocking and gravity Dry-stack walls rely on careful placement
and weight distribution to maintain stability without mortar.
8. Which type of tile is best for high-traffic commercial areas?
A. Porcelain
B. Ceramic
C. Glass
, D. Quarry
A. Porcelain Porcelain is dense, durable, and highly resistant to wear,
making it ideal for heavy traffic areas.
9. What is the main disadvantage of using thin-set mortar for stone tiles?
A. It dries too slowly
B. It requires mechanical reinforcement
C. It may not support heavy stones without proper substrate
D. It cannot be used outdoors
C. It may not support heavy stones without proper substrate Heavy stone
tiles need a strong substrate; thin-set alone may not provide sufficient
support.
10.What is the minimum thickness for a cement backer board under tile?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch
C. 5/8 inch
D. 3/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch 1/2-inch cement backer board is standard for most tile
installations, offering stability and resistance to moisture.
11.Which joint material is most flexible and resistant to cracking for stone tile
installations?
A. Sanded grout
B. Unsanded grout
C. Epoxy grout
D. Mortar
C. Epoxy grout Epoxy grout is highly durable, flexible, and resistant to stains,
making it ideal for stone tile joints.
12.What is the proper method to clean a newly installed natural stone surface?
A. Acid wash immediately
B. Use neutral pH cleaner after curing
C. High-pressure water wash
D. Use bleach solution
LATEST 2026 VERSION WITH 100 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT DETAILED ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
|ALREADY GRADED A+||BRAND NEW VERSION!!
1. What is the primary purpose of using a leveling sand under tile
installations?
A. To increase adhesion
B. To provide a smooth, even base
C. To waterproof the subfloor
D. To reduce thermal expansion
B. To provide a smooth, even base Leveling sand creates a flat, stable
surface, ensuring proper tile alignment and reducing lippage.
2. Which type of mortar is best suited for exterior stone veneer installations?
A. Type N
B. Type S
C. Type O
D. Type M
B. Type S Type S mortar has higher compressive strength and is suitable for
exterior applications, providing durability and weather resistance.
3. What is the recommended joint width for most standard ceramic tile
installations?
A. 1/32 inch
B. 1/8 inch
C. 1/4 inch
D. 1/2 inch
B. 1/8 inch A 1/8-inch joint is typical for standard tiles, allowing for grout
penetration and slight expansion.
4. What is the main reason for using a backer board under tile in wet areas?
A. To add insulation
, B. To prevent cracking and water damage
C. To reduce installation time
D. To improve adhesion
B. To prevent cracking and water damage Backer boards provide a stable,
water-resistant base that minimizes tile cracking due to substrate
movement.
5. Which tool is primarily used to cut natural stone slabs?
A. Hammer and chisel
B. Wet saw
C. Tile nipper
D. Grinder
B. Wet saw A wet saw with a diamond blade is used to make precise cuts on
stone slabs, reducing dust and preventing cracking.
6. What is the purpose of sealing natural stone after installation?
A. To enhance color and shine
B. To protect against staining and moisture
C. To prevent tile adhesion failure
D. To reduce thermal expansion
B. To protect against staining and moisture Sealing creates a barrier that
helps protect porous natural stone from water and stain penetration.
7. In a dry-stack stone wall, what prevents the wall from collapsing?
A. Mortar between each stone
B. Proper interlocking and gravity
C. Wooden supports
D. Metal reinforcement
B. Proper interlocking and gravity Dry-stack walls rely on careful placement
and weight distribution to maintain stability without mortar.
8. Which type of tile is best for high-traffic commercial areas?
A. Porcelain
B. Ceramic
C. Glass
, D. Quarry
A. Porcelain Porcelain is dense, durable, and highly resistant to wear,
making it ideal for heavy traffic areas.
9. What is the main disadvantage of using thin-set mortar for stone tiles?
A. It dries too slowly
B. It requires mechanical reinforcement
C. It may not support heavy stones without proper substrate
D. It cannot be used outdoors
C. It may not support heavy stones without proper substrate Heavy stone
tiles need a strong substrate; thin-set alone may not provide sufficient
support.
10.What is the minimum thickness for a cement backer board under tile?
A. 1/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch
C. 5/8 inch
D. 3/4 inch
B. 1/2 inch 1/2-inch cement backer board is standard for most tile
installations, offering stability and resistance to moisture.
11.Which joint material is most flexible and resistant to cracking for stone tile
installations?
A. Sanded grout
B. Unsanded grout
C. Epoxy grout
D. Mortar
C. Epoxy grout Epoxy grout is highly durable, flexible, and resistant to stains,
making it ideal for stone tile joints.
12.What is the proper method to clean a newly installed natural stone surface?
A. Acid wash immediately
B. Use neutral pH cleaner after curing
C. High-pressure water wash
D. Use bleach solution
