CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Here we have a pyrite wall failure. What do you think it teaches about proper tile installation?

On this blog, you read about best practices for quality tile installations and how Certified Tile Installers (CTIs) go about installing tile. You've also heard them refer to having their work taken apart and inspected as part of the CTI hands-on test.

That same approach is how Mark Heinlein CTI #1112, and Robb Roderick  CTI #727 troubleshoot tile installation issues in their role as National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Trainers. In this article, they respond to a failed installation of pyrite tile on a wall.

NASHVILLE, TN  – The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), the tile industry’s nonprofit dedicated to tile installation training, education, and certification, is proud to announce the appointment of Noah Chitty as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Are all tile installer certifications created equal? The short answer is NO!

How often are you including tile edge protection in your tile assembly specifications? Although not required for all installations, edge protection absolutely provides better results.

Ultimately, if you're serious about delivering only high-quality installations of ceramic, porcelain, and stone tile, you must have the hand-skills to put the entire tile assembly into place along with the knowledge of what products are available to finish the project successfully.

Thinking about protecting tile edges is a perfect example. 

Glass tile has truly captured the hearts of consumers in both the residential and commercial marketplaces, making it important for tile installers to understand how to avoid trowel ridges and marks that are visible through translucent glass tile.

Do you know the proper technique?

Perhaps it seems self-evident that the tile patterns you select need to be balanced when installed. And yet, simply based on photos readily available, balance and common sense don't always go hand-in-hand.

Especially when your tile choices come in so many more sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors than in the past.  Along with this availability comes creativity with endless possibilities.

Today we will focus on one of these options – the pattern.  Combining these tiles, whether square or rectangular, with an offset pattern creates a unique visual many times not realized in its square or stacked design.

Thanks to the Coverings community and the Coverings Cares program, CTEF received $5200 in 2025. As you might imagine, CTEF is extremely grateful to Coverings, the global tile and stone experience, its longtime supporter, as well as the exhibitors and attendees who attended the latest event in Orlando, FL.

If you think that warped tile isn't acceptable, we're here to help you understand what is and what isn't acceptable. You see, there are two categories to consider: inherent (actual) warpage and excessive warpage.

Actual warpage is a function of the tile manufacturing process. It's something qualified tile installers and Certified Tile Installers take into consideration.

Excessive warpage may indicate a bigger issue.

The 2025 CTEF Online Auction is over, and we can't thank you enough for being involved and helping CTEF raise $16,677.00!

These funds are critical to supporting the invaluable work CTEF does through its tile installation certification programs and continued education programs.  

Perhaps you're a homeowner who is unhappy with the results of a tile job. If so, are you aware of what options you have for dealing with your tile installation problems?

Let's explore common sources of installation issues and what options you have for addressing those problems.