CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Have you wondered what goes into specifying ceramic tile, stone and glass for kitchen and bath installations - especially if you want those installations to be successful? That's what Scott Carothers focused on in a presentation for NKBA, using stunning installation examples.

Here's a summary with highlights and the actual presentation included at the end of the article.

The June 2026 CTEF Online Auction is over, and we can't thank you enough for being involved and helping CTEF raise $16,004.00!

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

Layout is a big deal in a tile installation. Have you tried snapping a chalk line to ensure that your tile layout is successful?

Would you agree that mortars and grouts matter to a successful tile installation project? And, that you need them to be properly mixed?

Are you ready to stock up on tile installation tools, products, and materials? If so, please mark your calendar for the Spring 2026 CTEF Online Auction scheduled for June 8 through 14.

Do you spend time ensuring that your tile layout is centered and balanced, with no small cuts? I hope so, since this is the most effective way to ensure that a tile installation has a professionally installed appearance.

Coverings is always an inspiring event. Not only do you get to see firsthand the newest tile product introductions, but you also get to experience what makes the tile industry so unique:  collaboration with CTEF to support the highest standards of tile installation knowledge and experience, CTI hands-on tests.

You've probably noticed that this blog focuses heavily on proper tile installation methods and techniques. At the same time, all of us involved in the CTEF Mission intensely admire timeless tile installations that truly delight the senses.

We abhor tile installation failures and encourage every opportunity to celebrate greatness in design and execution.  That's what you regularly experience during the yearly Coverings show, the premier United States exhibition of ceramic tile and stone.

>> See Coverings Elite CTEF Sponsor

As beautiful as tile is when it is first created, the result must also delight the senses, perform functionally while doing so beautifully, and generally withstand the test of time and usage.

To that end, this article celebrates a few of those inspiring, timeless tile executions. You'll also learn about several highlighted during Coverings 2020.

For a beautiful and long-lasting tile installation, you need to ensure that every facet of the job is completed properly according to tile industry standards and best practices. The key element here is the foundation of the installation, and that's where underlayment for tile solves a multitude of problems.

Tiling over a water problem will not make the problem disappear. Rather, you need to find the source of the water leak before installing any floor surface, including tile.