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.
If you're hiring a tile installer, you are probably looking for a ceramic tile installation professional who will take the beautiful tiles you painstakingly selected and transform them into the floors or walls of your dream-come-true space.
>> See Timeless Tile Installations That Delight the Senses
In other words, you want someone who has experience and knowledge of how to install tile correctly, without taking shortcuts, while ensuring that the final installation looks beautiful and performs as it should long after that installer is gone.
Are you ready to stock up on tile installation tools, products, and materials? If so, please mark your calendar for the June 2025 CTEF Online Auction.
Have you encountered situations where a tile installation called for a 50% offset and credit card grout joints? And, then, once installed, did it lead to lippage problems, misaligned grout joints, and/or an unhappy customer?
I'm pleased to inform you that you can officially find guidance and justification for avoiding a 50% offset in the TCNA Handbook.
Ready to learn more?
Wood plank tile: it's beautiful and offers so many advantages over hardwood floors. What kind of grout joint offsets should you work with?
Have you encountered tile discoloration in a shower?
Showers tend to be harsh environments because they are inherently and intensely wet. They also tend not to be forgiving of uninformed installations. That's why employing Certified Tile Installers is so important. They know to anticipate situations such as tile discoloration in a shower because they take very seriously the TCNA Handbook, the ANSI Standards, and manufacturer instructions.
How do you deal with expansion joints in an installation that is non-linear? You can't ignore them or you'll wind up with a nasty surprise. You can't necessarily change your tile layout so your movement joint is linear. So what can you do?
Have you had a chance to explore WhyTile.com? Since we updated this article in 2018, the site has added several new features that are sure to inspire you! So, if you haven't yet, you'll definitely want to. And, if you haven't recently, then you'll enjoy what's new.
We are and that's why we're excited to join in on the National Tile Day celebrations by sharing with you highlights from current tile trends.
Certified Tile Installer Mike Corona says,
You don't become a tile installer or a business owner overnight. It takes time, enthusiasm, pride, reliability, respectfulness, a willingness to learn, and dedication. No two jobs are the same; each one has its own unique nuances. As a qualified installer, you need to be able to communicate how to deal with those nuances and qualify yourself to not only meet but exceed expectations. Being qualified will exponentially increase your value and you will have endless opportunities.
Mike Corona CTI #923 Corona Marble and Tile
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The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF) provides education and installer certification for professionals working in the ceramic tile and stone industry.
The CTEF Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program is the only third-party assessment of installer skill and knowledge that is recognized by the tile industry.