CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

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.

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.