CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Do you have questions about the CTI and the ACT certification programs?

The blog article titled "Should Tile Installers Become Certified?" generated robust conversation on the CTEF Facebook page when it was published. It also raised questions that need to be addressed about the qualifications for:

• The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program 
• The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program.

Imagine being a member of the CFI (Certified Flooring Installers) and taking the CTI (Certified Tile Installer program). Talk about a ground-breaking event!

Flooring and tile are distinct given unique installation requirements for floors and walls. That said, many flooring installers must be proficient in the full range of product options. If they're going to be certified for flooring, they may also want to become Certified Tile Installers.

Thanks to Roland Thompson from Thompson Flooring Installers and Leslie Del Pozo from QEP, that possibility became a reality in this first-ever CFI CTI hands-on test event. It took place in Frederick, Maryland. 

Jason Montgomery was the Evaluator for this CTI hands-on test.

Do you know how to install glass tile correctly? After all, it's beautiful and on-trend which usually means that customers will ask you about it for kitchen backsplashes, bathrooms, and showers. As you might imagine, when installed correctly, this stunning product provides years of enjoyment. 

At the same time, if you - as an installer - haven't done your homework, you'll wish you had never heard of it!

Have you had to deal with ramps and level changes on your tile job site? How have you addressed them?

Are you familiar with the Coverings Cares program? If not, we'll explain in this article.

CTEF is extremely grateful to Coverings, the global tile and stone experience and longtime supporter of CTEF, and its new initiative. As a result, I'm excited about telling you more.

Here's the TL;DR on why we're grateful and excited.

Yes, there's a labor shortage out there. But that's not a reason for abandoning standards and hiring just anybody. You need Qualified Labor - especially when it comes to tile setters or installers. Why? Because tile isn't just a decorative layer in home or commercial buildings. It must meet specific standards so that it performs as it should over time.

If you understand that all tile assemblies move and that movement (expansion) joints are mandatory, you also know that they are the only way to ensure success.

However, do you think installing movement (expansion) joints in tile installations is a pain in the #?&? If so, here are two quick and easy ways to install high-quality and long-lasting movement joints.

The roadmap to becoming a tile installation professional isn't easy. That said, CTEF is actively developing training to help you each step of the way as I detail in this article.

Is the mortar coverage under the tile you install important? You bet. Do you just assume that you are getting sufficient coverage?  I hope not.

As often as mortar coverage comes up in articles about tile installation, you'd think that the problem would go away.  Unfortunately, it hasn’t, especially in exterior and shower areas, for natural stone tile, and even high-profile commercial installations.

If you want your tile installation to function as it should, don't assume you have sufficient mortar coverage. Check it. That's the best way to avoid costly callbacks and ensure a successful installation .