CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

When you're installing tile, do you use gridlines or spacers? Why do you do so?

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?

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.

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.

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.

Does Tile inspire you?

It inspires us intensely,  and that's why we're excited to join in the National Tile Day celebrations by sharing with you highlights from tile trends we love.

Perhaps tiling an elevator isn't at the top of the average homeowner's list of tile installation questions, but it is one that matters to owners, architects, designers, and tile contractors involved in multi-story buildings - including residential ones - with elevators.

In this article, we specifically address a question about using tile for an elevator floor, sharing with you how Mark Heinlein CTI #1112, and Robb Roderick CTI #727 responded in their role as National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Trainers.