CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Here we have a pyrite wall failure. What do you think it teaches about proper tile installation?

On this blog, you read about best practices for quality tile installations and how Certified Tile Installers (CTIs) go about installing tile. You've also heard them refer to having their work taken apart and inspected as part of the CTI hands-on test.

That same approach is how Mark Heinlein CTI #1112, and Robb Roderick  CTI #727 troubleshoot tile installation issues in their role as National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Trainers. In this article, they respond to a failed installation of pyrite tile on a wall.

NASHVILLE, TN  – The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation (CTEF), the tile industry’s nonprofit dedicated to tile installation training, education, and certification, is proud to announce the appointment of Noah Chitty as its new Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Glass tile has truly captured the hearts of consumers in both the residential and commercial marketplaces, making it important for tile installers to understand how to avoid trowel ridges and marks that are visible through translucent glass tile.

Do you know the proper technique?

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 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.

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.