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CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification


Recent Posts

Mosaic Flag Finds Home at VFW Post 9400 in Phoenix, AZ

[fa icon="calendar'] July 26, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF

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Do you remember the incredibly beautiful Mosaic Flag crafted by Angie Halford Ré, owner of Unique Mosaics, and donated by Ron Nash, President of Laticrete? CTEF sold raffle tickets and the drawing took place at Coverings 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. After several months of working through logistics, we are so pleased to share with you that the Mosaic Flag has found a home at VFW Post 9400 in Phoenix, Arizona!

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Thank You for Being Part of the NTCA Matching Grant Campaign!

[fa icon="calendar'] July 8, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF

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A heartfelt Thank You from all of us at CTEF for being part of the 2022 NTCA Matching Grant Campaign!

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The Tile Installation Experience with Scott Carothers at Coverings

[fa icon="calendar'] July 5, 2022 9:00:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Hiring a Tile Installer, Installation + Design

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Or, Why You Should Always Work with Qualified Tile Installers

Did you get to tour the Tile Installation Experience at Coverings 2018? Whether you did or didn't, here's your chance to review and appreciate what makes working with Qualified Tile Installers truly unique - in terms of best practices you can expect and bad practices you will want to avoid.

We've even included a Facebook Live tour with Scott Carothers that Floor Covering Installer magazine conducted during Coverings.

Although from 2018, this article is sure to put tile installation excellence into perspective.

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Tile ProSource Supports CTI Testing and CTEF

[fa icon="calendar'] June 21, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Certified Tile Installer Program

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There's no denying that without companies like Tile ProSource to support CTEF, the Certified Tile Installer program would not be what it is today.

The CTI program requires hands-on testing locations around the country, not just in Pendleton, SC where CTEF is headquartered. Furthermore, in addition to the hands-on test itself, the program includes an orientation the evening before the test, not to mention cleanup.

So committing to being a CTI test location host means you're willing to give up a good bit of space for some serious tile installation action over more than a day.

In the case of Tile ProSource in Tennessee, the owners not only generously offered CTEF warehouse space but also treated everyone involved in the CTI test to a tile-themed feast. Plus, they've also added to their online checkout process an option to donate to the CTEF Mission!

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How Proper Planning Ensures a Happy Tile Installation

[fa icon="calendar'] June 7, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design

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If you've been reading the articles on this blog, you're familiar with the importance of carefully planning your installation ahead of time, and ensuring that you've obtained approval on a mockup from everyone involved - architect and/or designer, general contractor, and, of course, the owner - before you start installing. 

In case you still don't believe that it matters, this article is for you.

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Should You Install Tile Under Cabinets?

[fa icon="calendar'] April 12, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps

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If you're wondering whether it's better to install tile under cabinets or not, the answer is... it depends. It depends on the structure of your home as well as your kitchen and its subfloor, the materials selected, and your own preference.

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Angie Halford Ré, Ron Nash Discuss Flag Mosaic for Coverings Raffle

[fa icon="calendar'] March 22, 2022 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design

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Have you heard? CTEF will raffle off a stunning original American flag mosaic designed by the award-winning Angie Halford Ré during Coverings 2022, and donated by Laticrete's Ron Nash, both based in Utah.

We caught up with both to learn more, and encourage you to purchase raffle tickets! 

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The Ultimate Guide to Finding Tile Installers for Homeowners

[fa icon="calendar'] March 1, 2022 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Hiring a Tile Installer

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Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We've put together the ultimate guide to finding tile installers for homeowners and would love to get it into their hands. Will you help us get the word out?

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Grading the Toughest 25 Square Feet of Tile You'll Ever Install (Video)

[fa icon="calendar'] February 15, 2022 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Certified Tile Installer Program

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For those who are unfamiliar with the Certified Tile Installer program, tile contractor Salvatore DiBlasi put together a two-part video series documenting not only what's involved, but also how the hands-on test is graded.

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Where Do You Find Porcelain Tile Installation Standards and More?

[fa icon="calendar'] February 1, 2022 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps, Hiring a Tile Installer

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If you're having porcelain tile installed and you're looking for confirmation or validation that the project will be completed correctly, where do you go?

We recommend two paths:

  1. Know where to find porcelain tile installation standards
  2. Know where to find tile installation experts for the project

Let's explore.

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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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Mike Corona CTI #923
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