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.
Recent Posts
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
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
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:
- Know where to find porcelain tile installation standards
- Know where to find tile installation experts for the project
Let's explore.
How to Become a Tile Professional
[fa icon="calendar'] January 18, 2022 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Certified Tile Installer Program, Tile Education & Training
If you have no experience in tiling and haven't been involved in a trade school program, how do you become a tile installation professional?
Great question, and here are options for you to consider.
Order Your CTEF + THF Coloring Book: Fund-Raiser!
[fa icon="calendar'] November 16, 2021 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF
Support the tile industry, de-stress with tile inspiration, give a gift that makes tile education, certification, and heritage possible. All that just in time for the holidays!
Or for any occasion.
Order your CTEF + THF Coloring Book Today!
Qualify Your Tile Installation Contractor With These 5 Questions
[fa icon="calendar'] October 5, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Hiring a Tile Installer
If you're like most homeowners, you want a qualified tile installer and great installation for your bathroom, kitchen, or home remodel. How then to qualify your tile installation contractor?
In this article, Mark Heinlein CTI #1112 and National Tile Contractors Association Training Director and Technical Trainer / Presenter shares his simple formula for qualifying installation professionals. He explains,
"If a consumer knows to ask my 5 questions and if a contractor can respond appropriately, it’s the start of a success story for everyone."
We'll take you through Mark's five questions that homeowners should be asking to ensure they hire a qualified tile contractor.
How Qualified Tile Contractors Participate in NTCA Technical Committee
[fa icon="calendar'] July 20, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps
Were you aware that expert tile installers and contractors play a critical role in tile installation best practices and standards?
An example of this is the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Committee where qualified tile contractors actively participate.
Sustainable Tile, Expert Installation Make for Spa Lobby by Healing Environments
[fa icon="calendar'] July 6, 2021 12:15:00 PM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design
Ceramic tile is infinitely versatile. It is also sustainable. And, in the case of the Spa Lobby created during Coverings16 Installation Design Showcase, it is also the stuff of healing environments that engage all five senses. That's thanks to inspired design from Healing Environments and expert tile installers.
In this article, we connect with Susan El-Naggar, ASID, NCIDQ, LEED Green Associate. co-founder with her husband Tarik El-Naggar, AIA, of architecture and interior design firm, Healing Environments to learn more about the experience of bringing together inspired design with expert tile installation.
Wood Plank Tile Creates Fun Vibe for Architecture is Fun’s Hotel Lobby
[fa icon="calendar'] May 25, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design
Close collaboration between design and tile installation teams matters intensely as we are discovering from connecting with the Coverings Design Installation Showcase participants. In the case of Architecture is Fun's Boutique Hotel X Lobby, it also makes for a fun and playful environment given the bold use of wood plank tile in a herringbone pattern.
>> Synergy Between Ceramic Tile Installation and Design? Critical Says Alena Capra
>> When Expert Tile Installers and Designers Create a Retail Space at Coverings16
>> Thin Tile Installation Expertise Creates Clubhouse Bar & Lounge
Thin Tile Installation Expertise Creates Clubhouse Bar & Lounge
[fa icon="calendar'] April 13, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design
Thin porcelain tile in large-size panels enables beautiful installations. However, gauged porcelain tile panels or slabs - as thin porcelain tile is now known as - requires specialized knowledge and expertise as you will learn from this interview with Dan Welch, President, Welch Tile and Stone, a second-generation tile, stone, and terrazzo installation company based in Kent City, Michigan.
Expert Tile Installers and Designer Create a Retail Space at Coverings
[fa icon="calendar'] March 9, 2021 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design
During Coverings, the largest tile & stone exhibition in North America, the best and most expert tile installers collaborate with the most talented architects and designers to demonstrate what's possible in a tile installation. Depending on the venue, that process unfolds over the few days of the show.
During Coverings 2016, Artcraft Granite, Marble & Tile Company, a third-generation family business, teamed up with Designer Alena Capra, principal of Alena Capra Designs and the Coverings Industry Ambassador, to create a magnificent retail space for the Installation Design Showcase (IDS).





