<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=2223002471257760&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">

CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Scott Carothers

Scott Carothers

Recent Posts

Should Tile Installers Become Certified?

[fa icon="calendar'] October 22, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Certified Tile Installer Program

0 Comments

Should tile installers become certified? If you are serious about your calling as a tile installer, yes, you should become a Certified Tile Installer (CTI).

If you aren't, chances are high that you aren't reading this article or even asking yourself the question.

Read More

Have You Adequately Prepped the Substrate for Tile?

[fa icon="calendar'] September 24, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott

0 Comments

How well do you prep substrate for tile? Do you take the time to check it out before you start installing tile?

The quality of the tile work that the consumer sees on the surface is only as good as what is underneath. This seems to be a simple statement, but if the appropriate prep work is not completed, the final appearance may not be acceptable, not to mention that it may lead to failure.

Read More

Questions About CTI, ACT Certifications and Qualifications

[fa icon="calendar'] September 10, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Certified Tile Installer Program

0 Comments

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:

Read More

How To Install Glass Tile Correctly

[fa icon="calendar'] August 27, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

1 Comment

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!

Read More

Dealing With Ramps and Level Changes on Tile Jobsites

[fa icon="calendar'] August 20, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

0 Comments

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

Read More

Need Tile Setters? Focus On Qualified Labor

[fa icon="calendar'] July 9, 2024 2:30:00 PM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Certified Tile Installer Program, Hiring a Tile Installer

0 Comments

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.

Read More

Quick and Easy Movement Joints... the Right Way

[fa icon="calendar'] June 25, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

4 Comments

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.

Read More

Never Assume You Have Sufficient Mortar Coverage. Check It.

[fa icon="calendar'] May 8, 2024 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

0 Comments

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.  Unfortunatelyit 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 .

Read More

Why a Tile Installation Mockup is Really Necessary

[fa icon="calendar'] February 27, 2024 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps, Installation + Design

1 Comment

Do you build a tile installation mockup for your customers? If you don't, we strongly encourage you to consider doing so.

Here's why.

Read More

Are Credit Card Grout Joints Specified? Check Tile Industry Standards.

[fa icon="calendar'] January 23, 2024 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

8 Comments

Yes, credit card joints - as in grout joints the thickness of a credit card - are popular, but given tile industry standards, they aren't possible, appropriate, or even recommended.

Many installers have had customers who have seen tile installations in a magazine or brochure which is exactly what they want in their homes. Unfortunately, the “look” they want to achieve with credit card thickness grout joints most likely will not be possible using the tile that has been selected.

Let's explore why.

Read More

Subscribe to Email Updates

Prevent Problems: Read the Homeowner's Guide  to Hiring a Qualified Tile Installer
Donate Now!

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

[fa icon="quote-right"]
Mike Corona CTI #923
Click Here to Volunteer

Blogs Written By CTEF Sponsors & Friends

The Coverings Blog

Crossville's Latest News and Views

Daltile's Trend Hub

Joseph Lundgren Consulting In the News Blog

MAPEI's Tech Talk Blog

Neuse Tile Services Blog

TEC Specialty's Expert Advice

Explore Beautiful Tile Installations  Created by  Certified Tile Installers