CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Perhaps it seems self-evident that the tile patterns you select need to be balanced when installed. And yet, simply based on photos readily available, balance and common sense don't always go hand-in-hand.

Especially when your tile choices come in so many more sizes, shapes, patterns, and colors than in the past.  Along with this availability comes creativity with endless possibilities.

Today we will focus on one of these options – the pattern.  Combining these tiles, whether square or rectangular, with an offset pattern creates a unique visual many times not realized in its square or stacked design.

Have you encountered situations where a tile installation called for a 50% offset and credit card grout joints? And, then, once installed, did it lead to lippage problems, misaligned grout joints, and/or an unhappy customer?

I'm pleased to inform you that you can officially find guidance and justification for avoiding a 50% offset in the TCNA Handbook.

Ready to learn more?

Wood plank tile: it's beautiful and offers so many advantages over hardwood floors. What kind of grout joint offsets should you work with?

How do you deal with expansion joints in an installation that is non-linear? You can't ignore them or you'll wind up with a nasty surprise. You can't necessarily change your tile layout so your movement joint is linear. So what can you do?

Trying to install tile in wet areas is a big deal. That's because wet areas present substantial challenges that must be addressed prior to the tile installation. And, if you don't carefully consider the location of your installation, then the beauty, functionality, durability, and longevity of ceramic tile are of little value.

Let's explore then what's involved and what you need to install tile in wet areas. 

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.

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.

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:

• The Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program 
• The Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program.

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!

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