CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

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?

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.

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.

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.  Unfortunately, it 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 .

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.

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.