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CTEF Blog - About Tile Education and Installer Certification

Does Your Tile Slope To the Drain?

[fa icon="calendar'] April 27, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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When you install tile in wet areas, do you ensure that everything slopes to the drain? If not, please read below.

Let's consider showers.  Showers can be a beautiful part of the bathroom especially when the tile is part of the finished product.  The beauty, though, will not be long-lasting if the installation standards and best practices for tile installation are not followed.

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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

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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.

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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

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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).

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Are All Tile Installer Certifications Created Equal?

[fa icon="calendar'] February 2, 2021 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Certified Tile Installer Program

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Are all tile installer certifications created equal? The short answer is NO!

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Tile Installation and Design Must Work Together Says Alena Capra

[fa icon="calendar'] November 17, 2020 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design

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Ceramic tile installation and design must work together.

In fact, as designer Alena Capra, principal of Alena Capra Designs and the Coverings Industry Ambassador, explains it's critical. There must be synergy between the two. She should know given her  involvement in the Coverings Installation Design Showcase, how frequently she features tile in her designs, and her long association with Coverings.

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Honoring Expansion Joints in a Concrete Floor

[fa icon="calendar'] November 10, 2020 8:30:00 AM EST / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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Do You Honor Expansion Joints in a Concrete Floor?

You do, right? Honoring expansion joints in a concrete floor is critical to the success of a ceramic tile floor installation.

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Support CTEF on #GivingTuesday

[fa icon="calendar'] November 3, 2020 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF

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Have you saved December 1st for #GivingTuesday? It's a great way to support organizations such as CTEF...

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Is Your Floor or Wall Flat Enough for Large Format Tile?

[fa icon="calendar'] October 27, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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How prepared are you for installing Large Format Tile (LFT) or Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels (GTPT) and ensuring you have a surface that is adequately flat?

It's a big deal and worth considering before you get started

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Video Details Hands-on Certified Tile Installer (CTI) Test

[fa icon="calendar'] October 13, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Certified Tile Installer Program

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Have you seen this video by Sal DiBlasi about the hands-on Certified Tile Installer (CTI) test?

If you haven't and you're considering becoming certified, we encourage you to do so. We've even embedded it into this article.

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How To Protect Your Installation With a Tile Edge Profile

[fa icon="calendar'] October 6, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps

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Do you use an edge profile to protect your tile installation? It's particularly valuable when transitioning from tile to another flooring surface material. However, to work, the profile must be installed correctly. 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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