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.
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!
How to Deal with Flooded Tile Installations
[fa icon="calendar'] October 19, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Installing Tile TIps
Flooded tile installations have been top-of-mind lately given two extreme hurricanes within two weeks. In anticipation of questions, we're pooling together advice about how commonly dry area tile installations act as a submerged swimming pool-like installation for a period of time.
Since we don't have all the answers, we anticipate this article being a work in progress. As we come upon new information, Robb Roderick CTI #727 and Mark Heinlein CTI #1112 - both National Tile Contractors Association trainers - and I will add to this discussion.
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.
Why Do You Need Expansion Joints When Installing Tile?
[fa icon="calendar'] June 22, 2021 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
If you're wondering why you need to include expansion joints when installing tile, you've come to the right place. Let me explain why they are so important.
For perspective, we originally published this article in August 2016, and expansion joints continue to come up in conversation, during training sessions, and also in comments.
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





