Would you agree that mortars and grouts matter to a successful tile installation project? And that you need them to be properly mixed?
Six Steps for Mixing Mortars and Grouts
[fa icon="calendar'] July 7, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Find the Source of the Water Leak Before Tiling
[fa icon="calendar'] June 23, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps
Tiling over a water problem will not make the problem disappear. Rather, you need to find the source of the water leak before installing any floor surface, including tile.
Have You Snapped a Chalk Line for Your Tile Layout?
[fa icon="calendar'] June 16, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps, Certified Tile Installer Program
Layout is a big deal in a tile installation. Have you tried snapping a chalk line to ensure that your tile layout is successful?
The Perils of Improper Floor Prep
[fa icon="calendar'] June 9, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
Let's talk about floor prep. How seriously do you take it?
Realize that the success or failure of most tile projects is keyed to the amount of floor prep provided and the attention to detail. When you or anyone else cuts corners to save time and or money on a job, the result is almost always failure.
To make my point, here are specific examples highlighting seven perils of improper floor prep. You may have encountered others that we can add to the list.
Certified Tile Installers #TransformTheTrade
[fa icon="calendar'] June 2, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF, Certified Tile Installer Program, Qualified Labor Series
In a nutshell, tile installation certification programs transform the tile trade and industry for the better. Those programs include the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) program as well as the Advanced Certifications for Tile Installers (ACT) program. #TransformTheTrade
Have You Considered the Tile Trade Instead of College?
[fa icon="calendar'] April 7, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in About CTEF
College isn't for everyone. That's where the tile trade comes in. Have you considered it?
Why Tiling an Elevator Floor May Not Be a Good Idea
[fa icon="calendar'] March 31, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installing Tile TIps
Perhaps tiling an elevator isn't at the top of the average homeowner's list of tile installation questions, however it is one that matters to owners, architects, designers and tile contractors involved in multi-story buildings - including residential ones - with elevators.
In this article, we specifically address a question about using tile for an elevator floor, sharing with you how Mark Heinlein CTI #1112 and Robb Roderick CTI #727 respond in their role as National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) Technical Trainers.
How to Prepare for Tile Shade Variation
[fa icon="calendar'] March 24, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by Scott Carothers posted in Ask Scott, Installing Tile TIps
How do you handle tile shade variation? Do you make a point of bringing it up with customers before starting a tile installation project? If you don't, I urge you to do so. Not only is it a great opportunity to educate your customers about tile installation methods, standards and best practices, but it also helps you avoid what I refer to as the "Five-O-Five Surprise."
Looking to Hire a Tile Installer? Here's Your Roadmap.
[fa icon="calendar'] March 17, 2020 8:30:00 AM EDT / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Hiring a Tile Installer
So, you're ready to hire a tile installer for that stone-glass mixed mosaic decorative border that will look perfect with the large format wall tile and wood plank floor tile you selected. What are your next steps? Follow this roadmap.
We've put it together for you based on years of experience ensuring that tile gets installed correctly the first time because your tile installer is truly considered Qualified Labor.
What's an Ideal Sustainable Building Material? Tile Of Course!
[fa icon="calendar'] March 3, 2020 8:30:00 AM EST / by CTEF Blog Team posted in Installation + Design
Did you know that tile is an ideal sustainable building material for the home? Not only is it beautiful, practical, intensely visual and long-lasting, but it's eco-friendly, too! Talk about the perfect design solution for floors and walls especially when combined with expert installation and Certified Tile Installers.
To explain what makes tile such a natural choice, the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) has developed three powerful resources - not to mention the WhyTile.com site. Let's explore them.