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.
The roadmap to becoming a tile installation professional isn't easy. That said, CTEF is actively developing training to help you each step of the way as I detail in this article.
A Certified Tile Installer hands-on test took place in conjunction with THASIE 2024 in Fresno, California. This article recaps the testing event and introduces you to those who participated. Thanks to Alice Dean, Top Floor Writer, you'll have a better feel for what motivated those who organized and subjected themselves to the toughest 25 square feet of tile you'll ever install.
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
Have you considered that how you manage your tile tools affects how you manage your time? It's a similar thought process to how you go about cutting tile.
Those who are Qualified Labor constantly think about how to manage time. After all, time is money. How well you make use of that time affects how long it takes you to complete tile installations, the quality of your work, and how many client projects you can commit to.
This is true with how you manage your tools.
When you cut tile for an installation project, do you spend much time thinking about how you manage time?
If you're a professional, chances are that you constantly think about how to manage your time - aka time management. After all, your time is money.
How well you use that time affects how long it takes you to complete tile installations, the quality of your work, and how many client projects you can commit to.
This is true even when you cut tile.
CTEF has evolved the Certified Tile Installer (CTI) hands-on test with a transition from bullnose to metal transition profiles. In this article, I'll share perspective on the change as, by now, you may have seen and heard about it.
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.
Have you looked at the photos in this article and noticed a real problem? They all demonstrate low grout joints which do not meet the tile industry standards. To meet these standards, the grout must adequately fill the space which obviously these examples do not.
And yet, when the person who took these photos shared them with his builder on the job site, the builder did not believe that any standards existed or that there were any organizations that develop them.
Have you found yourself in a similar situation?
If yes, here's how to deal with low grout joints and understand tile installation standards.
